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.
The Prairie Ecologist 
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!