Wetlands are an important part of our landscape. Sometimes referred to as "nature's kidneys", wetlands improve water quality by filtering and absorbing pollutants, and by recycling nutrients that move through the natural environment. Wetlands also provide habitat for a multitude of animal and plant species. Marshes, in particular, are among the most productive of all wetland types.

The past few decades have seen a drastic reduction in the number, size and quality of marsh habitats across North America, and particularly throughout the heavily-populated Great Lakes basin. As a result, many marsh-inhabiting bird and amphibian species are threatened and in need of monitoring, protection and recovery efforts.

Bird Studies Canada, in partnership with Environment Canada, developed the Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) in Ontario in 1994 and the MMP was launched throughout the U.S. Great Lakes States in 1995.

The Rochester Embayment of Lake Ontario, stretching from Bogus Point in Greece to 9 mile point in Webster, was designated one of 42 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes by the International Joint Commission, and in response to that Stage I and Stage II Remedial Action Plans were developed for the area. Marsh Monitoring was a recommended monitoring method.

Mr. Knauf will present an overview of the program, the protocols employed in monitoring both amphibians and birds, and in characterizing marsh habitats, and will speak to habitat recovery in the Rochester Embayment and Lower Genesee River.

Mr. Knauf currently serves as an Environmental Health Project Analyst with the Environmental Quality Unit in the Monroe County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health.