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.
Karen Menetrey
I work for Rio Grande Return, a 501c3 non-profit organization that specializes in low tech process-based restoration for riverscapes and other ecosystems unique to the arid southwest. My job title is Director of Ecological Opportunities, which reflects my optimism and enthusiasm for supporting all aspects of our organization’s work. We primarily conduct on-the-ground restoration projects, but we are increasingly more involved in water planning, advocacy and policy.
What is your favorite part of your job?
iMy favorite part of my job is organizing volunteers and teaching them to build beaver dam analogs in high elevation headwater streams. The hydrologic response is so immediate and satisfying! Volunteers understand how reconnecting the floodplain and creating wetlands creates a healthier riverscape, and there is innate pleasure derived from building with wood and sediment in a stream.
What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
My biggest professional accomplishment was managing the New Mexico River Stewardship Program at the New Mexico Environment Department for 12 years, through periods of time when funding was insecure. With dozens of dedicated partners, the program completed about 80 river and wetland restoration projects. It was recognized as a successful program when recurring state funding was authorized in 2023 (NM Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund) and is now a securely staffed program with increased annual funding. wetlands.
What is your favorite wetland, or type of wetland, or wetland species? Why?
My education was in geology and ground water hydrology. Professionally, I journeyed from protecting ground water, to restoring streams and wetlands, to cleaning up ground water contamination, then back to streams and wetlands. Wetlands intrigue me because they occur at the intersection of surface and ground water. I have two favorite wetland types: 1) beaver-dominated wetlands because they are so dynamic and biodiverse, and 2) ciénegas (desert springs) because water-rock interactions create unique water chemistry and plant assemblages that can result in beautiful oases.
How did you end up working in wetlands?
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting started in wetlands work?
My advice to someone wanting to get involved in wetlands is to learn about wetland plants, recreate near wetlands, and do field work, whether it is volunteer or paid work!
How long have you been a member of NAWM?
I have been a member of NAWM consistently for four years. My favorite benefit is the annual meetings. I enjoyed presenting, being on panels, connecting with wetland scientists from around the country, and seeing wetlands in West Virginia, Nebraska, and Washington during the annual meetings. I’m also enjoying being a mentor in the MARSH Mentor
How have you participated in NAWM (e.g., attended webinars, contributed to project workgroups, attended annual meeting, etc.)?
What is your favorite benefit of being a member of NAWM?
What is your favorite NAWM memory?
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.