Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership - Educational Outreach

Educational Outreach

Since its inception, the SWCP has initiated several educational activities to involve and inform the communities in and around Lincoln, NE about the unique saline wetlands and what’s being done to protect the rare resource. The Partnership established an annual program with the Environmental Studies class of one Lincoln, NE public high school on saline wetlands in 2005. Field trips to some of the saline wetland sites are held annually for these students. These field trips include presentations to the students by personnel of the LPSNRD, NGPC, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Topics covered regarding the saline wetlands include vegetation, hydrology, entomology, restoration and mitigation, management, well monitoring and sampling, wildlife, and the relationship of urbanized development with natural areas.

The Partnership also holds educational presentations for elementary students attending several local schools. Each year, information on the saline wetlands is presented to students attending the Earth Wellness Festival and various elementary school nature nights, and sponsors elementary school field trips to saline wetland locations.

The unique dynamics of the saline wetlands also provide for research opportunities at higher levels of education. University involvement on hydrological and entomological research is aided by students and professors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ongoing research is critical for the understanding of ecological relations within, and the environmental services provided by, the saline wetlands.