Periodic updates of this campaign (see August and October ARS reports) have reported steady progress in achieving and ultimately exceeding the campaign goals. The final tally for wetlands restored in honor of the Centennial of the National Wildlife Refuge System is incredible ? 941 wetland basins totaling 3,012.9 acres of new wetland habitat ? some 400 basins over the campaign goal! Most of these basins are relatively small, less than 0.5 acre in size, but are critically important to a wide array of ducks, waterfowl, shorebirds and other waterbirds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a host of other plant and animal species.

In addition to there direct benefits to fish and wildlife, these basins provide numerous additional benefits to society. By capturing and storing rainfall and runoff, these wetlands provide flood control benefits. By filtering and cleansing runoff, these wetlands improve water quality. By capturing and sequestering atmospheric carbon, these wetlands contribute to reducing the rate of global warming. Restoration of wetlands ? a great way to celebrate the Centennial!