Why Protect Freshwater Wetlands?
Wetlands provide a myriad of benefits to Delaware's citizens. They provide habitat for wildlife, reduce flooding by absorbing excess water, clean our water by breaking down chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers, and provide recreational and educational opportunities. One acre of wetlands can hold up to 330,000 gallons for water to a depth of one foot. More wetlands equal less flooding and loss of property.

Delaware's Wetlands
More than 30% of Delaware is covered in wetlands. About a 1/3 of that is tidal, while freshwater wetlands make up the remainder. Currently, state law only protects tidal wetlands, leaving over 30,000 areas of wetlands unprotected. For more information on Delaware's wetlands please visit the DNREC website.

Learn more at . . .

"Healthy Wetlands, Healthy You" Workshops

The Delaware Nature Society is hosting workshops about freshwater wetlands; what they are, why they are important to protect and what you can do to support this effort.

"Improving the Future for Delaware's Wetlands!"
Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day), 2010
6:00-7:30pm
Wetlands are gaining new respect for purifying our drinking water, providing critical fish and wildlife habitat, and protecting us from storms and flooding. Although more than ½ of Delaware's wetlands have been lost since colonial times, contributing to increases in flooding and stormwater runoff, saltwater intrusion, and shoreline erosion, new preservation and restoration initiatives are helping to improve the future outlook for Delaware's wetlands. Celebrate Earth Day 2010 by joining us to learn more about the diversity of Delaware's wetlands from Chris Bason of the Center for Inland Bays, the status and trends of wetlands health from Rebecca Rothweiler of Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the role each of us plays in protecting these important resources from Brenna Goggin of Delaware Nature Society.

University of Delaware's Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Environmental Center
16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE
Free Admission. Refreshments served.
RSVP by phone 302-239-2334 ext.132 or by E-mail.