Nevada’s Natural Heritage Program has been awarded $445K grant to further develop the state’s wetland program. Springs and other wetlands in dry landscapes like Nevada provide crucial habitat for many of Nevada’s native plant and animal species. They also help to purify water, regulate floods and drought, and provide groundwater recharge. The two-year grant is funding a collaborative effort to expand knowledge of the locations, extent, and status of springs and wetlands throughout the state, and to provide guidance on recommended restoration approaches and management techniques. It’s estimated that Nevada has lost approximately 52 percent of its historic wetland acreage.