The limbs of the pear trees became heavily laden with fruit earlier than normal this year. Sagging limbs to the point of breaking doesn’t usually occur until late August, but alas, things were different this summer. The cotton plant also bloomed early, to the point where cracked bolls were observed in late July, a full two weeks earlier than most growing seasons. Corn harvest is in full swing, soybeans are maturing at a rate where the delta will soon be a shimmering sea of amber and cotton is right on their heels battling to take the show of splendor. Though these are tell-tale signs that signify fall is approaching these signs are also a reminder that once again it is time for me to settle in my study several hours a week to bring to you stories and interesting facts from our natural world. So sit back and relax in your dens and by your firesides through fall and winter for our column “Outdoors in the Sun” is back. I hope you enjoy.
For many years I have focused much of my writing on bringing to you experiences and trivia from our local swamps, hardwood bottoms, and pine ridges. Though I will continue to do so, I have come to realize there is much more to our outdoor being than just mallards, bucks, and lotus flowers. Don’t get me wrong, the gobble of the wild turkey, the crack of a twig from a wary buck, and the aroma of ripening wild plums still defines me and my inner soul for the love of the outdoors. However there is much more to our wild planet than just what we experience due to convenience. In the past I have touched on our Native American history. The true wilderness before “civilized man” touched it with our damaging hand has never been experienced by any of us. The flint point that we pick up from time to time holds within it the history of mankind. The mountain man explored this country and witnessed sights and sounds that we can’t even begin to imagine. Vast and wild, would only be a start in the description of what once was. Still, there is much more.
I became totally captivated by the series “Planet Earth” this year. Though released years ago, I don’t think I really grasped the significance of what the narrator, David Attenborough, is attempting to convey. Maybe I was more in tune with the beauty of what the film was featuring and not listening to the message. Regardless, our being and our future are dependent upon what he is revealing to us. This is why I am expanding our horizons to encompass more than just local flora and fauna as I have to a large degree in my past articles. The glacier, the starfish, and jungles of the Amazon all play an important role for the future of our planet. We’ll explore, through print, an array of topics.
Nature represents a vast source of excitement within us. The natural beauty of a snow-capped peak, the migration upstream by the salmon, and the mentoring of a mama polar bear to her three cubs are just a few examples of sources of intriguing and stimulating thought. What moments in nature have you experienced that stand out and come back to you over and over to contemplate? If you can’t think of any I invite you to leave your comfort zone of modern day living and expand your horizons as well.
Our natural world and planet becomes ever more fragile each day and whether we want to admit it or not, our existence and those generations to follow will greatly depend on what we do or don’t do to protect it. With an exponentially expanding world-wide human population, the challenge to protect what serves us will ultimately become increasingly difficult and possibly impossible. Though there are many groups doing marvelous work in regard to nature conservancy, we are steadily losing ground. Be assured, I am not pointing fingers, as I am as much to blame as anyone, for I too take our natural world for granted many times and don’t do as much as I can to ensure her future. Maybe my writings are a reminder to me to make sure I do my part as well.
I told you from the beginning that we would look at other facets of our outdoor world. I also realize that our outdoor and hunting heritage is the basis for protecting what we hold so dear. I am ready for those campfires when we stand around watching the embers glow. The seasoned jackets that we wear will only add to the experience. The crackling of seasoned oak sometimes takes center-stage and this is all-fitting for most of the time the un-spoken word is the most profound. A wonderful time of year is almost upon us. I encourage you to enjoy every day in the field and share the experience with your friends. Think of those that shared the duck blind and the dove field with you that may not be with us. Grab a handful of rich alluvial soil and think about what this media brings to our being. Above all be thankful for our outdoor heritage and enjoy what God has blessed us with. It will be a great season, I assure you.
Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
