FLUDDLES: A look at the beauty and benefits of temporary wetlands
The Wetlands Initiative is proud to support FLUDDLES, which premieres on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at 7 pm in the 127F Lecture Recital Hall on the Illinois Central College East Peoria Campus. There will be a panel discussion following the screening, and attendees will be able to talk with some of those featured in the movie.
“FLUDDLES chronicles the wildlife of agricultural wetlands of Illinois. Sometimes simply described as “big puddles,” fluddles appear in the spring and fall and provide habitat and forage for a diversity of waterfowl and shorebird species,” says Bob Dolgan, founder of Turnstone Strategies. Turnstone Strategies recently produced two Illinois-based films, Monty and Rose and The Magic Stump.
“FLUDDLES takes viewers on a journey to these secret, oft-fleeting wildernesses at a time when Illinois has lost 90% of its original wetlands. It features those who enjoy the beauty of wetlands while showcasing the movement underway to construct more wetlands, which provide critical habitat, reduce flooding and erosion, and help to ensure healthier waterways,” says Dolgan.
The slightly depressed area near the creek in the upper right of the photo has been restored so a fluddle can form in the spring and fall. Fluddles are places where migrating waterfowl and shorebirds can gather to rest and feed on their journeys. A Smart Wetland sits to the left of the creek and provides a similar habitat for migrating birds.
The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) is proud to be a sponsor of this movie. It will have representatives at the event, including Wes and Andie Lehman, whose wetlands are featured in the movie, including one tile-treatment wetland designedand constructed by TWI. “Similar to the fluddles, our tile-treatment wetlands are small farm-based wetlands. While they are designed to capture and improve the quality of water leaving the farm, these wetlands are full of native plants that provide habitat, food, and structure for waterfowl and birds,” said Dr. Jill Kostel, TWI’s senior environmental engineer.
The film includes interviews with Wes and the Wetlands Initiative’s executive director, Paul Botts. In addition, representatives from two of TWI’s Smart Wetland partners, Ducks Unlimited and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Two more viewings are scheduled, one at McHenry County College on Nov. 28 and the other in Decatur on Dec. 9. TWI is also working to arrange a screening in the Chicago metro area. We’ll share the details when available.
If you want a sneak peek at the movie, a trailer and a movie excerpt are available. You can learn more about the FLUDDLES at https://www.turnstoneimpact.com/fluddles.html.