Wednesday, September 16 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Parker Ladd Community Room, Jeudevine Memorial Library

What makes wetlands and floodplains such important parts of a watershed?

Wetlands and floodplains are places where water and land come together. They hold and slow water, provide habitat for plants and wildlife, influence water quality, and connect our uplands, streams, and rivers.

Join wetland scientist Lauren Sopher, Vermont State Floodplain Manager Alexis Nevins, and river scientist Sacha Pealer for an evening exploring how wetlands and floodplains function and the role they play in the larger watershed.

We’ll look at how water moves into, through, and across these landscapes; how wetlands and floodplains connect to streams and rivers; and what happens when rivers have room to spread out. We’ll also explore what makes healthy wetlands and floodplains valuable, the pressures that can change how they function, and ways we can protect and restore them.

This is a chance to look at familiar parts of our landscape a little differently and understand the work they are doing as part of a connected system.

Bring your questions. There will be plenty of time for conversation and discussion.

This is the second evening of Ripple Effects 2026: Understanding Our Watershed, a three-part public series exploring how water moves through our landscape and how the different parts of a watershed are connected.

The presentation is free and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be served.

Ripple Effects 2026 is hosted by the Town of Hardwick, Jeudevine Memorial Library, Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District, and Hardwick Community Television.

For more information, contact Kristen Leahy, Hardwick Resilience & Adaptation Coordinator, at zoning.administrator@hardwickvt.gov or 802-472-1686, or Karina Morales, Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District, at Karina@caledoniacountynrcd.org or 802-239-4159.