Spring has sprung! VAWP board member Robin Bedenbaugh recently encountered a relatively large population of Coastal Plain Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) in the field last week (photos 1 and 2). This small flower is only about one to two inches tall! VAWP Immediate Past President Alexi Weber-Smith also captured a beautiful blanket of Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica, photos 3 and 4) and yellow trout lilies (Erythronium americanum, photo 5) in the floodplain of Cub Run in Northern Virginia. Make sure to keep an eye out during your fieldwork for examples of nature's stunning handiwork—and feel free to share your spring discoveries with us! (fb)

Happy World Water Day! This day has been an important international recognition of fresh water resources and their management since 1993 (only one year older than VAWP).This year is focused on the loss of glaciers due to climate change. Wetlands also face destruction due to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Rising sea levels threaten costal wetlands and increasing global temperatures could turn carbon sinks to carbon sources. Wetlands provide an important filter to freshwater resources filtering out up to 90% of sediment and also recharge groundwater. With out these wetlands our access to clean water becomes threatened. As Wetland Professionals we help map and manage these important resources throughout the state of Virginia. VAWP aims to continue to provide a community for Wetland Professionals across the state and also provide updates on research and regulations regarding wetlands and other Waters of the US #worldwaterday #freshwater #wetlands #wetlandconservation #rivers #virginia (fb)