Marsh Madness

No, that’s not a typo. It says “MARSH Madness”. Friday night I ran across a random hashtag on Twitter and figured out fairly quickly what it was. Kenneth Lo, who tweets as @brackishology , had implored people to during the #ncaa tourney (US), post your wetlands news, photos, etc. with the hashtag #marshmadness”.

He has not only been tweeting facts and figures about wetlands, but has been linking to marshes, bog, preserves, swamps, and refuges near many of the schools in the NCAA tournament. It is a great way to spread awareness and information about a vital yet often unappreciated part of our ecology. Like two wood frogs clinging to each other in a vernal pool, Marsh Madness jumps on the back of March Madness and provides a push to learn and experience more after your brackets have been shot to hell.

A little upset about Georgetown losing so early? Head across the bridge and explore what is happening on Roosevelt Island

Thanks to Mr. Lo I learned that Ohio State has, since I moved away from the area, taken great effort to install the Olentangy Wetland Research Park. (I would have suggested the swamp in the field at the end of our old street, but I don’t think it has a name)

I have to admit that I haven’t been able to keep up, but have been adding my own two cents where possible., and we spent the weekend hopping from marsh to lake to marsh. (Kenilworth Aquatic Garden Lake ArtemesiaMcKee-Beshers WMA and the C & O Canal

This really is the best time of year to enjoy the beauty of a marsh. Everything is still emerging; the trees aren’t in full leaf yet; and the heat, humidity and insects which few find comfortable are still far off.