World Wetlands Day was held at the end of January and an event was held in Leeton to celebrate the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands. 

The initiative is held each year across the world to recognise the positive input wetlands all over the world have in cleaning up river systems, buffering floods, providing habitat for a large diversity of wildlife and providing a wonderful place for us all to visit and enjoy.

Local Landcare co-ordinator from Murrumbidgee Landcare, Kathy Tenison, said Fivebough was an ideal venue for the event.

"We saw a good number of bird species, including Freckled Duck, Red-kneed Dotterel, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbills," she said.

"Given we are suffering the effects of a prolonged drought it was great to see these birds calling Fivebough home.

"Sixty people took part in the workshop that covered such topics as wetlands in our region, birds, frogs, history, management and climate change impacts. 

"The guest speakers provided us with loads on new information." 

These guest speakers were from a range of backgrounds and organisations.

Mrs Tenison said it was important the wetlands were looked after.

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"Fivebough Wetlands is not only significant in the Riverina and Murray-Darling, but also throughout Australia, as far north as Siberia and Japan and beyond the Arctic Circle," she said.

"We have it in our own backyard… amazing. We need to look after all of our wetlands." 

Residents have been encouraged to check out the wetlands and see the area for itself. 

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