WEBINAR: Wetlands are an important ecosystem that provide habitat for plants and animals, but have multiple benefits to humans as well. In this webinar, you will learn:
• How to know if you’re looking at a wetland
• The different kinds of wetlands you may see or have in your area
• Wetland functions and benefits
• The current status of wetlands (losses, threats and protection)
· And, finally, how you can help.

WISCONSIN: "Almost every spring, swans break their northward migration with a stop in Northeast Wisconsin.

That time of year has arrived, despite the near-freezing temperatures that make spring seem distant. But on Monday, thousands of swans descended into Shiocton, signifying spring may not be far off."

ALASKA: You can watch the Trumpeter Swan Society film, Return of the Trumpeters, at this festival. "Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game celebrates the arrival of spring as migratory species return to Interior Alaska. Late April is an ideal time to view trumpeter swans, Canada geese, white-fronted geese and different duck species.

Activities include guided nature walks, bird watching, wildlife viewing, falconry demonstrations and crafts for kids. You can also visit the Farmhouse Visitor Center in the Creamer family farmhouse, established in the early 1800s, which showcases exhibits on migratory birds and its dairy farm history.

The free event welcomes all ages – just dress appropriately and wear boots!" Click for the festival link

IDAHO: "It is amazing what a few days of warm weather can bring into southeastern Idaho, by softening the snow and exposing grains, rotten potatoes and seed-producing plants left for migrating birds.

Deer Parks Wildlife Management Area west of the Menan Buttes has become a very busy place this past week with hundreds of trumpeter swans, Canada geese, and ducks showing up to feed. In a harvested corn field across from Ririe High School, hundreds of trumpeters and Canadas have also found enough leftover corn to draw them to that field." Read more...

WEBINAR: Other waterfowl can be found with Trumpeter Swans? If you don't know what species they are, this webinar will provide a preliminary guide to identifying the most common duck and goose species you may see, whether you live in the east, midwest or west.

IOWA: "Swans mate for life, and they perform an elaborate courtship dance to cement their bond. They typically breed during the spring or summer, with some species traveling to the Arctic in flocks to do so. They build huge nests at the edge of the water, where a female swan lays between three and eight eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs. When hatched, cygnets stay with their parents for several months before joining a flock." Read More...

MINNESOTA: Watch this interview and see and learn about Minnesota's swan restoration program. Listen to special heartwarming stories of swan love which Carrol Henderson witnessed as he worked as MN DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program director