The Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands at the University of Florida offers a unique integration of wetland science, engineering and policy. Founded by H.T. Odum in 1973, the Center builds on his pioneering vision of understanding and managing the interface between natural systems and human society. Odum’s work helped shape the fields of ecological engineering and ecological economics and laid the foundation for modern adaptive management.
Today, the Center remains a leader in advancing these ideas — promoting collaborative research, shaping policy and driving innovation in wetland conservation and resource management.
History
Established in 1973, the Center for Wetlands began as a research center focused on using wetlands for wastewater treatment, funded by NSF and the Rockefeller Foundation. Early work expanded rapidly to include wetland ecology, restoration, conservation and policy.
The Center played a leading role in developing natural systems approaches to wastewater treatment and in advancing the integration of human and environmental systems. This work helped shape Florida’s regulatory framework, contributing to the state’s 1987 recognition of wetlands as a viable, low-energy alternative to conventional treatment.
Since its founding, the Center has supported more than 300 students in wetland research, including over 150 graduate degrees, helping train generations of scientists and practitioners in wetlands science and management.
CFW Impact Across Scales
At UF
The CFW has played a central role in advancing interdisciplinary wetlands education at the University of Florida, helping launch graduate training programs, a Wetlands Certificate and an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Wetland Sciences. The CFW supports student learning through internships, coursework and the W3 Seminar Series, which has run continuously for over 50 years. The Center also hosts visiting scholars from around the world, enriching seminars and mentoring the next generation of wetland scientists and practitioners.
Florida
The CFW has led statewide research on wetlands for wastewater treatment, stormwater management and mined-land reclamation, while supporting professional training through development of courses on the Unified Mitigation Assessment Methodology (UMAM) and training practitioners in Florida’s standard approach to mitigation assessment. The Center also maintains a public library of theses, grey literature and publications.
Internationally
The CFW has led the Global Wetlands Consortium, connecting nine international wetland research centers to support collaborative research, student exchange and global symposia.
