Hello Wetland Supporters, I hope everyone had a wonderful American Wetlands Month in May and found an opportunity to get outside and explore a wetland. We enjoyed fantastic paddling events at Robertson Millpond Preserve and Lake Mayo, where participants experienced the beauty and importance of these unique ecosystems firsthand. Wetlands have also been in the news recently as the impacts of recent Supreme Court decisions on wetland protections continue to be evaluated. Two recent articles highlight what is at stake: Lisa Sorg in Inside Climate News, Supreme Court’s Limitation on Wetlands Protection Will Make Flooding Worse Jesse Gourevitch and Adam Gold, New Research Shows What’s at Stake When Wetlands Disappea r The central message of both articles is clear: the loss of wetlands leads to increased flooding and rising economic costs for communities. Research cited by Gourevitch and Gold found that wetland loss across the United States has increased residential flood insurance claim payments by an estimated $10.1 billion since 1985 — approximately 9% of all insured riverine flood losses nationwide. The authors also emphasize that policymakers must better recognize the economic value wetlands provide in reducing flood damage to homes and communities. According to the research, the flood-mitigation value of currently unprotected wetlands is estimated at $177 billion nationwide , with North Carolina accounting for approximately $4.6 billion of those benefits . This research reinforces what the Carolina Wetlands Association has long understood: healthy wetlands are essential infrastructure for resilient communities. Through support from the NC Land and Water Fund, Carolina Wetlands Association have received three grants to partner with vulnerable communities to assess flooding concerns and develop restoration plans that incorporate community input, scientific data collection, and hydrologic modeling to identify the most effective wetland restoration strategies. We are also excited to share that we recently received a fourth NC Land and Water Fund grant to begin our first restoration project at Stony Run in Harnett County. Stony Run Walkable Watershed Lumbee Cultural Center Wetland Restoration By working alongside communities and restoring wetland resources, we are helping reduce potential flood damage while also providing additional benefits such as improved water quality, recreation opportunities, shoreline stabilization, environmental education, and greater community resilience. So, the next time you explore a wetland, remember that healthy wetlands mean healthy communities — and your support plays an important role in protecting these valuable ecosystems. Wetlands truly do matter. Best, Rick Savage Executive Director

Wetland supporters enjoyed two memorable May paddling events, exploring North Carolina’s beautiful wetlands while spotting wildlife and learning from local experts.

May is American Wetlands Month - yes, an entire month to celebrate these ecologically diverse and economically important ecosystems. Wetlands account for 14% of the land area in North Carolina and almost 20% of South Carolina!

Pocosins are amazing wetlands only appearing in North Carolina and SOuth Carolina and a few in southeastern Virgina. They are truly unique to the Carolina and their value to our well being is significant.

Importance of Carolina Bays

Even during the cold weather we have been experiencing this winter, wetlands are quietly at work. Beneath the surface, wetland soils remain biologically active, and plants store energy in their roots. Wetlands provide refuge and are among the first parts of the landscape to signal seasonal renewal.  Early Voices of Spring: Amphibians on the Move As daylight increases and temperatures rise, one of spring’s most joyful heralds is the sound of amphibians awakening from winter slumber. In ephemeral ponds and forested swamps, the spring peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer ) announces the season with its whistle-like call. Though tiny, their choruses can carry across the land. Spotted salamanders ( Ambystoma maculatum ) and marbled salamanders ( Ambystoma opacum ) also migrate on warm, rainy nights to breed in fish-free seasonal pools.

On February 2, wetland lovers across the globe come together to recognize World Wetlands Day. As we raise awareness of rapid loss and ongoing damage to wetlands, we also shine light on the dedicated teams and individuals working to conserve, protect, and share knowledge about these vital ecosystems. By supporting wetlands within our communities, we help ensure they continue to support life for generations to come.

Our Piedmont Volunteer Wetland Monitoring sites — Horseshoe Farm Preserve, Hemlock Bluffs, Mason Farm, and Robertson Millpond — recently completed a productive winter monitoring season. Teams focused on hydrology and water-quality assessments, and each site used this period to train new volunteer monitoring leads.

January 11, 2026 at Robertson Millpond