to promote the understanding of Wetland Science
Established in 1997, the Connecticut Association of Wetlands Scientist started with a few wetland scientists who wanted to have an organization to promote the science and advancements of wetland research in Connecticut. They met, discussed topics, came up with a name, established Bylaws and held its first meeting. Our Annual Meetings has been held ever since.
Our Annual Meeting is a forum for the exchange of ideas and information of current topics. Our Annual Meetings host nearly 200 people from the public and private sector.
Additionally, CAWS host workshops and other forums in soils, hydrology, botany, wildlife, design, and construction.
UPDATES
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
CAWS is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group's 2026 symposium, From Awareness to Action — Strengthening Our Response to Invasive Plants, will be held at UConn in Storrs on October 28, 2026. Sessions include a variety of techniques for management of terrestrial and aquatic invasives, as well as restoration with native alternatives. Registration includes a Recording Only option. More info: https://cipwg.uconn.edu/2026-symposium/
SAVE THE DATE!
The Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists (CAWS) and the Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England (SSSSNE) are hosting our first ever joint workshop!
Wetland Soil Workshop 102 – Red Bed Soils
Friday, November 6, 2026
Manchester Land Conservation Trust (MLCT), Bush Hill Preserve
Last year, CAWS held its first-ever soils training workshop, Beginner Wetland Soils Workshop 101, at Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery in Woodbury, CT. This workshop was so well received that we have decided to host another soils workshop this fall, and expand this training event in a big way, partnering with our friends from SSSSNE.
This day-long workshop will involve some of the most unique and challenging soils Connecticut has to offer, the red bed soils of the Connecticut River Valley. We will learn from the soil scientists of SSSSNE about how these soils formed, how they impact our landscape, and how we can differentiate wetland from upland soils in such tricky environments. The day will include lecture and field components, including afternoon soil pit rotations in the Bush Hill Preserve where you will be able to get hands-on practice with these soils.
Look for additional details when registration opens next week. For now, please save the date and plan on joining us!
CAWS 2027 Annual Meeting – Early Call for Speakers
CAWS seeks speaker/presentation proposals for our 2027 Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2027 (save that date!) at Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. Do you have an interesting project or research endeavor that would be of interest to a room full of 200+ wetland professionals? Our audience includes professional soil scientists and wetland scientists, municipal wetland officers and commission members, conservation and land trust members, consultants, state employees, and related vendors.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): wetland mitigation and restoration projects, invasive plants and other vegetation management, soils education, scientific research results related to wetland studies, climate impacts and adaptations, wetland fauna, plant ID, stormwater management, permitting, and many others.
Interested in presenting? Use our Speaker Proposal form to let us know your ideas! Invited speakers will gain free access to the conference. Please reach out to wetlands@ctwetlands.org with any questions.
If you are not a current member, please join or renew your membership in CAWS for 2026. You can renew online with your credit card using our secure online form or you can download our paper membership form.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST - If you are not a member (which maybe you should be) but are interested in learning more about CAWS and the great things we do, please consider joining our mailing list.
