National Wetlands Month

Nationally, May is recognized as American Wetlands Month, focusing on the ecologic and economic benefits that wetlands provide. Visit the American Wetlands Campaign website to find out about Wetlands Month activities in your area.

Spring is the time to visit vernal pools, which are ephemeral wetlands that lack a permanent above ground outlet. Vernal pools typically fill with meltwater during the spring runoff or at other times of the year whenever the water table rises. Vernal pools are home to many fascinating species such as fairy shrimp, wood frogs, spring peepers, and mole salamanders.

F. X. Browne, Inc. has been a longtime advocate of installing constructed wetlands to treat stormwater runoff. In July 2003, the firm began construction on a retrofit constructed wetland to replace a detention basin outside our Lansdale, PA office. By implementing the stormwater system on our own property, the firm hopes to educate others about the attractiveness and efficacy of such practices. The constructed wetland system was completed and fully functional by August 2003. The system consists of native plantings and a reconstructed channel designed to slow stormwater flows and filter out pollutants. For more information on constructed wetlands design services visit our services section. To view the new stormwater management system, stop by the F. X. Browne, Inc. offices at 1101 South Broad Street in Lansdale PA, or visit the project photo gallery.

Also on the F. X. Browne, Inc. website is a link to a fascinating article on Bogs of the Pocono Region written by F. X. Browne, Inc. Senior Wetland Scientist Jason Smith.

Wetland restoration does not need to be complex or involved. Often times, nature takes care of the restoration once the wetland disturbance is eliminated. For example, note the photos below, taken before and after cows were fenced out of a wetland located on a farm in the Octororo Watershed in Pennsylvania. Four months after the area was fenced, healthy wetland vegetation recolonized the area. Wetlands can be protected and restored via fencing, buffer planting, critical area farming practices, conservation easements, and municipal ordinances.

Note trees on horizon for reference.
Photos by Brad Wise, courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Foundation