Wetlands Watch
Wetlands Watch is a Norfolk, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects and restores wetlands and builds flood resilience capacity for Virginia localities, practitioners, and citizens through technical assistance, policy advocacy, the CBLP certification, and the Catch the King citizen science initiative.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersNorfolk, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Wetlands Watch does
Wetlands Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, operating across the Commonwealth. Its mission is to protect and restore wetlands and to build climate adaptation and flood resilience capacity in Virginia, with particular attention to underserved localities that lack technical staff. The organization delivers its work through a portfolio of programs rather than a unified software product: the Wetlands & Public Policy advocacy program working across federal, state, and local levels; a Communities Program providing direct technical assistance, funding guidance, and peer learning to Virginia localities; the Neighborhoods Collaboratory, which pairs academic teams with underserved neighborhoods on place-based, nature-based flood responses; the Living Infrastructure program combining stormwater, shoreline, and habitat restoration with the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) certification; the Catch the King Guinness World Record-holding citizen science event that generates flood data during king tides; and supporting educational resources including the Plant Hampton Roads Natives Campaign, a 72-page Native Plants for Southeast Virginia guide, an Online Grants Database with 20+ climate resilience fact sheets, and the No Net Loss wetlands policy series. The underlying technology base is conventional: GIS tools (ESRI) for cartography, an Airtable-based grants database, and Squarespace-hosted web content, with no public-facing software, app, or API.
The business model is nonprofit grant and donation funded. Wetlands Watch receives funding through state-administered programs such as the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF), partnerships such as the Coastal Resilience & Trees Fund co-administered with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and a multi-channel donations program (online gifts, monthly giving, employer matching, donor advised funds, IRA charitable gifts). Services are provided free of charge to localities, practitioners, and citizens. Customer segments are Virginia localities (especially under-resourced governments), Living Infrastructure practitioners across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and Virginia property owners and citizens. The organization collaborates closely with state agencies including the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and is governed by a board with a small staff including a founder/senior advisor, a CBLP Virginia Coordinator, and program staff.
Wetlands Watch firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wetlands Watch
- Legal name
- Wetlands Watch
- Website
- https://wetlandswatch.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Wetlands Watch is a Norfolk, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects and restores wetlands and builds flood resilience capacity for Virginia localities, practitioners, and citizens through technical assistance, policy advocacy, the CBLP certification, and the Catch the King citizen science initiative.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wetlands Watch industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Nonprofit Services / Wetlands Conservation
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Administration of Conservation Programs (924120), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)
Keywords
Where Wetlands Watch is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Norfolk
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wetlands Watch business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Grants and Government Funding: Wetlands Watch receives funding through grants including Virginia's Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). The organization helps localities compete for and manage CFPF awards. In Round 6, $99 million was awarded to Virginia localities.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization accepts online gifts, monthly giving, employer matching, checks, donor advised fund donations, and IRA charitable gifts. EIN: 54-2005763.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Wetlands Watch product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wetlands Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides technical assistance, policy advocacy, professional training, and community engagement services to protect and restore wetlands and build climate adaptation capacity across Virginia. Its core offerings include direct technical assistance to Virginia localities for flood resilience, the CBLP practitioner certification program, the Catch the King citizen science event, and policy advocacy supporting state funding programs like the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF).
Product overview
Wetlands Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (not a software company) that operates a portfolio of environmental programs rather than a unified software product. Its core offerings include: the Wetlands & Public Policy advocacy program; the Communities Program providing technical assistance to Virginia localities; the Neighborhoods Collaboratory for place-based flood resilience; Living Infrastructure for nature-based stormwater and shoreline solutions; the Catch the King citizen science initiative; and the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) certification program. Supporting resources include the Plant Hampton Roads Natives Campaign with the Native Plants for Southeast Virginia guide, the Jane Brinkley Thumm Memorial Arts Contest, an Online Grants Database, and comprehensive flood insurance education resources. These programs work together to advance climate adaptation and wetlands protection across Virginia through advocacy, education, technical assistance, and community engagement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Catch the King: Guinness World Record-holding event that advances flood science and adaptation planning by mobilizing volunteers to document flooding during king tide season.
- The Collaboratory
- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Virginia Coordinator
Products and services
- Wetlands & Public Policy Advocacy and policy development program that advances equitable, science-based climate adaptation policy across federal, state, regional, and local levels in Virginia. The program helps shape laws, regulations, funding criteria, and practical adaptation tools while connecting policy design to policy use through education and implementation support.
- Communities Program Technical assistance, funding guidance, peer learning, and adaptation planning services that help Virginia localities, especially those with limited capacity, build flood resilience. The program works with local government staff to improve floodplain management, advance nature-based strategies, and equip communities with practical tools for planning before disaster strikes.
- Neighborhoods (Collaboratory) Place-based research and design initiative that brings residents, local partners, and university teams together to develop nature-based responses to flooding that reflect local priorities. Through the Collaboratory, Wetlands Watch works with underserved neighborhoods and academic teams to develop actionable designs and adaptation plans.
- Living Infrastructure Nature-based approach program focused on stormwater management, shoreline protection, habitat restoration, and environmental education that expands resilient landscape design and professional capacity in Virginia through training, certification, technical support, and public engagement.
- Catch the King Guinness World Record-holding citizen science event that mobilizes volunteers to document flooding during king tide season to advance flood science and adaptation planning. The event generates locally sourced data that strengthens flood modeling and planning while engaging residents, students, and civic groups in understanding climate impacts.
- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Virginia Program Practitioner training and certification program focused on sustainable, conservation landscaping practices that improve water quality and community resilience in Virginia. The program delivers professional trainings and maintains practitioner relationships across Virginia's public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
- Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF) Technical Assistance Guidance, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer exchanges that help Virginia communities compete for CFPF awards and carry out flood resilience projects. Wetlands Watch helped Virginia localities secure $99 million in CFPF Round 6 funding through this program.
- Online Grants Database Airtable-based database containing over twenty fact sheets for grant opportunities related to climate resilience, habitat restoration, water quality improvements, and more, with sortable characteristics including matching requirements, eligibility, due dates, and funding levels.
- Plant Hampton Roads (HR) Natives Campaign Regional campaign coordinated by Wetlands Watch to increase the use and availability of native plants in the Hampton Roads region, including the Native Plants for Southeast Virginia guide and partner coordination with Plant Hampton Roads Partners.
- Native Plants for Southeast Virginia Guide 72-page, full-color digital guide featuring native plant profiles, curated plant lists for specific growing conditions, and a regional list of local sites that highlight native plants and plant communities in Southeast Virginia.
- Tides of Tomorrow: Jane Brinkley Thumm Memorial Arts Contest Annual arts contest for high school students across Virginia that brings attention to sea level rise and coastal flooding through visual and performative art.
- Understanding Flood Insurance Resource Center Comprehensive resources explaining the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Risk Rating 2.0, flood maps, elevation certificates, and community flood preparedness for Virginia property owners.
- Catch the King Newsletter Newsletter providing news about the Catch the King flood documentation event to subscribers and community members.
Quantifiable outcome
- Helped Virginia localities secure $99 million in CFPF Round 6 funding
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Wetlands Watch
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Wetlands Watch technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Wetlands Watch partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Virginia Outdoors FoundationcoreWetlands Watch partners with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to administer the Coastal Resilience & Trees Fund, which provides grants to localities, organizations, and landowners for wetland restoration and conservation projects in Virginia's Coastal Zone.
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)coreDCR administers the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF) and the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund. Wetlands Watch works closely with DCR to help localities access these state funding programs for flood resilience projects.
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)coreVMRC regulates tidal wetlands through the Virginia Tidal Wetlands Act. Wetlands Watch monitors and engages with VMRC policy changes and updated compensation orders that affect tidal wetland mitigation.
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)coreDEQ is responsible for regulating non-tidal wetlands through the Virginia Water Protection Program. Wetlands Watch engages with DEQ on wetlands policy, particularly regarding state-level protections following federal rollbacks.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wetlands Watch competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) – Center for Coastal Resources Management: William & Mary's coastal research center providing scientific assessment, tidal wetlands expertise, and guidance to Virginia policymakers — adjacent enabling peer that overlaps technically with Wetlands Watch's research and policy work.
Direct peers
- Virginia Conservation Network: Statewide coalition of conservation and environmental organizations in Virginia that coordinates policy advocacy — comparable advocacy and convening role to Wetlands Watch's Wetlands & Public Policy program.
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Large regional 501(c)(3) focused on Chesapeake Bay restoration, including wetlands, water quality, and advocacy — overlapping directly with Wetlands Watch's habitat restoration and policy work in Virginia.
- James River Association: Virginia statewide river conservation nonprofit combining advocacy, education, and on-the-ground restoration — overlapping directly with Wetlands Watch's water resource protection mission across Virginia.
- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: Regional nonprofit collaborating with communities, governments, and nonprofits to restore the Chesapeake Bay watershed — directly comparable mission and stakeholder base to Wetlands Watch's Communities and Living Infrastructure programs.
- Virginia Outdoors Foundation: State-established land trust partnering with Wetlands Watch to administer the Coastal Resilience & Trees Fund — directly comparable mission in land and wetlands conservation across Virginia.
Broad incumbents
- The Nature Conservancy – Virginia Chapter: Global conservation organization with significant Virginia operations in land protection, climate, and water — a much larger incumbent overlapping with Wetlands Watch's habitat protection and policy work.
Emerging players
- Sierra Club Virginia Chapter: State chapter of a national environmental advocacy organization working on climate, wetlands, and energy policy in Virginia — overlapping advocacy mission with Wetlands Watch's policy program.
Regional players
- Elizabeth River Project: Norfolk-based nonprofit focused on restoring the Elizabeth River watershed through community engagement, habitat restoration, and education — overlapping geographically and programmatically with Wetlands Watch's Hampton Roads focus.
- Lynnhaven River Now: Virginia Beach-based nonprofit focused on restoring the Lynnhaven River ecosystem through citizen science, education, and advocacy — comparable citizen-science and place-based restoration model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Wetlands Watch social profiles
Digital presenceWetlands Watch financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wetlands Watch leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Wetlands Watch funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wetlands Watch M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wetlands Watch
What does Wetlands Watch do?
Wetlands Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides technical assistance, policy advocacy, professional training, and community engagement services to protect and restore wetlands and build climate adaptation capacity across Virginia. Its core offerings include direct technical assistance to Virginia localities for flood resilience, the CBLP practitioner certification program, the Catch the King citizen science event, and policy advocacy supporting state funding programs like the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF).
Is Wetlands Watch a public or private company?
Wetlands Watch is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Wetlands Watch founded?
Wetlands Watch was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Wetlands Watch based?
Wetlands Watch is headquartered in Norfolk, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wetlands Watch make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grants and Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Contributions.
Who are Wetlands Watch's main competitors?
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) – Center for Coastal Resources Management is listed as an others. Direct peers are Virginia Conservation Network, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, James River Association, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The Nature Conservancy – Virginia Chapter is listed as a broad incumbent. Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Elizabeth River Project and Lynnhaven River Now.
Does Wetlands Watch have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wetlands Watch.
What industry is Wetlands Watch in?
Wetlands Watch's product category is Environmental Nonprofit Services / Wetlands Conservation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAK, Water Resources & Watershed Protection, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAB, Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8731.