November 11, 2009 Monthy FBR Meeting: Wetland Gems in Wisconsin and Jackson County
Friends of the Black River will feature Katie Beilfuss from Wisconsin Wetlands Association at 7 PM on Wednesday November 11 for their monthly meeting at the Coop Credit Union. Come learn about the “Wetland Gems” we have in Jackson County. Wetland Gems are high quality habitats that represent the wetland riches—marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and more—that historically made up a quarter of Wisconsin’s landscape. Located throughout the state of Wisconsin, the Wetland Gems are high-quality representatives of each type of wetland found in each part of the state. Since the early 1800s, nearly half of Wisconsin’s 10 million acres of wetlands have been drained or filled to make way for land uses like agriculture, forestry, and urban and suburban development.
A large portion of the 5 million remaining acres have been altered and degraded. “Historically, wetlands were not recognized and valued as natural treasures, but were instead generally considered wastelands and obstacles to progress,” said Abel. “The fact that so many of our wetlands have been destroyed only heightens the value of the high quality wetland treasures that remain.”
Katie Beilfuss of Wisconsin Wetlands Associations will speak about the state Wetland Gems program. One hundred of the “Gems” have been identified in the state including Jackson County. Located within the Black River State Forest at the mouth of pristine Morrison Creek this wetland gem is recognized for its excellent wildlife habitat. Including flood plain forest, it provides important songbird, Red-shouldered hawk, reptile and amphibian habitat. The Black River and its floodplain serve as an important corridor for mammals like black bear, timber wolf and fisher. Spring time in this forest is marked by an abundance of flowering spring ephemerals. Join Friends of the Black River in learning how Wisconsin Wetlands Association is promoting appreciation and protection of these rich habitats.
“Wisconsin is lucky to be home to thousands of acres of wetlands, and we hope these Wetland Gems will help the people of Wisconsin get to know the wonderful diversity and extraordinary beauty of these natural communities,” said Becky Abel, Wisconsin Wetlands Association Executive Director.
Join Friends of the Black River to learn more about Wetland Gems and about Jackson County’s own wetland gem on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 PM at the Coop Credit Union Community Room. Learn more at www.friendsoftheblackriver.org .
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