American Wetlands Month: A Natural Partnership Worth Protecting
- May 13, 2025
- 2 min read
May marks American Wetlands Month, a time to reflect on and appreciate some of the most vital — and maybe overlooked — ecosystems on our planet. At Remembrance Forest, wetlands are very special to us, not just for their beauty and biodiversity, but also because our forest restoration projects thrive right alongside these rich, life-sustaining habitats.
Why Wetlands Matter
Wetlands are nature’s natural sponges, soaking up floodwaters, filtering pollutants, and recharging groundwater. They act as nurseries for amphibians, fish, birds, and countless plant species. In fact, more than a third of all threatened and endangered species in the United States live in or rely on wetlands at some point in their life cycle.
These ecosystems also play a crucial role in climate resilience, capturing carbon and buffering our communities from the increasing risks of floods and droughts. Simply put — wetlands are working tirelessly for all of us.
A Beautiful Partnership: Forests and Wetlands
At Remembrance Forest, we’re honored that our restoration site will border restored wetlands. This connection is no coincidence. Forests and wetlands naturally complement each other, creating diverse and resilient habitats for wildlife and contributing to cleaner air and water for nearby communities.
When we plant native trees to honor loved ones, celebrate life events, or heal the land, those trees grow alongside prairie grasses and wetland marshes. The result is a mosaic of thriving ecosystems — a living testament to renewal and remembrance.
Restoring What Was Lost
Over the past two centuries, wetlands have suffered significant losses due to development, agriculture, and drainage. In the Midwest alone, over 85% of original wetlands have vanished. But there’s hope. Restoration efforts are bringing these critical landscapes back to life, one acre at a time.
Our team has been proud to be part of this movement, restoring native wetlands alongside our forest and prairie projects. We see firsthand how quickly wildlife returns and how water quality improves when wetlands are brought back to the natural landscape.
A Month to Celebrate, A Mission to Continue
This American Wetlands Month, we encourage everyone to pause and appreciate these natural treasures. Visit a local wetland, listen to the calls of spring peepers, watch the graceful flight of a great blue heron, or simply notice how wetlands quietly make life better for us all.
At Remembrance Forest, we’re committed to protecting and restoring wetlands and forests alike — because together, they tell a richer, more hopeful story about the future of our natural world.
Happy American Wetlands Month!
