Protecting Our Wetlands
Preserving our futureDedicated to the stewardship, restoration, and expansion of wetlands and associated wildlife habitats by preserving our future through classroom and field education that inspires youngsters to become stewards of our wetlands.
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
We support Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh, Ellis Creek Wastewater Treatment property, and future wetland sites in the Petaluma River watershed. We work with local governments, environmental organizations, and other groups to educate the public about the ecology and value of wetlands.
Photography courtesy of Bob Dyer, Tim Fleming, Gerald Moore, Len Nelson, Thomas Reynolds and Ron Storey
About Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
What is PWA?
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA) was formed by a concerned group of citizens who banded together in the late 1990’s during the planning and construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Petaluma, California. We work with schools, government agencies and environmental organizations to help preserve wetlands habitat.
What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems, providing critical habitat for many plant and animal species. In essence, wetlands are the zones between the land and large bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, where water tends to stand for prolonged periods of time. Swamps, marshes and bogs are all examples of wetlands.
How Can I Help?
We’re glad you asked! There are a number of ways you can support the PWA. Financial contributions are always welcome. Since we are a 501(c)(3) organization, your donation may be tax-deductible. If you like to meet and talk with people, check out our our docent program. Or, pick up a shovel and come help us remove invasive weeds as a volunteer.
Latest News
From the Editors at Petaluma Wetland Alliance
Will the Herons Return to Nest?
By Linda Sheppard For many years, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Double Crested Cormorants have been nesting in three eucalyptus trees at the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Plant. The nesting area is not visible to the public from the Ellis Creek trails because the...
Interactive Wetlands Education
By Gail Abrams Interactive Wetlands Education The PWA Cornerstone Program Did you know that most of our grants and contributions express a desire to support our 3rd Grade Wetlands Education Program? It is really through these early habitat experiences that nature...
Spread the Word: Annual Docent Training Begins January 9th!
The Docent Training Program runs for 5 consecutive Thursdays, (reduced from 7.) The dates are: January 9, January 16, January 23, January 30, and February 6. Sessions are held at the Petaluma Community Center from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, except for the January 16th...
From the Editors at Facebook
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Providing education in and stewardship of Petaluma's public wetlands: Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh and Ellis Creek.
June 7th 2025 The PWA picnic at McNear Park today was enjoyed by all, with plenty of smiles and laughter. Thank you so much to all our amazing volunteers, staff, and Board Members. Can’t wait to see what the future brings for our team and future students!
What birds are telling us
Like humans, birds suffer from habitat loss, climate change, and environmental degradation. However, unlike us, they serve as immediate indicators of ecosystem distress. The old saying about “a canary in the coal mine” rings truer than ever: when birds disappear, they signal that something is deeply wrong.
In Northern California, particularly in places like Sonoma County, several Tipping Point species are raising concerns. Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), once common along the coast, has declined sharply due to habitat degradation and shifting climates. Ridgway’s Rail (Rallus obsoletus), another Sonoma-area resident, faces threats from wetland loss and sea-level rise. Both species urgently need conservation action.
Other species native to Northern California that appear on the watch list include:
Rufous Hummingbird — a long-distance migrant threatened by disappearing food sources and warmer springs.
Yellow-billed Magpie — endemic to California and vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and disease.
Tricolored Blackbird — once abundant in California’s Central Valley, now suffering from wetland loss and agricultural changes.
Marbled Murrelet — reliant on coastal old-growth forests, which are shrinking due to development and logging.
The good news: conservation works
While the trends are grim, there’s also a powerful takeaway from this year’s report: conservation works. Targeted actions have already helped particular waterfowl and waterbird populations rebound. Locally, efforts like those at the Sonoma Creek Baylands show what’s possible. By protecting and restoring critical habitats, organizations like Sonoma Land Trust are offering real help to birds like the Ridgway’s Rail and restoring the broader ecosystems they depend on.
Private land trusts, government agencies, and community groups must continue to invest in bird-friendly policies, habitat restoration, and climate resilience strategies. Science-informed conservation isn’t just a hopeful idea it’s a proven solution!
What we can do together
Birds are telling us something, and it’s time we listen. Supporting local conservation organizations like Sonoma Land Trust is a direct way to take action. By helping to preserve and restore habitats, you can contribute to reversing bird declines and protecting the natural legacy of Northern California.
The 2025 State of the Birds report is more than a data set: it’s a call to action. For the birds, for the ecosystems they anchor, and for ourselves — the time to act is now. Please join us!
Sent to me by Cathleen Springer
The woodpecker’s tongue is one of nature’s most astonishing adaptations. Far longer than its beak, the tongue extends back into the skull, wrapping around it—sometimes even looping over the top and around the eye socket. This isn't just to catch insects buried deep within tree bark; it's also a vital piece of shock-absorbing anatomy. As the bird slams its beak into wood at speeds of up to 20 times per second, the tongue’s unique path acts like a biological seatbelt, distributing impact forces and helping to protect the brain from trauma. This remarkable design, supported by a specialized structure called the hyoid apparatus, allows the woodpecker to perform its relentless pecking without suffering concussions—a feat no human could match unprotected.
How You Can Help Right Now
Join PWA
Get the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance quarterly newsletter sent directly to your inbox. Learn about our wetlands, keep abreast of the latest news, and find out about upcoming events
Volunteer
All of our members are volunteers, working together to preserve Petaluma’s public wetlands. Without your help, all of the gains of the last few years could disappear.
Donate
Your generous financial contribution provides critical support for our mission, including our work educating children about the value of our wetlands. Donate now with PayPal.
