Every picture I post this week and next will be from the area of the Wakarusa Wetlands that will be obliterated by the SLT. I have hundreds of pictures of hundreds of species who will be displaced and/or killed by greed and indifference.
This will be gone.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
https://www.facebook.com/wetlandspreservationorganization
Sedge wren at the Wakarusa Wetlands whose habitat is about to be destroyed by the SLT. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
There are many caring people trying to save this sacred space. Don’t give up! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I haven’t been to the Wakarusa Wetlands in about a month. At this time of year, that means a lot of change. I got out there a little late this morning to stay long (just too hot), but I did manage to see some young ones–a bunny, tree swallow, robin, and a yellow-crowned night heron! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I saw a Virginia rail at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning. They are not really uncommon around here during migration, but I’ve never seen one, so it was quite a treat. I got to watch her for a while! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I ventured out to the Wakarusa Wetlands yesterday morning and took in the cold rain/sleet/snow and wind. All I could think about was how privileged I am to get to warm up. Geese were diligently incubating while their partners guarded nearby; the coyotes seemed to be everywhere looking for a meal; new arrivals like the yellow-throated warbler, Baltimore oriole, and indigo bunting stayed deep within the brush. I could make out their colors as I walked by. I didn’t stay long as I felt my presence there was just one more thing they all had to worry about when conserving energy was so very important. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I think these two might have their eyes on this space for nesting. I wouldn’t mind seeing some fuzzy little goslings. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
There will be a wetlands solidarity march on the University of Kansas campus Monday, April 14 at 11:15 AM. For more info, visit the Facebook page and wetlands history.
Stop this.
© Chris Taylor
Save this.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I recently wrote to all of the Lawrence City Commission Candidates and asked them where they stand on the destruction of the Wakarusa Wetlands and if they would support KU returning the land it owns to Haskell. This is a brief overview of where the candidates stand on this issue. Only Scott Criqui and Leslie Soden where direct in their answers and overwhelmingly supportive of doing whatever we can to save this sacred space.
Mike Amyx never answered my question regarding whether or not he would support the return of land from KU to Haskell. He did make it clear that he is an “advocate for the SLT in its present alignment.”
Rob Chestnut believes the SLT is greatly needed and its absence is a safety issue for people.
Scott Criqui said he lobbied for the 42nd street route during the 90s. He supports KU returning its 20 acres to Haskell.
Jeremy Farmer believes the biggest problem with all of this is that folks at “Haskell were more miffed at the way this was handled, than actually losing the land itself.” He also said, if he could, he would “sit down with folks from Haskell and see what they could live with and what they couldn’t live without and then go from there.” He did not answer my question regarding KU returning the land to Haskell.
Terry Riordan did not respond to any of my questions.
Leslie Soden said she is not in favor of the destruction of the wetlands and would support KU returning its land to Haskell.
© Chris Taylor
I wrote to the city commission candidates with the following:
“Please advise your position regarding the destruction of the Wakarusa Wetlands to build the SLT and whether or not you support the return of land from KU to Haskell that could potentially save the wetlands.”
While I do not know how much power the commission has to do anything to pressure KU, I do know that where candidates stand on this issue informs where they will stand on a diversity of issues. I will post responses as I receive them.
© Chris Taylor
Please support the Wetlands Preservation Organization.