Rain gauges at the Sanctuary recorded 8.6 inches of rain in August, which is 10% lower than average. The cumulative effect of a below-normal rainy season on top of a dry winter and spring can be seen through lower-than-average water levels across the Sanctuary. Since October 2022, the cumulative amount of rainfall recorded at the Sanctuary is 27% lower than average, with our historical data going back to the early 1960s. We are hopeful for increased rainfall to refill the swamp prior to wading bird nesting and the spring wildfire season.