The Deep Green Champion blog series celebrates businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies in our service area who have made a public commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions with 100% renewable energy.
February 2nd is World Wetlands Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands to the health of our planet. Wetlands protect us from floods, improve water quality, and are hot spots of biodiversity. Despite making up only 5−8% of the earth’s surface, wetlands store 20−30% of the carbon in the world’s soil. Soil carbon is vital to maintaining a stable global climate.
Today we are highlighting the important work of two Deep Green Champions who help protect wetlands all year round. NatureBridge and Point Reyes National Seashore have made a commitment to the environment by choosing 100% renewable energy and by implementing education and restoration programs for vital ecosystems like wetlands.
NatureBridge
NatureBridge provides education about the natural world and environmental stewardship. Sustainability is one of the key areas of study for students visiting its Golden Gate campus, and investigations along the ponds near Rodeo Lagoon offer a hands-on learning experience about the wetlands and how to protect them. NatureBridge also protects the environment through sustainable energy consumption.
“Our relationship with MCE gives us an opportunity to talk to our students about renewable energy, challenging them to think about their personal energy use and how to adopt more energy-efficient practices at home.”
Annie Schuler, NatureBridge Creative Services Manager
Learn about the importance of wetlands from NatureBridge’s Lessons From the Field:
Point Reyes National Seashore
As caretakers of our national parks, the National Park Service at Point Reyes National Seashore plays an important role in preserving local wetlands. The Point Reyes National Seashore has engaged in wetland restoration efforts such as the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project, which restored 50% of the wetlands on Tomales Bay. The National Park Service’s wetland preservation projects help ensure that local ecosystems continue to prosper. Visit Tomales Bay at Point Reyes National Seashore to get a first-hand education on restoration efforts and to learn why wetlands are important to maintain a healthy local environment.
“The National Park Service preserves and protects the precious natural and cultural resources of the United States of America for the enjoyment of current and future generations. To meet that mission, Point Reyes National Seashore embraces Deep Green 100% renewable energy. Thanks MCE!” Sara Hammond, National Park Service Environmental Protection Specialist
