Tag: Nature

Wading Through Murky Waters to Rescue the Fish

Making a path through debris in the river for the trout to spawn upstream

A man in waders clearing debris from a river.

Ben assessing the debris in the river. photo by Lynne Collier

One of the responsibilities we’ve taken on here at the Shire is to care for the river, making sure it runs clean and clear of debris. Partly because we have two varieties of trout who swim up our section of this river to spawn.

Each spring, and often after a storm, we survey the health of the river to see what needs doing and then decide who’s doing what. As my husband and I are getting a bit older (ahem), our son now has the task of donning waders and jumping into the murky water.

We all used to do this and I actually quite enjoyed it. I searched for a long straight branch that had fallen to help unplug the twigs and leaves that had swept downstream in the spring thaw or a summer thunderstorm.

I couldn’t find waders in my size, so I wore rubber boots (affectionately known as wellies from my childhood in England) or waterproof sandals. Now, I’m delegated to a lookout and emergency contact riverbank supervisor.

I couldn’t find a long straight stick this year, so my husband duck-taped a paint roller head onto a broom handle. I can break up a pile of debris from seven feet away!

Our son is the one who now wades waist-deep in the water and throws large tree trunks onto the riverbank.

A man clearing tree limbs from a river.
Ben tossing the fallen trees. Photo by Lynne Collier

The reward for all his effort is my squeals of joy as we see the first fish swim successfully up the river. It’s such a good feeling to be able to help nature continue to thrive here.

We have two types of trout in our river. Brook Trout and the occasional Rainbow Trout. They journey north through our woodland river from Lake Ontario to spawn in spring and some will come again in late autumn. That’s why we need to clear the river diligently twice each year.

It’s so worth the sight!

’Til next time — thank you for reading, and remember you are loved by the One who created you in His image.

~ Lynne 💜

*This story was originally published in Weeds & Wildflowers on Medium.

Morning in the Garden

Free verse poem

I live in a rural area in Ontario where the autumn weather is much like that of my childhood years in England, damp and often dismal. I have a long driveway leading to the main road where I can see for about half a mile in either direction and sound carries on still mornings.

The Morning Mist by Ray Majoran in Compassion Gallery — used by permission

(100% of profits from Compassion Gallery goes to charities around the world. I’m not an affiliate, just an admirer of beautiful photography)

Morning in the Garden

Air hangs grey and heavy in the early mist

like a cloud of damp smoke

Cold droplets soak my skin and chill my bones

It’s a dismal morning in the garden

Only tap-tap-tapping on the old weathered oak

penetrates the thick air

a vague memory of a poem from long ago

pulling my thoughts down to the soaked earth

Like intertwined ribbons through the trees

bands of gold and orange begin to float effortlessly

chasing the grey over the hill out of sight

heaviness dissipates and warmth melts the cold inside

School children call to each other down the road

Blue Jay and Robin search for a tasty snack

while chipmunks and squirrels echo the chatter of the children

It’s a good morning in the garden after all.

‘Til next time–I hope your walks in nature are always pleasant.

Blessings,

Lynne