I’ve been (pleasantly) buried in data analysis over the last couple weeks. Despite that, I’ve managed to squeeze in a few short photography excursions into the snowy prairie. The mild forecast for the next week or two makes me glad I took advantage of the opportunity. Here are a few miscellaneous photos from those trips.
Suspended ice above a partially frozen wetland. The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies.Aerial drone photo of the same restored stream and wetland shown in the above close-up image. If you look closely, you might see some waterfowl at the very top left. See more on next image…One of the reasons we have put so much energy into restoring this wetland from a former gravel mine-created sandpit lake is the strong groundwater influence. That groundwater flow helps keep the surface open in the winter, and at least 70 mallards were using that open water on this particular day.Snow and frost on prairie grasses. Helzer family prairie.Rabbit tracks near sundown in the hills at the Platte River Prairies. This was right after I spooked up a big jack rabbit, but these are cottontail tracks.
By the way, it’s about time for my annual collection of “best photos of the year”. If you’ve got any nominations, let me know! I’ve got it narrowed down to about 100 images so far…
Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to write prairie limericks! Including them all here would have created a monstrously long post, so I just chose some of my favorites. I’d encourage everyone to go read the others in the comments section of my initial limerick post. There are some very talented and creative writers following this blog!! I’m very impressed and humbled.
Ah, the splendor and intricacy of the limerick… the perfect vehicle with which to espouse the wonders of prairies. Or to make fun of prairie ecologists. Or both! I hope you enjoy these spectacular examples of prairie limericks as much as I did. If you didn’t have time to contribute this time around, save them – I’ll try to remember to do this again next year. (Remind me if I forget!)
My prairie friend, Chris, is a meanie. He hates trees from his toes to his beanie. But trees have their place in earth’s greater space If you hate ‘em you’re just a weenie!
Sandy Benson
With bluestem so bushy and bold, and Indian grass turning gold, the prairie’s rich treasure provides far more pleasure than goods that are purchased or sold.
Linda Leinen
There’s this Helzer guy named Chris known as The Prairie Ecologist. He teaches us much about prairies and such, so his blogs should never be missed!
Chris Muldoon
I wish I had a prairie With its own prairie fairy She’d lay down free seeds And magic the weeds Making management so much less hairy
Inger Lamb
Those cows that are happily grazing, Purport to do something amazing! More carbon in soil, And yet I recoil When methane so loudly is blazing!
Jon Fisher
Whether grazing with bison or cattle, One’s decision can cause a pitched battle. But in prairies today, Both grow fat on good hay, And will rarely be felled by atlatl.
Karen de Boer
When grasses start whispering poems, their stories at last will be known. They gather together through fair and rough weather — the bluestem, the muhly, the brome.
The Prairie Ecologist 