Wetlands Club

In the spring of 1995, University of Florida students and staff who shared an affection for wetlands held the first meeting of the Wetlands Club. The club, an official UF student organization, gives those who study and enjoy wetlands an opportunity to socialize with others who share their interests.

Club members learn about and explore wetlands and teach others by participating in public service projects. They also get the chance to share ideas and receive assistance from others with similar research interests. Wetlands Club Service Projects Club members educate the public about wetlands through public service projects. Since the club was formed, members have helped to restore wetlands at Paynes Prairie State Preserve, planted trees in stormwater retention basins at the Montessori School in Gainesville , picked up litter from the Hogtown Creek in Gainesville, and created an interpretive sign for the U.S. 441 Paynes Prairie overlook. Club members have also led educational tours of Paynes Prairie State Preserve and entered booths in UF Engineering Fairs.

Natural Area and Teaching Lab Wetlands The club enhanced a stormwater treatment pond located in the 40-acre Natural Area and Teaching Lab at the University of Florida. The 3-acre pond, originally dominated by cattails, will be recontoured and planted to create different wetland ecosystems, providing an outdoor wetlands lab for students, as well as an attractive natural area for everyone.

Fun with the Wetlands Club: GET YOUR FEET WET! Being a member of the club is about more than work, it's about fun. Members try to make time every semester for canoe and hiking trips, birdwatching, swimming and camping. Happy hour is fun, too.

For More Information: Contact us at (352) 392-2424 or write to Wetlands Club, P.O. Box 116350, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6350.