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
City Proclamation: Petaluma Wetlands Day
Mayor Teresa Barrett read the Proclamation of Petaluma Wetlands Day March 2, 2020. It was presented to Joan Cooper of Friends of Shollenberger Park with representation by Friends of the Petaluma River and lots of docents from Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. We are all...
2020 Docent Training Graduation
Docent training was held on 8 consecutive Thursdays in January and February. While most sessions were at the Community Center, there were two visits to Shollenberger Park. Current docents were invited to join the new docents for their “graduation” on February 27. In...
Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek: January 2020
Tuesday, January 14, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). Shortly after 7 AM, the team was greeted by this incredible pink sunrise reflecting in the ponds. Even in the near-dark, a large group of noisy Green-winged...
From Our Editors at Facebook
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
(opens in a new tab)Providing education in and stewardship of Petaluma's public wetlands: Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh and Ellis Creek.
🌿 VOLUNTEER WITH PWA 🌿
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance is looking for volunteers to fill 2027 openings! Stewards of Shollenberger Park, we're seeking help in these roles:
🦅 EVENTS COORDINATOR
Dream up & lead 2-3 annual member outings, plus 1-2 collaborative events with other community groups (think: docent-led bird walks for local clubs)
📰 NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Gather articles/photos from PWA members 3x/year (Mar, Jul, Nov) and shape the layout — support provided for design & printing
🛍️ MERCH MANAGER
Keep our Printful shop fresh — add/remove items & place our logo on new products. Low-lift, beginner-friendly tech skills needed
📣 PUBLICITY LEAD
Spread the word! Help boost awareness, promote events, and grow our membership — especially ahead of docent training each winter. Social media savvy a plus
💌 Interested? Questions? Reach out to Cathleen: cspringer@petalumawetlands.org
#Volunteer #Petaluma #Wetlands #CommunityService #NatureLovers
PETALUMA WETLANDS ALLIANCE
Are you looking for a volunteer position that fits your skill set? Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, stewards of Shollenberger Park and the Petaluma wetlands, has openings in 2027 for the following:
EVENTS COORDINATOR: Dream big! (1) Come up with two or three annual PWA members-only outings and coordinate them. (2) Set up and manage one or two collaborative annual events where PWA takes the lead for other nonprofits or community groups to enjoy — for example, a PWA-docent-led bird walk at Shollenberger specifically for Garden Club members.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: The newsletter is published three times a year, in March, July, and November. Gather articles and photos from other PWA chairs and members, and decide how to present them (use past newsletters as a model). PWA currently has a volunteer who will work with you on layout and PDF preparation. Distribution is currently handled by our Membership Chairperson.
MERCH: The PWA website has a Shop with logo merchandise already set up and stocked through Printful.com. Your job would be to add or remove items. If adding a new item, you'll need to be comfortable enough with computers to place our logo (already uploaded to our Printful store) on it before uploading it to our webpage. Since this system has been running smoothly for over a year, there's very little upkeep required. Any changes would go through email with our IT volunteer, who makes the actual product updates on the website — you would not need website access yourself.
PUBLICITY: Lead promotional strategies as needed, especially ahead of docent training each January/February. Oversee campaigns to raise public awareness, promote organization events, attract new members and volunteers, and ensure consistent brand messaging across media channels. Contact information for local news outlets will be provided. Social media experience is a bonus.
INTEREST AND QUESTIONS: Cathleen Springer, cspringer@petalumawetlands.org
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.
