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Carolina Wetlands Association Newsletter.
Greetings Wetland Supporters! You have probably heard the word Ramsar being associated with wetlands but may not know what Ramsar signifies. It is a term we hope you will be hearing a lot more of as it pertains to the conservation of wetlands across the globe. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance that occurred in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is the oldest of the modern global intergovernmental environmental agreements. The treaty was negotiated through the 1960s by countries and non-governmental organizations concerned about the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for migratory waterbirds. It was adopted in 1971 and came into force in 1975. There were many more international conventions concerning wetlands and many policies were created to help protect wetlands, however two of these are of particular importance to us: World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, and Wetlands of International Importance. These wetlands of International Importance have become know as the RAMSAR List. To be considered a wetland of International Importance, a wetland has to meet a list of criteria. The first criterion refers to sites containing representative, rare, or unique wetland types. The other eight criteria cover Sites of International Importance for conserving biological diversity. In the Carolinas we have two Ramsar sites which are also, not surprisingly, Wetland Treasures of the Carolina Wetlands Association. They are Francis Beidler Forest in SC, (Francis Beilder fact sheet) and Congaree Swamp in Congaree National Park, (Congaree Swamp fact sheet). These sites are truly wonderful sites and clearly deserve being on the Ramsar List. We at Carolina Wetlands Association feel there are many more wetlands that deserve this designation and we have submitted an application for Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (Pocosin Lakes NWR fact sheet) to be a Ramsar site of International Importance. We are eagerly awaiting word on our application submittal. We sincerely hope to have Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge on the Ramsar List and once that happens, we intend to submit another nomination. So, look for Ramsar sites to explore and enjoy, Rick Savage Executive Director
The Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Program started data collection activities on February 19th and 20th in cool but sunny weather. We had 15 volunteers to help achieve our ambitious goal of completing monitoring at three different wetlands in one weekend with each wetland offering unique experiences. Monitoring done in this first round of wetland visits included well data downloading, water quality sampling, amphibian observations, site visit surveys and photo stations establishment.
[Read the Full Article]
Learn More: Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Program
[Learn more about NC Stream Watch]
To enhance the educational robustness of this program, additional lichen and wetland survey layers were added. Maria Mood-Brown of Carolina Wetlands Association built the wetland layer. Participants using the survey make observations on buffers, land use, hydrology, soils, vegetation, disturbance, and wildlife. The primary goal of these observations is to provide an introduction of wetland systems. Secondary goals include creating an awareness of the connectivity between wetlands and streams and understanding how the health of these systems can be impacted by land use activities.
[NC Environmental Education Observations Map] [NC Wetland Watch Survey]
Carnival to Combat Climate Change on Saturday April 2nd NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, NC Apex EarthFest on Saturday April 23rd Courtyard at Apex Town Hall in Apex, NC Coastal Climate Science and Engineering Expo on Saturday April 30th Battleship Park in Wilmington, NC
[Volunteer with us at upcoming events!]
Restoration Systems offers mitigation and restoration services to protect property, communities, and the environment. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, this company works with landowners, government, and other agencies to provide solutions for issues concerning wetlands, streams, shorelines, water quality, species mitigation, and more. They have provided services across the entire state of North Carolina and have completed many projects in other states as well.
[Learn more about Restoration Systems]
Last year, Restoration Systems started working on a living shoreline in Topsail, North Carolina. Living shorelines are durable natural made barriers that protect coastlines from erosion. With hurricanes and other storms threatening the coast, this strategy protects communities and the environment.
Photograph of living shoreline. Source: Restoration Systems LLC [Learn more about the Topsail Living Shoreline project]
Restoration Systems works with landowners that are interested in restoring streams, wetlands, and riparian buffers. If you are a landowner that needs environmental restoration services, contact Restoration Services for a free land assessment.
[Learn more about Restoration Systems' Services for Landowners]
We at Carolina Wetlands Association are thankful for sponsorship and support from Restoration Systems. Their work inspires us and we look forward to following and learning about their future restoration projects.
[Read about other recently conserved lands at Smoky Mountain News]
[Read more at NC Policy Watch]
[Read more at WCSC]
[Read more at The Herald Sun]
[Read more at Post and Courier]
April
Carnival to Combat Climate Change April 2, 2022 in Pine Knoll Shores, NC
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Carolina Wetlands Association and many other environmental organizations at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores at this free event to learn about climate change and what we can do to combat it.
[Learn more about the Carnival to Combat Climate Change] Apex EarthFest April 23, 2022 at the Courtyard at Apex Town Hall 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Carolina Wetlands Association will have a booth at the The Apex EarthFest to reach communities regarding the importance of wetlands and their conservation. Live music, art, dance, food vendors, KidZone activities, and a sustainable fashion show will also take place! There is something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate our planet. [Learn more about Apex EarthFest] Climate Connections Workshop Series April 26, 2022 in North Charleston, SC The SC State Climatology Office, in collaboration with the Carolinas Integrated Sciences & Assessments (CISA), is conducting a series of one-day educational workshops about planning for future climate events and impacts in South Carolina. The workshops will provide information about climate trends in each region; tools and resources for accessing climate data and information; and examples of how climate has been integrated into different types of planning processes, such as comprehensive plans and hazard mitigation plans. [Read more and Register here] The workshop is also available in Florence (April 28, 2022) and Greenville, SC (May 12, 2022). Attendees must register prior to the event. Coastal Climate Science and Engineering Expo April 30, 2022 at Battleship Park in Wilmington, NC 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Coastal Climate Science and Engineering Expo, Co-hosted by the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Battleship North Carolina, is free and open to the public. Carolina Wetlands Association, along with other environmental organizations will attend to connect with communities and share how science and engineering can influence resiliency to climate change. We hope you join us. Children under 11 will receive free admission to the Battleship with the purchase of an adult ticket. [Learn more about this Expo]
Volunteer - Donate - Share our Story
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors:
Kris Bass Engineering NC Native Plant Society Restoration Systems, LCC Wetlands Solutions, LLC Wildnote, Inc.
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