WHAT IS ADOPT-A-WETLAND?

The Delaware Adopt-A-Wetland Program is a community based environmental stewardship program developed for the purposes of heightening the public's awareness of the functions and intrinsic value of wetlands and enlisting volunteers who will assist in monitoring and protecting these vital resources.

WHY ADOPT-A-WETLAND?

WETLANDS ARE IMPORTANT! Wetlands are dynamic environments which are vital to the sustainability of the Delaware and Chesapeake estuaries. They are subject to change by both natural processes and human action. The ongoing effects of the interaction of these forces has meant a 50 percent loss of wetlands in Delaware since the Colonial period _ a trend that must be reversed.

Wetlands provide numerous products for human use and consumption, protect property and provide recreational opportunities. These benefits include:

• Habitat -- Many types of fish and wildlife depend on wetlands for reproduction and nursery grounds, feeding, and resting areas during migration.
  
• Food -- Beside providing habitat, wetlands provide the food base, in the form of dead plant material, that supports the food chain.
  
• Water Quality -- Wetlands also help maintain good water quality or improve degraded water by trapping sediments and filtering pollutants.
  
• Flood Control -- Wetlands can temporarily store flood waters, thereby protecting downstream property owners from flood damage.
  
• Recreation -- Many recreational activities take place in and around wetlands. Waterfowl hunting, fishing and crabbing are popular sports. Other recreation is largely non-consumptive, involving activities such as hiking, nature observation and photography, swimming and boating.

Interested community organizations, businesses, civic associations, school groups, families and individuals may mail in the attached form or call (302) 653-2882 to receive an adoption package.

*DNREC review required
**Required training available through DNREC/DNS

Print out the form below and mail to:
Aquatic Resources Education Center
4876 Hay Point Landing Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
 
Attn: Gary Kreamer
(302) 653-2883
gkreamer@state.de.us

NAME______________________________________
PHONE_____________(W)_____________(H)
GROUP/ORG.________________________________
ADDRESS________________________________________
________________________________________ ZIP__________
_____ Please call to schedule a wetlands presentation for our group/organization.
_____ Please send information on upcoming workshops/training sessions.

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