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
Monthly Bird Survey at Ellis Creek: September 2019
Thursday, September 19, was the bimonthly bird survey at Ellis Creek for the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). The sun rising over the wetlands at 7 AM was a sight to behold! The group observed no less than five Yellow Warblers along the walk, including this one lit...
Author Presentation of Petaluma Wetlands Field Guide at Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma
Friday September 27 at 7pm Copperfield's Book Store, Petaluma Copperfields flyer The Petaluma Wetlands Field Guide identifies and describes 200 common species of plants and animals observable from the Petaluma Wetlands public trails with beautiful photos of each...
Monthly Bird Survey at Shollenberger: August 2019
Tuesday, August 20, was the bimonthly bird survey at Shollenberger Park. The team set out at 7 AM into a cool and cloudy morning. One of the first birds spotted was this Common Gallinule with its brightly colored shield, bill, and legs. Though this species is easier...
From Our Editors at Facebook
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Providing education in and stewardship of Petaluma's public wetlands: Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh and Ellis Creek.
🐦 Big news! We just launched the Bird Survey Explorer on our website — an interactive tool built from two decades of bird data at Shollenberger Park (since 2004) and Ellis Creek (since 2010).
Now you can:
✅ Filter by date range & location
✅ View totals for birds, species, and surveys
✅ Explore trends with interactive charts
✅ Browse the Species Explorer with photos & profiles
✅ Export your own custom data as CSV
Whether you're a curious visitor, a dedicated birder, or a wetland researcher, it's never been easier to explore our citizen science data.
📍 Find it under Life in Our Wetlands → Bird Survey Explorer
SEE LINK IN BIO.
#PetalumaWetlands #BirdSurvey #CitizenScience #Bird
As my parents and I explored the Petaluma river today I got to observe many of our local bird species along the way such as
1. Great blue herons
2 mute swans
3. Long billed curlew
4. Osprey
5. Turkey vultures
6 . Mallards
7. Rock doves
8 . Cliff swallows
9. Great egrets
10 . Canada geese
11. Western gull
12. Double crested cormorant
13. Belted kingfisher
PETALUMA WETLANDS ALLIANCE BIRD WALKS UNTIL OCTOBER 2026
Celebrate the season with the final Petaluma Wetlands Alliance bird walks of Spring 2026. Get out and enjoy our beautiful wetlands with PWA Docents leading Saturday Bird and Nature Walks on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from October through June, 9–11 am. No reservations required. Meet in the respective parking lots to begin the walk.
• June 13 — Shollenberger Park
• June 27 — Ellis Creek Wetlands
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.
