Elephants and tigers halfway across the world aren’t the only animals being poached. Read my most recent article, Deer Poaching in Wisconsin: Illegal Harvests in the Heartland at Media Milwaukee. All photographs taken by me as well.
I started working at Riveredge Nature Center in early October and I’m enjoying getting to know the landscape. Riveredge is comprised of 379 acres along the Milwaukee River, and is located in Newburg, Wisconsin. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Milwaukee.
I’m primarily a writer, but I use photographs as a companion to words. Sometimes pictures can more quickly communicate an experience than words are able to translate. Taking pictures has given me an excuse to go exploring the 10 miles of trails and find things to write about.
I’ve been trying to look at the place with new eyes, try to see things from perspectives other people may not, or from places I haven’t thought to look from.
I liked that this view was initially a little confounding to look at. The angles of the tree shadows, the grass through the water, the water now becoming solid instead of aqueous and taking on a different sheen.
I’ve been trying to capture the sense of topographical dynamism that I observe between the hills, ponds, immediate trees, skyline, and forest in the distance.
One thing I’ve realized – it’s pretty challenging to get pictures of birds. They just don’t stay still! I saw these hawks tussling above the prairie, and unfortunately I had the wrong lens to capture any of them individually. Ah well, we all learn (hopefully) new things, and I’m glad this is giving me an opportunity to practice new skills.
Here is a shot of the Milwaukee River in late October.
Americans are so bad at death. Once someone dies it’s like they end up in a time capsule that is never questioned or discussed. Here’s a poem remembering somebody’s unpredictable sense of humor that flourished regardless. Click the arrows to read the next lines.
Last winter I happened upon an artist painting the frozen Lake Michigan shore. I admired her method and introduced myself, asked if I could take a few pictures. The painter is Lynn Rix and I’m pleased that this chance interaction gradually led to her art show opening this Thursday evening at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center alongside fellow plein air painter Pamela Ruschman. I’m excited to see their work on the walls at Schlitz Audubon and you should come check it out too.
Complete gallery opening details here.
Here is another photo I posted last winter when I happened upon Lynn, taken at the same time.
I’m excited to get to know this new wheelchair accessible trail and boardwalk at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. This new trail network is the result of years of planning and now physical work on the land. It’s part of a plan that incorporates ponds to sequester stormwater, which currently exacerbates ravine erosion into Lake Michigan. These ponds will also create wetland habitat and additional learning and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. Learn more about the details here on the Schlitz Audubon website.
I took this picture on the new boardwalk path a couple weeks ago. This section should be completed before the snow flies!
Come on out to the Jazz Estate Monday, September 24 for some poetry, with your host Bryon Cherry. I’ll be reading alongside A.J. Binash, Sunshine Ramel Crayton, andMario the Poet. Complete details here.
Recent storms have allowed Schlitz Audubon staff to see a species not often observed on our land, the Prairie Crayfish (Procambarus gracilus). Read here about this interesting native wildlife species at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, often hiding in burrows just below our feet in the prairie.
