A Dragonfly, Walnuts, a Plethora of Insects
and a new video promoting Mahaska County Conservation!
It was a cool morning, and I found this dragonfly on the path. It seemed to be fine and was just waiting for the day to warm up a little.
In many cultures, dragonflies are seen as symbols of good luck. They are believed to bring positive energy and good fortune to those who see them. This belief likely stems from the dragonfly's connection to transformation, growth, and spiritual realms, as well as its graceful, swift flight and vibrant colors.
Walnuts are dropping. I presume these are black walnuts.
Native to Iowa, black walnuts are found throughout the state and make up about two out of every hundred trees in Iowa's forests. They are prized for their nuts, which have a distinctive taste and are often used in baked goods. Black walnuts are also a valuable timber tree due to their rich brown color, attractive grain, and woodworking quality.
Walnuts are a common feature of Iowa's forests, and the state is a leading producer of walnut lumber and veneer.
Busy, busy, busy at the beginning of the month!
Violet the Dog took some time to pose for me.
A bouquet in the parking lot. I wonder what its history is? Did a child pick it and drop it? Did someone pick it for someone else, who discarded it? Alas, we will never know.
I found this knife laying on the path. I thought about keeping it, but it didn’t seem right. So, I curated it on the post by the parking lot. I curate lots of lost items there—sunglasses, gloves, etc., but this was the first thing that I ever curated that was gone the next morning. I doubt it found its original owner, but it has a home.
Chris Clingan, Director of the Mahaska County Conservation Board and staff have created a wonderful new promotional video to celebrate Mahaska County Parks. The video begins at Cedar Bluffs, and Annie and I are in the first scene on the left! It was fun to be a part of it. Check it out. And if you ever want to join me on my morning walk, let me know!
Here are three of my favorite nature Substacks: My friend Larry Stone’s “Listening to the Land,” Diane Porter’s My Gaia, and Al Batt’s Al’s Substack. Please consider subscribing. All three will entertain, educate, and soothe your soul.
I’m a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Please sample the talents of my fellow collaborative members. If you can afford to be a paid subscriber, that would be great. If not, the vast majority of content is free.
This column will always be free, but if you can’t afford a subscription and would like to “buy me” a cup of coffee or lunch, my Venmo account is @Robert-Leonard-238. Thanks!
Feels like I am walking with you. . . .