JOURNAL
The Wading Journal is where we share poems, conservation news, and activity information - all with a theme of connection with wading and paddling waters (rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and more) and the living things that share them with us.
Duck Stamps and Bluebills
In late June the US Postal Service started selling 2021 “duck stamps.” Duck stamps – officially, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps – were first issued in 1934 for the purpose of protecting wetlands that are the habitat of migratory waterfowl. Hunters are required to buy a stamp to hunt ducks, geese, and other…
Wading into the Conservation 30-30 Plan
Over the past few months the new administration has started to spell out its promised conservation plan. First, with President Biden’s Executive Order 14008 and then with last week’s release of the more detailed Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report. The plan embodied in these releases has been labeled “30-30” because of the goal…
Return to Cheyenne Bottoms
For those of you who grew up waterfowl hunting in Kansas, the map above this article should bring a nostalgic smile. It is a map of Cheyenne Bottoms – one of the most spectacular wetlands in the United States. Covering 64 square miles (over 40,000 acres) it’s the largest wetland in the interior US, and…
Wading Safely in the Duck Marsh
There are many articles discussing how to wade safely while fly fishing in swift water. There are warnings about wearing waders in a boat. And everyone should know about the importance of a “wading belt” (one comes with about every pair of waders). But there are some unique hazards you may encounter when wading a…
Trout in the Parks
March 1 rarely feels like “spring” in the Midwest. But in Missouri, the opening of the trout parks is a welcome end to winter. These parks offer clear flowing spring water, easily catchable fish, and camping, trails, and other facilities to make the trip enjoyable for fishers and non-fishers alike. Yes, the parks can be…
Moonstruck
Today is the first day of the lunar year and an important holiday to Asians throughout the world. It’s easy to understand why this is a special holiday – the moon’s 28 day cycle offers a steady measure of the passage of seasons. Anyone who likes to be outdoors, especially early or late in the day,…
There is No Place Like Home
We eagerly anticipate a new year ahead, but in February time on the water – wading, paddling, fishing – seems very far away. February is a good time for thinking and planning. Here is something to ponder: If you don’t have a place that you feel in your heart is your “home water” – it’s…
Spirit of Place: Great Blue Heron
By William Stafford Out of their loneliness for each othertwo reeds, or maybe two shadows, lurchforward and become suddenly a lifelifted from dawn or the rain. It isthe wilderness come back again, a lagoonwith our city reflected in its eye.We live by faith in such presences. It is a test for us, that thinbut real, undulating…
Waiting Heron – A Haiku
Patiently wading The heron waits for the time To step into flight.
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