Getting Out

Clean And Clear Catawba, by Alice Battle – June 12, 2012
The outdoors offers so much to those who venture out.  Earlier blogs have highlighted the generosity of people who put their lands in conservancy.  Their love of the land does not stop there.  Sharing the land with others continues to educate the public as to the value of the gift.

Each year Kay Killian offers to the Mountain Island Covekeepers and the Mountain Island Marine Commission a chance to walk the conserved land.  This year the hike took place on April 14^th. 

It was an ideal day.  The weather was sunny, the air was cool and the leaves were not completely out plus the insects were not out in full force.  This allowed a view of the landscape.  Wild azaleas were blooming.

The hikers were treated to the sight of a beaver dam and the pond it created.  Along the edge of the pond were examples of the power of the beaver’s teeth.  The children took home log samples of downed trees.

Sharp eyes picked out an Eastern ribbon snake in the leafy floor of the woods.  Hikers were able to examine the snake closely while it was being held.

And then there is the Catawba River.  In this area it runs through an uninhabited landscape.  The water is so clear and free flowing.  It is hard not to admire the beauty of the River.  Everyone should spend time out in nature.

About Alice Battle – Alice lives on Mountain Island Lake has served on numerous groups devoted to protecting the lake, including the Duke Energy Relicensing stakeholders group. She currently is Lakekeeper for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.