The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, a public/private partnership, is the largest manmade wetland in the United States. Our wetland plants filter and clean up to 33 billion gallons of water annually, providing clean water to millions of people in the Dallas region. In addition, since opening in 2010, the JBS Wetland Center has also increased the conservation literacy of more than 60,000 students and 30,000 adult visitors.
As we face significant changes to our world, such as extended droughts, the JBS wetland center serves as a dynamic model for other cities and towns in Texas and the nation dealing with changing climate patterns, flooding, and water scarcity.
Water Supply and Flood Control for a Growing Population
It is no secret that the Dallas region is growing rapidly. In 2023, the Dallas-Fort Worth region experienced the most significant population growth of any metropolitan area in the US, reaching over 8 million. Working with the North Texas Water District, our wetland plants conduct phytoremediation to filter out harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
In addition, our wetlands provide a range of additional benefits to our community. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rainforests and coral reefs. A wetland ecosystem can include many species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals. In fact, over one-third of the threatened and endangered species in the United States live only in wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point.
Yet 90% of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed, with Texas losing half its wetlands over the past 200 years. This is one reason why flooding, drought, and species loss occur across the state. Wetlands are natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, and flood waters. They can store water to stop flooding and for future use, and at times of drought – wetlands may be the only water source around.
We have served over 60,000 K12 youth, providing student programming (4th - High School) that focuses on these major areas: Wetland Ecology, Plant Ecology, Bird Adaptations, Ecological Design, and Sustainable Engineering and Water Conservation. Each program is geared toward the NEW 2024-2025 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, giving students hands-on experience in conducting field research and applying it to school-based studies, and future career paths.
A Donation from You Could Support Our Work Over the Next Year in the Following Ways:
Education
Much has changed in the past decade; our materials need up-to-date scientific and educational information. We must also align with the new Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills in Science (TEKS). These standards have just changed for the 2024-2025 school year and we are ensuring our program matches these mandatory educational guidelines. In addition, Opportunities for young people have also shifted; we seek to integrate vocational skills and knowledge into our classes to help prepare future generations for meaningful work.
Enhancing our site to provide greater opportunities for youth to learn through direct observation of nature and hands-on learning is also in the works. A simple open-air outdoor learning space can bring youth groups closer to the wetland for observation and discussion.
Scientific Research
JBS Wetland Center will conduct a bird study this Fall and Spring 2025. A recent comprehensive study published in “Science” concluded that North American bird populations showed devastating losses among birds in every biome, with a loss of 3 billion birds! Even common birds—the species many see daily—have suffered the greatest losses.
A 2023/2024 birding study indicated that over 288 species of birds are now found at our wetland, a new and vital stopover place for them during migration. As North American bird populations face widespread declines, it’s good to know that our wetland is making a positive difference.
We seek to partner with Blaine Carnes, an ornithologist focused on long-term bird monitoring projects with the Carnegie Museum’s Avian Research Center and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The bird study will allow our students to learn about bird conservation and experience firsthand bird banding, weighing, and documentation.
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center’s mission is to educate the public and provide research opportunities in the areas of water reuse, quality and supply; wildlife conservation; and wetland systems.
Our Impact:
Providing up to 90 million gallons of water a day to millions of Dallas residents. (Do you live, work or go to school in one of our 13 member cites and numerous independent school districts that our wetland water serves? This includes Allen ISD, Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Richardson ISD, Mesquite ISD, Rockwall ISD, Frisco ISD, Plano ISD, and McKinney ISD?
Providing award winning science conservation and innovative engineering programs (ecological design) to 5000 youth from the Dallas area every year.
Conducting important research to protect the species we care about like gathering critical data on bird populations, and health.
It has become increasingly evident that humanity's activities pose severe threats to both human health and Earth's intricate environmental systems. Our impact has accelerated to unprecedented levels, with human-driven processes and technologies often proving hazardous to the planet's natural systems. The industrial and technological advancements designed to benefit society have, paradoxically, resulted in pollution, toxic outcomes, and disruptions to vital Earth processes.
Consequently, approximately 1 million species face the threat of extinction unless immediate and substantial actions are taken to curb biodiversity loss. The recent revelation that 3 billion birds are missing further underscores the alarming scale of biodiversity loss, highlighting the urgent need for action. The pollution generated by our processes degrades ecosystems and contaminates air, water, and soil, leading to detrimental health impacts for humankind and all forms of life.
In this challenging landscape, K-12 education plays a crucial role in shaping future generations who are informed and proactive about environmental issues. A robust education system not only imparts knowledge but also instills values of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Additionally, substantial research has highlighted the risks of climate change, land-use alterations, biodiversity depletion, and pollution in recent decades. These challenges underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach integrating rigorous scientific research with innovative techniques and methodologies.
Wetlands, in particular, are vital in addressing these pressing concerns. They act as natural buffers, mitigating the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon, regulating water flow, and supporting diverse ecosystems. Preserving and restoring wetlands is essential for maintaining biodiversity and enhancing resilience against environmental degradation.
By embracing new, less harmful technologies and methods, we can mitigate environmental damage and foster sustainable practices.
In this context, our collective focus must be on reconciling human progress with ecological balance, advancing technologies that support rather than undermine natural processes, and fostering global cooperation to safeguard Earth's future.
Conservation Literacy for all. John Bunker Sands Wetland Center provides conservation programs and conservation awareness for all backgrounds of students and adults. We serve many Title 1 schools nd we provide scholarships to pay for things like buses and other field trip and education expenses. We strive to promote conservation justice and equity through diverse, equitable, inclusive programs and offerings for the populations we serve in the North Texas region.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
Wetland Steward Opportunities
Joh Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Ongoing opportunity
In-Person Volunteering
Group Opportunities
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Ongoing opportunity
Organization name
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
Causes
Environment & Conservation, Education - STEM, Parks and Greenspaces
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise, Dallas, Collin
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
655 Martin Lane