Yesterday I had the chance to dive — quite literally — into the world of wetlands through the Project WET “WOW! Wonders of Wetlands” course at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center in Raleigh. 🌿💧

As part of my ongoing training to earn my Environmental Education Certification, this course was the perfect mix of hands-on exploration, science, and a little bit of muddy fun — exactly what I love most about outdoor learning!

What Makes a Wetland a Wetland?

Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, often described as the “kidneys of the Earth” for their incredible ability to filter and clean water, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for countless species. A wetland is defined by three key features:

1. Water — either present on the surface or saturating the soil for part of the year.
2. Hydric soils — soils that remain wet long enough to create oxygen-poor conditions.
3. Hydrophytic plants — vegetation adapted to thrive in wet conditions, like cattails, cypress trees, and water lilies.

There are three main types of wetlands:

• Marshes, which are dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants.
• Swamps, where trees and shrubs are the main vegetation.
• Bogs and fens, which are peat-rich wetlands that store carbon and support specialized plant life like pitcher plants and sphagnum moss.

We took to the cypress swamp in waders, collecting cattails, sampling water quality, and dipping nets into the creek to search for macroinvertebrates — those tiny critters that tell us so much about the health of our waterways. I’ve always believed that the best learning happens when you get your hands (and boots!) a little dirty, and this workshop completely reinforced that.

What I loved most about the WOW! Wetlands training was how it connected science and stewardship in such an engaging way. Through interactive activities and fieldwork, we explored how wetlands act as the planet’s kidneys — filtering water, providing habitat, and protecting us from floods. These lessons weren’t just for educators; they’re for anyone who wants to understand and protect the natural systems that keep our world in balance.

And of course, no Trail Mommas day would be complete without a little creativity. After collecting natural materials, we even brought out the crafting supplies to create projects inspired by our discoveries in the swamp — a fun reminder that learning and art go hand in hand when it comes to connecting with nature.

Completing the WOW! Wetlands course is another meaningful step in my journey toward Environmental Education certification — and it’s one that I can’t wait to bring back to our Trail Mommas community. From hands-on water investigations to sensory-rich outdoor play, I’m excited to weave these new lessons into future Trail Mommas programs that inspire curiosity and conservation in both kids and adults alike.

Wetlands may often be overlooked, but after this experience, I can say with certainty — they’re absolutely teeming with life and wonder. 💦 So here’s to muddy boots, curious minds, and the amazing work being done by educators and conservationists across North Carolina. 🌾💦 Stay tuned for upcoming Trail Mommas programs that will bring these wetland lessons to life on the trail — and maybe even inspire a few of you to visit some of the unique wetlands right here in North Carolina.

Wetlands Worth Exploring in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to some truly spectacular wetlands — each one a living classroom just waiting to be explored. A few top spots to add to your list:

• Walnut Creek Wetland Park (Raleigh): A hidden gem in the heart of the city where you can spot turtles, herons, and dragonflies.
• Greenfield Lake (Wilmington): A peaceful spot for paddling and wildlife viewing.
• Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (Eastern NC): One of the most important habitats for black bears and migratory birds.
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (my personal favorite!): Located near the Outer Banks, this vast wetland is home to black bears, river otters, alligators, and even the endangered red wolf. It’s wild, untamed, and absolutely breathtaking at sunrise.