Another photo from the archives this week – June, 1996, in fact. These cottonwood leaves were lying on the sandy bank of a small stream at The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve. A cluster of leaves had fallen from a nearby tree and were just starting to dry out and lose their color. There was something about the pattern of textures and colors that I really liked.

Cottonwood leaves at The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve, Nebraska.
Fun Fact: this is the only photo of mine that is hanging in our house.
Like this:
Like Loading...
About Chris Helzer
Chris Helzer is an ecologist and Eastern Nebraska Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. He supervises the management and restoration of approximately 4,000 acres of land in central and eastern Nebraska - primarily along the central Platte River.
Chris is also the author of "The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States", published by the University of Iowa Press.
I was just thinking that would be a great pic on my wall. :)
The Platte River Prairies have cottonwood trees. Bald eagles will perch on them, in search of surfacing fish and waterfowl weak from waterfowl cholera.
beautiful shot – I can see why it’s hanging in your house! We have cottonwoods in our backyard (bad suburban planning move of the 70s). The leaves never look this lovely. :)
Cottonwoods rock for many reasons. Beauty, sound, usefulness. But that is a very very nice pic. May I steal it for my desktop?
Thanks, I’m glad you like the photo. Sure, you’re welcome to use it on your desktop. Enjoy!