02/02/2026
Happy World Wetlands Day! World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on February 2 to raise awareness about wetlands. Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and yet, the most imperiled!
Across the United States and here in the Mississippi River Basin, wetlands act as natural flood buffers. They soak up excess water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it during dry periods, which helps reduce both flash flooding and drought impacts. Wetlands not only act like water filtration systems by filtering pollutants and improving water quality, but they also support recreation like birding and fishing. Did we mention the critical habitat wetlands provide for hundreds of wildlife species, including many that are threatened or endangered
Yet wetlands continue to disappear at alarming rates. Over 90% to 95% of all original wetlands in Iowa have been lost, with more loss anticipated
Recent changes to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act have reduced federal protections for many wetlands—especially those that are seasonal, isolated, or not visibly connected to larger waterways. This means more wetlands are vulnerable to being filled, drained, or degraded, despite the essential services they provide to communities, wildlife, and our rivers.
On this World Wetlands Day, we recognize wetlands not as “wastelands,” but as life-support systems—protecting our homes, sustaining biodiversity, and strengthening the resilience of our watersheds in a changing climate.
Call to Action! How you can help:
• Learn about wetlands in your community
• Support policies that protect clean water and wetlands
• Reduce pollution by using less salt, fertilizer, and single-use plastics
• Share this post to help others understand why wetlands matter
The Convention on Wetlands
