By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
May is American Wetlands Month, a time to celebrate and elevate the importance of wetlands—those vibrant, life-sustaining ecosystems where water meets land. These areas may not always make the headlines, but they are ecological powerhouses that provide crucial services for both people and wildlife.
First designated in 1991 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Wetlands Month encourages all of us—individuals, governments, nonprofits, and businesses—to learn about, appreciate, and take action to protect wetlands. These unique landscapes are far more than soggy patches of land—they are essential to environmental health, biodiversity, and flood protection.
Why Wetlands Matter
Historically, wetlands were viewed as obstacles to progress—drained for agriculture, paved for development, or ignored altogether. Today, we know better.
Wetlands serve as critical habitat for a remarkable variety of species. From amphibians and fish to birds and pollinators, these lush areas provide food, shelter, breeding grounds, and migration stopovers. In fact, over one-third of the threatened and endangered species in the United States depend on wetlands for survival.
Right here in King County, our wetlands support the ESA-listed Chinook salmon, which rely on freshwater streams, estuaries, and wetlands during their early life stages. Chinook salmon are more than just iconic fish—they’re also the primary food source for another ESA-listed species, the Southern Resident killer whale. Wetlands are key links in this vital food chain, showcasing the deep interconnection between ecosystems.
But wetlands aren’t just good for wildlife—they’re critical for people too.
Nature’s Flood Protection System
Wetlands act like natural sponges, soaking up rainfall, filtering pollutants, and slowing stormwater runoff. This helps reduce the risk of flooding, keeps our drinking water cleaner, and protects homes, roads, and infrastructure. As climate change intensifies storm events and sea levels rise, healthy wetlands are one of our best lines of defense.
Wetlands also enrich our lives in other ways. Whether it’s birdwatching, fishing, or walking along a peaceful trail, wetlands offer opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
How the King County Flood Control District Supports Wetlands
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is proud to support the protection and restoration of wetlands as part of our mission to reduce flood risks and enhance our region’s environmental resilience.
We’ve invested in major capital projects that create space for rivers to reconnect with their floodplains and naturally restore wetland habitat. Examples include:
- The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project in Kent transformed 40 acres along the Green River into a revitalized floodplain, improving habitat for fish and wildlife while enhancing flood protection for nearby communities.
- The Countyline Levee Setback Project on the White River removed nearly a mile of levee and reconnected 121 acres of floodplain and wetlands, dramatically improving habitat and reducing flood risks.
In addition to capital investments, the KCFCD supports local efforts to protect and restore wetlands through grant funding programs:
- The Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program funds community-based projects that reduce flood risks while benefiting habitat and open space.
- The Cooperative Watershed Management Grant Program provides funding for habitat restoration and watershed protection initiatives led by local groups.
🟢 Applications are still open for this year’s Flood Reduction Grant cycle! If you have a project that reduces flood risks and supports the environment, we encourage you to apply.
How You Can Help Support Wetlands
Protecting wetlands isn’t just the job of governments and organizations—it’s something we can all take part in. Here are a few simple ways you can help:
- Stay on trails when visiting wetland areas to avoid trampling fragile vegetation.
- Plant native species in your yard to support local wildlife and improve water quality.
- Limit fertilizer and pesticide use, which can wash into storm drains and pollute wetlands.
- Support wetland restoration projects in your community.
- Get involved with local environmental or watershed organizations.
By working together, we can ensure these incredible ecosystems continue to provide clean water, flood protection, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty for generations to come.
🌿 Celebrate National Wetlands Month by taking time to appreciate the wetlands near you—and by supporting the efforts to protect and restore them. Because when we protect wetlands, we’re protecting the very systems that sustain life in King County and beyond.