Wetlands are a highly misunderstood and under appreciated landscape here in Illinois. The benefits they provide are invaluable and irreplaceable to both people and animals. Wetlands improve water quality, provide important flood control, protect our groundwater, and preserve endangered habitats.
To celebrate the wetlands that are remaining in Illinois, the Protect Illinois Waters Coalition is excited to kick off the Wetlands in Focus photo blitz. We want you to capture the beauty and diversity of wetlands through photos and share with your friends, family, and us!
Here’s how you can be a part of sharing the beauty of Illinois wetlands
1. CHOOSE A WETLAND LOCATION
Select a wetland location that you know and love, or visit a public and accessible wetland site like these:
Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve
Big Marsh
Bluff Spring Fen
Cache River State Natural Area
Cedar Glen State Natural Area
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
Hegewisch Marsh
Heron County Park
James “Pate” Philip State Park
Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area
Nygren Wetland Preserve
Sanganois State Fish & Wildlife Area
St. Joseph Wetland
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Wilkinson-Renwick Marsh
2. POINT. CLICK. SHOOT. POST.
From now through April 22, 2024 we welcome you to take and post your best pictures of wetlands landscapes from dusk till dawn. Post your images on your social media and use the hashtag #ProtectILWaters
3. WHY ARE THESE WETLANDS IMPORTANT?
Wetlands filter pollution and purify the water we rely on for drinking, recreation, and agriculture. They also provide habitats for many plants and animals.
Yet, while wetlands are so critical for ecosystem health, they are often misunderstood and under appreciated. We hope by sharing photos of our state’s wetlands, together we can highlight the important roll wetlands play and celebrate their beauty.
4. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE PHOTOS?
Photos tagged with #ProtectILWaters will automatically be part of our Wetlands in Focus photo blitz. Your photos will accumulate under the hashtag. Be sure to follow the hashtag to see photos from other photo blitz participants.
From today through Earth Day, April 22, we will search for the best photos to showcase Illinois wetlands. Then, throughout American Wetlands Month in May the Protect Illinois Waters coalition plans to showcase some of the amazing photos of wetlands across the state.
