Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 141 Summary Tom Biebighauser Gives A Wetland Rewilding Masterclass

Introduction

In Episode 141 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, hosted by The Rewilding Institute, conservationist and wetland restoration expert Tom Biebighauser shares his extensive experience and insights on wetland rewilding. Released on February 7, 2025, this episode delves deep into the critical importance of wetlands, the alarming rates of their loss, and practical strategies for their restoration.

Tom Biebighauser’s Journey and Expertise

Tom Biebighauser has dedicated 46 years to identifying drained wetlands and spearheading their restoration. With over 10,000 wetland projects designed and more than 3,000 wetlands and streams successfully constructed across 26 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan, Tom's contributions to environmental conservation are profound. His passion has earned him 45 awards, including the prestigious Robert Lauderdale Award from the Kentucky Water Research Institute in 2023.

The Alarming Decline of Wetlands

Tom underscores the severity of wetland loss, stating, “In most states, we've lost over 90% of our wetlands” (00:00). This extensive drainage has replaced vibrant, shallow wetlands teeming with aquatic plants, dragonflies, and butterflies with deep water lakes that are less biodiverse. The disappearance of these ecosystems has not only reduced biodiversity but also eliminated vital reference conditions needed for restoration efforts.

Types and Importance of Wetlands

Tom elaborates on the diversity of wetlands, highlighting various types such as swamps, wet prairies, wet meadows, shrub swamps, bogs, and fens. Despite their differences, all wetlands share one common trait: saturated ground with water present during the growing season. He explains, “Wetlands are the nurseries for so many species of animals out there, and so many plants grow in these areas” (08:08).

Restoration Techniques and Community Involvement

Tom advocates for hands-on restoration, emphasizing that building wetlands is a learnable skill accessible to anyone with interest and determination. During his workshops at Ball State University, participants, including students, farmers, and landowners, engage directly in wetland construction, fostering experiential learning. Tom remarks, “The best way to learn how to build a wetland is to build a wetland” (03:22).

He also highlights the importance of addressing legacy issues such as buried drainage systems and accumulated debris. Restoring a wetland involves not only filling in ditches and plugs pipes but also reshaping the land to create natural basins, a process beyond the capabilities of natural beaver activities.

Collaborative Success Stories

Tom shares inspiring collaborations that have led to successful wetland restorations:

• Eastern Spadefoot Restoration on Cape Cod: Partnering with Mass Audubon, Tom helped design and build small wetlands that provided habitat for the rare eastern spadefoot toad. Over a decade, these efforts have resulted in natural breeding populations thriving in the restored wetlands (12:16).

• Arizona Game and Fish Department Projects: Working with Audrey Owens, the program coordinator, Tom has been instrumental in restoring wetlands to support frogs and toads in Arizona, demonstrating the adaptability of restoration techniques across diverse climates (12:16).

Wetlands and Wildlife

Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting diverse wildlife, from amphibians like the Chiricahua leopard frog to various bird species. Tom emphasizes that healthy wetlands naturally regulate mosquito populations by supporting predators such as damselfly larvae and bats, debunking the myth that wetlands are mosquito breeding grounds: “Wetlands do not breed mosquitoes… there’s always something in that wetland to eat the eggs and the larvae” (31:44).

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Beyond ecological benefits, wetlands offer significant economic advantages. Tom cites a study from Minneapolis, Minnesota, showing that homes with views of wetlands built for stormwater control can see property values nearly double. Additionally, wetlands contribute to groundwater recharge and flood control, making them invaluable assets for communities facing climate-related challenges like severe droughts and flooding.

The Role of Beavers in Wetland Ecosystems

Tom draws parallels between natural beaver activities and human-led wetland restoration. While beavers excel at creating and maintaining emergent wetlands along streams, humans can complement these efforts by restoring wetlands that beavers cannot naturally develop, especially in areas without active streams. He explains, “We can restore the natural hydrology to bring back the wetland… and then the beaver will move into the wetlands that we build” (39:05).

Overcoming Challenges in Wetland Restoration

One of the primary challenges in wetland restoration is the prevalence of outdated drainage systems and erosion caused by historical drainage practices. Tom illustrates the extent of wetland loss with alarming statistics, noting that states like California have lost up to 91% of their wetlands. He emphasizes the need for widespread restoration efforts to mitigate erosion, control floods, and replenish groundwater: “When you restore a wetland, you can control these head cuts, restore the streams, restore the wetlands, control the erosion” (32:39).

Engaging the Next Generation and Educators

Tom is passionate about involving educators and students in restoration projects. By building wetlands in schoolyards, he provides hands-on learning opportunities that foster a deep appreciation for nature. He shares a poignant story of a former student who decades later still fondly remembers participating in a wetland building field trip, highlighting the lasting impact of experiential education: “When you want to make a difference, if you want to rewild the earth, this is something that you can bring back” (22:54).

Call to Action and Resources

In his concluding remarks, Tom urges listeners to take action by visiting his website, wetlandrestorationandtraining.com, where they can access free instructional videos and resources. He encourages individuals to invest in wetland restoration not only for environmental benefits but also for personal fulfillment and community enhancement: “If you want to build a wetland because you want to, not because you have to… you can place it in your backyard” (17:32).

Conclusion

Episode 141 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast presents a comprehensive masterclass on wetland restoration led by Tom Biebighauser. His blend of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and heartfelt storytelling serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for anyone interested in contributing to the rewilding of our planet’s vital wetland ecosystems. By emphasizing hands-on involvement and community collaboration, Tom underscores the attainable and far-reaching impacts of restoring these crucial natural habitats.

Notable Quotes

• “In most states, we've lost over 90% of our wetlands.” – Tom Biebighauser (00:00)
• “The best way to learn how to build a wetland is to build a wetland.” – Tom Biebighauser (03:22)
• “Wetlands do not breed mosquitoes… there’s always something in that wetland to eat the eggs and the larvae.” – Tom Biebighauser (31:44)
• “If you want to build a wetland because you want to, not because you have to… you can place it in your backyard.” – Tom Biebighauser (17:32)

This summary captures the essence of Episode 141, providing an in-depth look into Tom Biebighauser’s expertise and the critical role of wetlands in our ecosystems. For more detailed information and access to Tom’s resources, visit wetlandrestorationandtraining.com.