Protecting Our Wetlands
Preserving our futurePetaluma 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
The Reading Nook, May 2023
Article by David Sandri, PWA Librarian* May 2023 Hello and welcome to the first post for The Reading Nook – a monthly book review from our library, along with newsworthy items to do with nature. Let’s dive right in (like a diving duck!) to our first book – Spotlight...
Owl box camera following 2 owls
After cleaning out the large owl box in the dead Eucalyptus tree in October it has been occupied by same two owls consistently. Good chance this is now a formal pairing and we will be watching for eggs in early 2023. See this recent short video of their activity....
There were 7 and now there are 5
The camera in the owl box at ECWRF has seen the laying of 7 eggs turn into 7 owlets growing white and then brown feathers. Len has been watching daily as have I and Len reports he believes the two largest owlets have fledged. There are 5 now in the box. It was pretty...
PWA Celebrates Ciclovia: A Bike or Walk Event!
On Sunday, July 17th, Petaluma Blvd. was closed to vehicles and opened to walkers and bikers, directing them to cross Washington to access Lynch Creek trail and travel across town to Lucchesi Park at the east side and Walnut Park on the west. Booths were set up in...
Annual Picnic 2022
PWA held its 2022 annual picnic and meeting on Sunday, July 10th, under the redwoods at McNear Park. Several people expressed how good it felt to get together again, as many have either been inactive lately or doing work alone or just with one other person. The picnic...
Shollenberger’s Cliff Swallows under Adobe Creek Bridge
Cliff Swallow Image by Len Nelson By Mary Kadri Working my way through my bird monitoring education with PWA researcher, Len Nelson, I put aside my new fear of spiders to join him in counting cliff swallow nests under the Adobe Creek bridge at Shollenberger. (I...