Please add "Dan's Substack" to your outdoor reading. Dan Cohen is the former director at Buchanan Co Conservation Bd, a brilliant writer & photographer. His most recent post is about threats facing the Boundary Waters.
And you remind me I need to revisit Neal Smith too!
Thank you for the Neal Smith images. One particularly challenging year in my life when I was desperate for a fresh perspective, I decided to drive 4 hours round trip once a month for an entire year to walk and watch the transition. It was just what I needed, heartbreaking that the visitor center is now possibly permanently closed.
Is the Nature Center at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge still closed? I was so sorry to hear it was damaged. I used to love taking my kids there, and the little gift shop had a wonderful selection of wildflower guides.
Still closed. It's been that way, what, two or three years? It was a great nature center 20 years ago, and it slowly started needing repairs, new carpet, etc. Then it was damaged in a storm. I fear that the Federal Government will sell it off. You know, there are Iowa legislators who would love to see that happen.
Glad to see you and Violet are back out and about, although still coping with your family's loss.
Please add "Dan's Substack" to your outdoor reading. Dan Cohen is the former director at Buchanan Co Conservation Bd, a brilliant writer & photographer. His most recent post is about threats facing the Boundary Waters.
And you remind me I need to revisit Neal Smith too!
I'll check it out!
I’ve been wondering about you and Violet’s wandering. Good to see you have returned to the woods.
Thank you for the Neal Smith images. One particularly challenging year in my life when I was desperate for a fresh perspective, I decided to drive 4 hours round trip once a month for an entire year to walk and watch the transition. It was just what I needed, heartbreaking that the visitor center is now possibly permanently closed.
Do take care. Walks with Violet are obviously a good thing.
Is the Nature Center at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge still closed? I was so sorry to hear it was damaged. I used to love taking my kids there, and the little gift shop had a wonderful selection of wildflower guides.
Still closed. It's been that way, what, two or three years? It was a great nature center 20 years ago, and it slowly started needing repairs, new carpet, etc. Then it was damaged in a storm. I fear that the Federal Government will sell it off. You know, there are Iowa legislators who would love to see that happen.
I haven't been there for years. I think since 2022 or so. I used to go out there a few times a year with my kids. So sad.
Glad you are back on the trail.
Sounds like another victim of government efficiency, lower taxes and prioritizing social Darwinism.