World Wetlands Day February 2nd

Cottonwood forests of the Columbia Wetlands provide

key habitat for a number of wildlife species 

The Columbia Wetlands are recognized for their international significance. The 180-kilometer Columbia Wetlands represent a remnant ecosystem of once vast interior wetlands. The interwoven river channels and wetlands are a primary source of fresh water for the Pacific Northwest and provide critical nesting and breeding habitat for migratory birds whose travels span two continents.  They are also important for several federally listed species at risk.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on  February 2nd 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community undertake actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

Wetlands and Forests, this is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2011, especially chosen because 2011 is the UN International Year of Forests. 

Learn more about World Wetlands Day