Wetland Wonders

This post was updated later to make correction with changed links.

It's International Wetlands Day 2023.

Though not as popular as Valentines in Feb but much important in relation to its significance. 

As Love is unseen, so is the function of a Wetland ecosystem, concealed out of our direct sight but crucial for the blossoming of life. 

This year, we are happy to reunite for 'Wetland Wonders- 2023'. It is build upon the Wetlands Week- 2022 project that included an in-person event at Weaver park where school kids tested their handmade Water Filters with repurposed materials. , a hike with presentations from Julie Nieset, wetland Scientist from INHS, David Subers from UPD, Matt Finzel, a UIUC research student. Later in the week ‘Art Playdate’ event at Meadowbrook Park included some grounding exercises led by Grasshoppers Club teacher, Bogden Heretoiu, art activities by Ascend Art 360 and Water visit with David Subers. We are thankful for these valuable partnerships! 

We have opened collaborations for 'Wetland Wonders- 2023' starting today and are happy to start planning activities with David Subers from Urbana Park District, Jennifer Wick from CCFPD and our Wetlands advisor, Julie Nieset from INHS.

Ascend Art360 plans to extend Wetland celebrations through Environmental day (June 2023) and are open to join hands with any interested Collaborators. 

Cherishing all the wetland experiences I have come across.

Thankful for life's chances to experience these interesting ecosystems and a pleasure to share them on this Wetlands' Day. 

I am not an authority to write about wetlands so i am just sharing my experiences, and thoughts regarding these ecosystems that pose as environmental boon  for life.

Wetlands as we know are major water filters of Nature. They filter not just manmade litter (plastics, papers, etc) but also the manmade chemicals that runoff from foul agro practices. They restore our Aquifers. But most importantly they balance the Carbon on this globe. Mangroves are a major Carbon sink and can help balance Climate Change. It was inetresting to know more on this while reading AIDA's blog here (on 8th para.).

Looking back I realise how little I knew as a child about these patches of muddy water, plants soaking in water, and though i enjoyed the popping grasses and floating greens, I felt they were untidy features of land. 

“I represent a very large percentile of humans who are ignorant of our Natural surroundings and bother less to enquire until a disaster gushes in... ”

I carried my water bottle everywhere on the trip. it watched the edge of Meican mangroves while saving many plastic bottles from ending up in thrash.

Awareness grows as Climate Change sends frequent alarms, yet much education is needed on ground level, meaning, with the immediate localities who directly affect and are in turn affected by the states of surrounding ecosystems. Ramsar convention has played a good role in conservation and restoration of wetlands. Yet, local support is pivotal. 

My inclinations to know the functioning of Artistic forms of nature lead me to knowing and valuing Nature more than when I was ignorant. And that can be applied to each of us. 

What I knew as wetlands was an area of shallow waters where Cattails stood swaying . As my knowledge grew, it was amazing to know the many types of water bodies that are identified as Wetlands. Here are some from Illinois

I have had the privilege of visiting one of the largest wetlands, the Everglades National Park, twice.  When I visited it the second time there was a different awareness to my being there. To watch nature , listen, look, feel, with a different inquisitiveness. Now Everglades was no longer just a home of Alligators from Florida, it was much much more biodiverse! I was fortunate to have Mr José, a staff and guide who shared his insights on Everglades ecology and culture, some  excerpts from his  Everglades  talks here. Thanks to Mr Josê for sharing some insights and for his devotion to wetlands awareness.

Talking of Everglades, reminds me of a talk by a local Elementary Art Teacher Mr Grant Thomas, during our virtual event 'Inspired by Nature- 2021'. His Graphic Poem, 'Killer Hats' talks on how birds were shot down for their beautiful feathers to go in ladies hats.  'Foreverglades'- excerpts here.

Just one of the examples of feeding the human wants (not needs) that were based on ignorant lifestyles. On a positive note, now there are laws that prevent damage to wildlife and its natural habitat. 

Thanks to the establishment of National/ State/ Local Park Services. 

While visiting Cancun, amazed but not surprised to see a board that mentioned it as a ‘MANGLARES DE NICHUPTE’ a Ramsar site. After returning I began studying about the area and found this APFF-org Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Manglares de Nichupté that helps protect the mangroves. Wondering how the localites approach this site? And first hand experience of how we as travelers undervalue its ecological wonder at the cost of our momentary enjoyments.

I was blessed with a recent opportunity to visit Cancun Mexico.  It was a paradoxical experience of Joy and sorrow, ecstasy and concern.

The joy of being near the sea on one side and huge water bodies with large patches of lush green mangroves, on the other side of the land. Ahh, what a unique landmark and an equally unique ecosystem! 

The human litter that I encountered wasn’t new, just that it was a pinch to realize me as a tourist was adding to its pollution.

Not very far away, we were taken through the mangroves by motorboats to experience the Corals of The great Mayan reef. Seeing beneath the dark shades of water surface, has been an AWE of my life- the sight of a happy Coral Reef!! 

But the joy changed to concern while returning back by those same boats. that had ported us to the underwater wonders as Jungle tours. They had speed, made much noise, and created turbulent waves. Were we as tourist disturbing the whole lifes play there? Were we adding to its pollution? But their economy depends on tourism. and that’s an important factor. Maybe Green tourism is an urgent call as we reopen travels after 3 years of lockdowns. 

Flemingoes as migratory birds add beauty to the Thane creek areas and surroundings. Developing an infrastructure might help promote eco-awareness and Eco-tourism but might also add to the destruction of some natural areas. How do we deal with this kind of development?

I grew up seeing the mangroves of Mumbai., western India. As we were in planning mode for wetlands projects, couple weeks ago a relative shared this pic from a virtual newspaper. It spoke of an argument for building birdwatching towers verses concern of its ramifications.

This seems to be a Universal problem. A development for humans to get closer to Nature but in the process affect the natural settings. Balance might be the key? How can we work towards Research based planning and a holistic approach towards ‘development’?

The Wetland are profused with various species, operate with such great mechanism for sustaining fresh waters on earth. As an Art Facilitator, how can I raise its awareness... I hope to respond to this quest with Creative actions and explore the Wetlands Wonders in the process.