Members receive weekly issues of Insider’s Edition and bimonthly issues of Wetland News per year. If you are a member already, you may read the latest issue of Insider’s Edition and Wetland News (NAWM’s membership newsletter) by logging in to your Members' Portal. NAWM membership benefits information.
NAWM is looking for photos of our members working in the field—whether inside or outside, regulation or restoration, monitoring & assessment—or mapping & management of wetland resources. We would like to feature photos of wetland professionals doing a wide range of activities in the field of wetland science, policy and management. Please email these photos to Laura at laura@nawm.org for use on the NAWM website and/or in our membership newsletter, Wetland News.
The NAWM membership includes state, tribal, federal, and local wetland managers, regulators, researchers, field scientists, academics, private consultants, and more. These wetlanders work across the United States in a wide variety of wetlands and related aquatic resources. To celebrate the important work that NAWM members are doing, each month NAWM shines the Member Spotlight on one member to learn more about the good work they are doing to protect and restore our wetland resources, how they came to work in wetlands, and how being a member of the Association benefits their work. If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org. View Member Spotlight Archive.
Katie Morgan, PWS, EP
Katie Morgan, PWS, EP is the Director of Natural and Cultural Resources at Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. She also serves on NAWM’s Finance Committee.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is teaching, training, and mentoring junior staff in wetlands fieldwork. It’s incredibly gratifying to see their skills grow and their confidence build over time. Whether it’s guiding them through the intricacies of wetland delineation, helping them interpret regulations, or watching them take ownership of projects, I take pride in knowing I’m contributing to their professional development. It’s rewarding to see how their growth not only benefits our team but also strengthens the quality of the work we deliver.
What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
One of my biggest professional accomplishments has been building the wetlands practice at Partner from the ground up. When I first started with Partner, there was no formal wetlands program—it was just my passion for wetlands and a vision. Through hard work, persistence, and a passion for wetlands science, I laid the foundation, gradually growing it into the nationwide practice it is today.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch something I started from scratch become such a vital part of what we do at Partner. Along the way, earning my Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification and becoming a Certified Wetland Scientist in Lake County, IL were pivotal milestones. They not only strengthened my expertise but also helped solidify the credibility of the practice I worked so hard to build. Seeing the impact of our work across the country has been an amazing journey and one of the highlights of my career.
What is your favorite wetland species?
My favorite wetland species is the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). I’m captivated by its stunning bark and massive leaves—there’s nothing quite like the way it sheds its bark each year, leaving behind a beautifully painted trunk that looks like a natural masterpiece. Another fascinating aspect is that many American Sycamores are hollow, which makes them perfect nesting habitats for various wildlife species. It’s amazing how this tree plays such an integral role in both the ecosystem and the landscape’s beauty.
How did you end up working in wetlands?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. I was fascinated by water and everything that lived in it, but I had no idea the world of wetlands even existed. In college, I followed my passion for fish and water, diving into any class or research opportunity I could find that focused on freshwater or saltwater habitats.
It wasn’t until my first job in the consulting industry that I discovered wetlands as a career path. One of my first assignments was assisting with fieldwork at a large wetland mitigation bank in the Tennessee River Valley. I still remember measuring piezometers and taking hydrology readings—it was fascinating to see how everything connected, from the soil to the water to the plants. That project was my ‘aha’ moment.
From then on, I sought out every chance to work in wetlands, eventually training in wetland determinations and delineations. That first experience sparked a passion that has shaped my career ever since.
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting started in wetlands work?
If you’re interested in getting started in wetlands work, my advice is to dive in wherever you can and stay curious. If you are still in college or have the opportunity to take classes in plant identification, soil science, or hydrology they will help immensely. Volunteering is also a great way to gain experience and build connections. Join local conservation groups, participate in restoration projects, or assist with community science efforts like wetland monitoring programs or BioBlitz. Internships or entry-level jobs in environmental consulting or natural resource management can provide hands-on experience, which is invaluable in this field. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship from experienced professionals—many of us are passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping others grow. Field experience is especially important, so take every opportunity to get outside, whether it’s assisting with wetland delineations, monitoring projects, or restoration efforts. Finally, pursue certifications like the Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or local certifications when you’re ready—they not only enhance your expertise but also open doors to more advanced opportunities.
How long have you been a member of NAWM? How have you participated in NAWM?
I joined ASWM in 2018 and started attending webinars (especially the soil training modules) right away. I attended my first in person annual meeting in 2023 and have since become a finance committee member.
What is your favorite benefit of being a member of NAWM?
My favorite part of being a member of NAWM is the community. It's incredible to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for wetlands. The training and learning opportunities are always valuable, keeping me up-to-date on the latest in wetland science. What I truly appreciate, though, is being part of an organization that’s making a real difference in the field. It feels good to contribute to something so impactful.
What is your favorite NAWM memory?
My favorite NAWM memory has to be from the 2023 annual meeting in Nebraska. After a full day of sessions, we gathered around a campfire and shared stories about our most exciting days in the field, about goats and how they’re surprisingly awesome for managing invasive species, getting to know everyone, discussing the nitty gritty of the new (at that time) HUD regulations regarding EO 11988 and EO 11990, and quizzing one of the experts on plants that I get stuck on in the field – they were so helpful and now I will always remember the differences between a swamp magnolia and southern magnolia.
If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org.
View Member Spotlight Archive.