OHIO WETLANDS
ASSOCIATION
Ohio Wetlands Association is a state-wide, all-volunteer, 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of Ohio’s wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education, and advocacy.
About Ohio Wetlands Association
Most of Ohio’s wetlands have been lost by conversion to drained farmland, urban spaces, and development around lakes and waterways. More than 90% of Ohio’s wetlands are gone, far exceeding the 50% loss nationally. Many remaining wetlands have been degraded. Wetlands continue to be developed and impacted. The Clean Water Act provides tools to limit wetland impacts, but pressure remains. Ohio’s wetlands need a voice and a champion. OWA strives to fill that role.
Wetlands need to be protected and restored, not just because they rank among the most altered habitat in the state. They are the most biologically diverse system on the planet with the possible exception of coral reefs. They are also important cultural and economic components of our society. They are the most productive systems, turning sunlight into living matter faster and more efficiently than anywhere else. They are critical to migratory birds for shelter and nourishment. Wetlands clean our water, recharging groundwater and filtering sediments and nutrients from waters that feed our rivers and lakes. They provide spawning grounds for sport and other fish supporting a multi-billion dollar recreation industry. Wetlands regulate water surges during extreme weather events, protecting our most valuable infrastructure and human lives.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OHIO WETLANDS
There are many kinds of wetlands in Ohio: bogs, fens, freshwater marshes, wet prairies, and vernal pools. Wetlands look different depending on where they are located, the amount and duration of water they receive, and the types of plants that grow there. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all wetlands have three things in common: 1) water at or near the surface during some part of the growing season, 2) soils that lack oxygen, and 3) plants that are adapted to life in these saturated conditions. Wetlands play a vital role in a healthy watershed. Scroll down to read about some of the benefits wetlands provide.
EVENTS
Vernal Poolooza + 2026
Registration is now open for Vernal Poolooza 2026!
This fun and engaging 3-day conference will be held on April 9th through the 11th at Sauder Village – 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio 43502.
This well-attended conference offers valuable opportunities for networking and gaining knowledge about these unique ecosystems known as vernal pools.
Vernal Poolooza 2026 will feature discussions with EPA H2Ohio, Black Swamp Conservation and Mark Dilley, with MAD Scientist Association.
Field trips will include excursions to Oak Openings Preserve, Goll Woods Nature Preserve and Weisgerber-Pohlmann Nature Preserve – just to name a few!
Midwest Biodiversity Institute will provide a lab workshop for participants to have hands-on experience to learn about macroinvertebrates.
As part of this fun-filled educational event, ODNR will be showing its documentary film WILD AT HEART. Participants will be able to experience Ohio’s Natural Wonders on the large screen.
There will be students, volunteer naturalists, park managers, landowners and environmental educators, and nature enthusiasts from around the state.
Participating in the conference is an easy way to join Ohio Wetland members who are passionate about sharing the importance of vernal pools and wetlands.
