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Presented in partnership
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Time to celebrate wetlands
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Wetlands provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, many of which rely on the shallow water zones for survival. Photo courtesy of T. Biebighauser |
This month marks the 18th anniversary of American Wetlands Month, a time when EPA and its partners celebrate the importance of wetlands to the nation’s ecological, economic and social health. Golf course superintendents, who manage a total of nearly 20,000 wetland acres in the U.S., should make sure they show up for the party.
According to GCSAA’s report, “Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship for Golf Courses,” golf courses in the north central agronomic region have slightly more acres of wetlands (6,406) than in the southeast (6,064). On the other side of the scale, wetlands comprise only 280 acres in the southwest region, followed by the Pacific (414) and the upper west/mountain (905) regions.
Superintendents can join the celebration of American Wetlands Month by planning activities and events on their golf courses. Some of EPA’s suggestions include:
• Plan a wetland walk, canoe trip or bird watch.
• Organize a wetland or stream clean-up.
• Recognize a wetland “hero.”
• Sponsor a talk or presentation about
wetlands.
• Start a volunteer wetland monitoring or restoration group.
• Organize a wetland festival or golf
tournament.
In your communications with golfers and others, include a few of the following important facts about how wetlands on the golf course form a vital link within a healthy ecosystem:
• Wetlands are often referred to as the “kidneys” of the landscape for their ability to remove excess nutrients, toxic substances and sediment from water that flows through them, helping to improve downstream water quality.
• Wetlands play an important role in reducing the frequency and intensity of floods by acting as natural buffers. The presence of wetlands in the landscape can also mitigate flood damage inland.
• The ability of wetlands to store and filter water helps to protect and replenish surface and underground drinking water sources.
• In wetlands, mixtures of vegetation and shallow water zones provide diverse habitats for a variety of species, and many species rely on these critical habitats for survival.
• Commercially, wetlands provide an essential link in the lifecycle of 75 percent of the fish and shellfish harvested in the U.S. and up to 90 percent of the recreational catch. Many other industries derive benefits from the presence of wetlands, such as barrier systems and buffers that protect commercial and industrial infrastructure.
• Wetlands provide infinite opportunities for recreation and cultural pursuits — hiking, fishing, bird watching, photography, hunting.
For additional information and help in planning activities and events to raise awareness and build support for the protection and restoration of wetlands, visit www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm or call EPA’s Wetlands Helpline at 800-832-7828.
The Irrigation Association announces a new name for its annual irrigation trade show — Irrigation Show 2008. Formerly titled the 29th Annual International Irrigation Show, the newly monikered event is accompanied by a new logo in place for the 2008 show. This year’s show, to be held in November in Anaheim, will offer new sessions led by water management experts, in addition to education courses, industry certification exams, technical and business sessions, committee meetings and networking events. IA also unveiled its final numbers for the 2007 show. Overall attendance and exhibitor numbers increased compared to the previous three years, with attendance at 7,000 and 380 companies exhibiting. Additionally, more than 250 certification exams were taken and nearly 900 seats were filled. For more information, visit |
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