Wetlands protect people by filtering water and providing flood protection, especially when the wetland is close to an urban area. The Lake Seldom wetland improves water quality in nearby Holdrege by capturing runoff and filtering out excess nutrients that could go directly into municipal water supplies. Holdrege gets a lot of rain, and the Lake Seldom wetland maintains the safety of the area by capturing runoff to prevent flooding.

Ducks Unlimited is working with the City of Holdrege and the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RBJV) to enhance the wetland and grasslands around it. The group wants to finish the restoration started by a coalition of conservation and community organizations, including Ducks Unlimited, who purchased the property and donated it to the city. Tri-Basin Natural Resource District manages the Lake Seldom Outdoor Recreation Area on behalf of the city. The area includes about 325 acres of wetlands and grasslands.

Project partners removed tile drainage; filled additional pits and drainage ditches; installed fence to allow for grazing management; and removed berms, excess sediment and invasive trees. Additionally, the RBJV purchased an adjoining homestead to add to the complex. Plans for the homestead renovation include property demolition and tree removal.

The property is open to the public for wildlife viewing and education. The land has both hiking and biking trails. Thanks to the partners who worked on the project, the Lake Seldom wetland has served the community and wildlife for two decades, and counting.

Additional partners included Nebraska Environmental Trust, U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game Parks Commission, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the North American Wetland Conservation Council, and numerous private individuals.