Making an Impact in the Carolinas

rick.savage • June 3, 2024

Message from the Executive Director

Greetings Wetland Supporters: 


I want to talk about a few things that the Carolina Wetlands Association is involved with that highlights the important work your organization. 


1. NC Resilience Exchange.  This site is designed to help local and state leaders understand their community’s climate resilience needs, identify appropriate mitigation actions and find the resources to implement solutions.  We were part of the design team that put together the Exchange, so check it out.  It includes a funding portal, a database of experts ready to help communities (yes, the Carolina Wetlands Association is there), a climate vulnerability map, and climate projections for your community. To learn more, attend  an upcoming webinar., pre-registration is required: 

 

2.  NC Salt Marsh Action Plan. I was asked to serve on the Steering Committee for the NC Salt Marsh Action Plan being developed by the North Carolina Coastal Federation under the guidance of the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SAMSI).  The role of this steering committee is to find pathways and funding for the implementation of the plan. 

 

3. NC Natural and Working Lands Initiative. You may remember this initiative from a couple years ago that developed the Natural and Working Lands Action Plan. This plan laid the groundwork for Executive Order 305 (EO305) by NC Governor Cooper to restore a million acres of wetlands and conserve one million acres of wetlands.  So the Natural and Working Lands Steering Committee will start meeting again to find pathways for EO 305 to be implemented. 

 

4. Wetland Educational and Outreach Summit. I want to briefly mention this event sponsored by Carolina Wetlands Association, NC State University and RTI, International as a part of our Volunteer Wetlands Monitoring Program. Nearly 60 people from all over North and South Carolina including three tribes participated in this event.  We are really excited about this summit to bring people together to brainstorm on how to protect wetlands through education and outreach.  Check back next month for a summary of this event.

 

I hope you can see that your organization does a lot of very important work to help wetlands. In order to carry out this work, we rely on you financial support as grants do not fund most of these initiatives.  So please consider a donation to Carolina Wetlands Association so we can make our best efforts to protect our valuable wetlands in the Carolinas. 


Don't forget to go out and explore a wetland. 

Rick 

 


You might also like

By rick.savage March 14, 2026
Importance of Carolina Bays
By rick.savage February 15, 2026
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.
By kim.matthews February 1, 2026
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.