Media release from the City of Rome, GA:
The Rome-Floyd ECO Center is proud to announce the unveiling of ten new signs in the Wetlands Demonstration Area, a key feature of the center’s educational programming. These signs highlight the unique characteristics and ecological significance of the local wetland habitat, offering visitors an in-depth look at this vital environment.
Sarah Johnson, Environmental Educator at the ECO Center, expressed her excitement about the new signage, noting how rare it is to have such a well-maintained wetland demonstration area in close proximity to the center. “This wetland area plays a crucial role in our educational efforts, especially for local students,” Johnson said. “It allows us to not only showcase the beauty of the wetlands but also to educate the community about their critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems—improving water quality, providing habitat for wildlife, controlling erosion, and storing floodwaters.
Ben Winkleman, Director of the Rome-Floyd ECO Center, extended his gratitude to the community for their support in bringing the project to life. The new signage was made possible through a generous grant from International Paper. The installation was completed by ECO Center staff with assistance from City of Rome Public Works Street Department & Urban Forestry,
Johnson, who managed the project, collaborated with local photographer Gena Flanigen, who provided stunning wildlife photographs for the signs, and Camryn Roper, a graphic designer from Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism, who designed the outdoor displays.
About the Wetland Demonstration Area
The Wetland Demonstration Area is a manmade ecosystem designed for educational and conservation purposes. Identified in the early 1990s as a low-lying area with poor drainage, it was transformed into a wetland by the City of Rome, the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District. Funding for the project was provided through a grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners for Fish and Wildlife, with in-kind support from the City of Rome’s Public Works Department and Water Department. Construction began in 1993, and since then, the wetlands have flourished as a self-sustaining, fully functioning habitat.
About the Rome-Floyd ECO Center
The Rome-Floyd ECO Center offers year-round educational programs and events designed to connect visitors with the rich natural resources of Northwest Georgia. Through interactive exhibits and outdoor exploration, the center showcases local wildlife, native plants, and trees. Educational programs focus on topics such as wetland ecosystems, habitat conservation, and species identification. The center is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2025.
For more information about the Rome-Floyd ECO Center, please call 706-622-6435.
