Nebraska contains more acres of wetlands than any surrounding state. These wetlands are very diverse and dynamic and include marshes, lakes, river and stream backwaters, oxbows, wet meadows, fens, forested swamps, and seeps. To help you explore the varying roles that wetlands can play, this site defines wetlands, discusses their importance and dynamics, identifies status and trends, describes conservation programs that benefit wetlands, and takes an in-depth look at Nebraska’s regional wetland complexes.
Take time to explore Nebraska’s wetlands and learn more about the wealth of opportunities they provide.
Explore expanded content
Take a deep dive into our newest wetlands resources, including expanded website content, documentaries featuring Nebraska’s five main wetland types, links to personal stories, photo galleries and more on our wetlands webpages:
Or settle in to watch our wetlands documentary playlist.
These resources were created in a collaboration with the Platte Basin Timelapse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Partners included the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Ducks Unlimited.
Guide to Nebraska’s Wetlands
Explore Nebraska’s wetlands in this free, full-color publication. It defines and describes Nebraska wetlands and discusses wetland functions, dynamics, classification, inventory and conservation efforts. Fourteen wetland complexes are covered in depth. A listing of wetland plants and animals is provided as well as literature references. Funding was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection.
Educator Resources
Wetlandology: A Kid’s Book About Wetlands
Wetlands in Nebraska are filled with amazing plants and animals! Learn about the Nebraska’s different wetland types, which creatures live in them, and how you can explore wetlands in this free kid-friendly, activity-filled publication designed for educators.
Trail Tales
Trail Tales Magazine, which is published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and distributed to Nebraska fourth grade students, published an issue dedicated to wetlands.
View Trail Tales special issue
Wetland Program Plan
The Wetland Program Plan for Nebraska aims to continue to protect, restore and manage Nebraska’s wetlands. The EPA-approved plan calls for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and partner agencies to assess the condition of Nebraska’s wetlands, improve understanding of baseline conditions and to prioritize wetland restoration and protection activities. The full plan is available for download.
Download the 2019 Wetland Program Plan
Additional resources and reports
Wetlands pumping schedule
For more information on how, when, and why the Commission pumps water into wetlands, view the pumping schedule online under the “Wetland Conditions” tab or read the latest wetland publication.
Sedimentation report
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with biologists from partner agencies, conducted research on the sedimentation of Nebraska’s playa wetlands. Findings from that research are presented in the following report.
Sedimentation of Nebraska’s Playa Wetlands
