America's Wetland Foundation facts for kids

The America's WETLAND Foundation (AWF) was a special group that worked to protect and save the important coastal wetlands in the U.S. state of Louisiana. These wetlands are like natural sponges and homes for many animals. AWF was a nonprofit group, meaning it didn't aim to make money.

Their main goal was to teach people about how important Louisiana's wetlands are. They wanted everyone to understand what happens when these wetlands disappear. This affects not just Louisiana, but the whole country and even the world.

AWF was based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They started their public education work in 2002. The group sadly closed down in 2020 because they ran out of money.

History of AWF

In 2001, a former governor of Louisiana, Mike Foster, started the idea for the America's WETLAND Campaign. He called it a "holy war" against the loss of the coast. Experts had found that fixing the wetlands would cost more than $14 billion. To get this much money, they needed help from the government and support from many people.

In 2003, AWF became its own foundation. It got money from people who donated and from companies like Shell Oil Company and Tabasco pepper sauce.

Both Republicans and Democrats supported AWF. Governor Kathleen Blanco joined the effort in 2004. AWF grew into a very big campaign. It became known as the largest public education effort in Louisiana's history.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and AWF

Before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, AWF held an event called "Storm Warnings." This event showed how wetlands act like a natural shield against hurricanes. They even put a blue tarp over a street in New Orleans. This showed how high floodwaters could get if a big storm hit.

After the hurricanes, AWF became a key group for Louisiana officials. They used AWF to ask for national help for the damaged areas. Former Congressman Billy Tauzin said that everyone worked together around America's Wetland.

Governor Blanco also asked AWF to help set up the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. This foundation collected donations to help people affected by the hurricanes.

A group called "Women of the Storm" (WOS) was also formed after the storms. This group had 140 volunteers from New Orleans. They encouraged members of the United States Congress to visit the areas damaged by the hurricanes. By January 2009, many senators and representatives had seen the damage firsthand.

One year after the hurricanes, AWF held a "Riding the Trail to Recovery" event. This was a two-mile cattle drive to bring attention to people affected by Hurricane Rita. These people sometimes felt forgotten because of the focus on Hurricane Katrina.

AWF's Goals and Messages

The America's WETLAND Foundation wanted to teach people two main things. First, the Louisiana coast is very important for the environment worldwide. Second, it is vital for the United States' energy and economy. The Foundation supported a plan to restore the coast. This plan was approved by the Louisiana Legislature in 2007.

AWF's reports showed five main goals for their public education campaign:

• Create a strong identity and brand for the campaign. This included clear messages and images to explain the problem of wetland loss.
• Find ways to reach out to people. Use print and online media to share news and get support.
• Build a strong network of "Cooperating Organizations." These groups helped spread AWF's messages to many different people.
• Set up ways to teach young people and adults about coastal Louisiana.
• Find money to support the campaign and long-term restoration work.

Awareness Events

The America's WETLAND Foundation held many events to raise awareness. Some of their yearly events included "Storm Warnings" and "Keep Your Eye on The Prize." The "Storm Warnings" event happened around the start of hurricane season. It helped focus national attention on Louisiana's coast. It also showed how wetlands protect against hurricanes.

"Storm Warnings IV: Last Stand for America's Wetland" took place in May 2009. It included a free concert in New Orleans. The next day, boats gathered at the Houma Downtown Marina. They used reflectors to shine light at the sun. A satellite took pictures to show how much land would be lost without restoration.

"Keep Your Eye On The Prize" was a two-month contest for Louisiana students. Students in fourth through twelfth grade could submit photos, art, or poetry. They showed the beauty or importance of the wetlands. Winners received money for their school to do a conservation project. These projects often worked with the America's WETLAND Conservation Corps.

The "Estuarians" were animated superhero characters. They helped kids learn about wetlands. These mascots also visited events like Mardi Gras and Ocean Commotion.

AWF also helped create birding trails across Louisiana. These trails let people watch birds in different natural areas. The America's Wetland Birding Trail has 264 sites. Many are near rivers, deltas, and forests.

AWF also made brochures, public service announcements, and documentaries.

Groups AWF Worked With

AWF supported education and restoration programs. One was the America's WETLAND Conservation Corps. This was a partnership with Louisiana State University AgCenter. This program placed members across Louisiana. They helped with coastal restoration projects. This included planting plants and cleaning up communities. They also taught volunteers about conservation.

"Women of the Storm" (WOS) was another group connected to AWF. It formed after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. WOS had 140 volunteers from New Orleans. They worked to get members of Congress to visit hurricane-damaged areas. By January 2009, their efforts led to many senators and representatives seeing the damage.

America's Energy Coast was also related to AWF. This group brought together energy-producing states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. They worked on ways to protect the coast. They also focused on activities important for the nation's energy and economy.

Awards and Support

The America's WETLAND Campaign won over 45 awards. These included the MarCom Creative Awards and the Telly Award.

The Houma Courier newspaper praised the campaign. They said that much progress had been made in coastal challenges because of America's Wetland.

In 2007, Miss Louisiana USA winner Elizabeth McNulty worked with America's WETLAND Foundation. She also worked with the America's WETLAND Conservation Corps.

See Also

• Wetlands of the United States
• Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority