Adopt a Wetland

You don't have to be a landowner to get involved in the future of wetlands restoration. You can help by adopting a wetland.

Schools, clubs and communities are involved in the program. Success depends largely on commitment, responsibility to protect wetlands and good organization.

Guidelines to follow in planning activities for a successful wetland adoption project include:

• Appoint someone to oversee the project.
• Maintain the wetland as a wetland. Keep the area clean (set cleanup crews) and invite the community to help.
• Inform your school or community about the wetland, its functions and values and the need to protect it.
• Set up a program to monitor plant and animal populations and measure pollution.
• Become more informed about wetlands and who to contact if pollution or development threatens to damage it.

For more information on adopting a wetland, contact one of the following:

• Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460
• The Izaak Walton League, 1401 Wilson Boulevard-Level B, Arlington, VA. 22209
• National Wildlife Federation, 1400 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-2266
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503