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
PWA Goes to Ellis Creek
Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility On Wednesday, June 11, a group of volunteers from the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance were led on a two-hour tour of the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility in Petaluma. Even after 16 years of operation, Petaluma’s sewage treatment...
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...
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.
Another successful day of birdwatching and surveying at Shollenberger Park here are some of my favorites from my outing today along with my checklist of birds I observed today in the park!
#getoutdoors #gobirding
Pictures and commentary By David Donnenfield
I'm one of several members of the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance who monitor nesting boxes set up for Tree Swallow propagation. The boxes also attract a few Western Bluebirds. We peek in on the activities inside the boxes a couple times a week to check on the birds' progress in creating nests, laying eggs and rearing young. We're trained to intervene if problems develop that threaten the outcome we're hoping for: young birds successfully leaving the nest. All of this activity is recorded and reported online to NestWatch, a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Citizen science provides important data to the experts trying to protect the bird populations we all love.
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Female Northern Harrier overflying Petaluma Marsh end of day in search of prey. It's pretty apparent they use those gleaming eyes to shop for dinner, like other raptors. But it's not a true hawk. It shares some traits characteristic of owls: it listens for its meal. Flying slowly and very close to the dense marsh vegetation, it's important for them to hear the mice and voles on which they dine to make an accurate strike. An example of adaptation to their particular surroundings and why they used to be called "Marsh Hawks."
BTW, the raised wings are not from flapping. The bird is actually gliding or soaring into the wind in this position. This wing angle, called a dihedral, adds to the birds stability in windy or turbulent conditions without effort on its part. If the wind rolls it to one side, that wing dips and extends out from its body and provides lift to roll it back to a level position. The bird doesn't have to work to do this. It's just aerodynamics. So efficient and energy conserving. Marvelous. Vultures do the same so they can soar for very long periods and keep a steady gaze on the ground looking for carrion.
Today After cleaning my assigned Benches, I walked around Shollenberger and spotted various birds with their young, including Mute Swan Chicks, Mallard ducklings, Canada Geese Goslings, and a Red-shouldered Hawk juvenile.
Each bird identified under each photo
6/17/25 shollenberger bird count
1. 11 adult mute swans and 5 cygnets
2. American white pelicans 2
3. Killdeer 2
4. Song sparrow 1
5. Mallard adults 2 and 5 ducklings
6 . Adult Canada geese 5 and 3 goslings
7. Brown headed cowbird 2
8. Northern shoveler 2
9. Turkey vulture 1
10. Tree swallow 7
11. Black necked stilts 2
12. American bittern 1
13. Cliff swallow 2
14. Red shouldered hawk
15. Snowy egret 2
16. Great egret 1
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.
