Nebraska wetland education program receives funding

Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project receive four $280,000 grants to be used for 2019-2023 plan

Over the last 250 years Nebraska’s wetlands have been destroyed, leaving only 65% of wetlands remaining intact.  

Based on 2019 statistics, 100% of Nebraska’s amphibian species, 50% of Nebraskan bird species, 38% of Nebraskan reptiles and 36% of Nebraskan mammals rely on wetland habitats according to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  

Beginning in 2015 the Wetland Program Plan for Nebraska began with the goal to improve wetlands and provide education. 

The plan is updated every 4 years. The 2019 plan was released in the fall outlining actions to be taken during 2019-2023 for wetland conservation.

Wetland conservation has been a growing over the last 25 years, last fall a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave $280,000 to the Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project.  

This project is being led by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and should be completed by 2022. Matching grants will be provided by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska- Lincoln and Duck’s Unlimited. 

This 3 year project is based on educating the public and students about wetland resources. 

A fifth grade curriculum and activity book is being introduced using the grant, this is to be implemented across the state.  

The grant is also being used to produce an updated copy of “Guide to Nebraska Wetlands and their conservation needs”. 

This guide discussed in detail about 14 wetland complexes and wetland plant and animal species. This guide is free and can be ordered online.  

Other multimedia project funded by the grants include a Platte Basin time-lapse short films and a Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) online story map.  

The project is also supporting continued updates on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wetland webpage. 

There will also be added use of social media for wetland education and the production of a wetland education app.  

For youth education, the production of educational videos and leading field trips to areas for hands on education are being funded.

The project will also fund professional presentations at school districts. 

All educational actions done using the Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project will continue through 2023.