WADING 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

By Bob Marsh | July 8, 2021

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…

Wading into the Conservation 30-30 Plan

By Bob Marsh | May 17, 2021

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…

Return to Cheyenne Bottoms

By Bob Marsh | February 22, 2021

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…

Wading Safely in the Duck Marsh

By Bob Marsh | February 22, 2021

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…

Trout in the Parks

By Bob Marsh | February 15, 2021

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…

Moonstruck

By Bob Marsh | February 12, 2021

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…

There is No Place Like Home

By Bob Marsh | February 10, 2021

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…

Spirit of Place: Great Blue Heron

By G.B. Heron | April 20, 2020

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…

Waiting Heron – A Haiku

By Bob Marsh | April 15, 2020

Patiently wading The heron waits for the time To step into flight.