Illusive Beauty.
Unplanted fields allow chemicals to leach into ditches feeding lakes and rivers. The cancellation of funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cover crop grant program would reverse years of progress cleaning these beautiful bodies of water.

Lone Survivor.
Increased land development alters the path that precipitation takes on land. By running rapidly into rivers, rather than being slowly absorbed into the land, floods occur. Manny plant species cannot survive prolonged flooding and drown.

The Rookery.
This land was once home to over 600 pairs of Blue Heron. Frequent flooding has resulted in the death of many trees. Soon no evidence will be left that this was once a forest, home to a thriving rookery.

Aftermath.
The slowly receding floodwaters of the Spring thaw leave behind the natural carnage of woodland detritus. Saturated soil weakens these forests making them vulnerable to storms as they dry out and recover.

Debris.
Powerful spring floods cover this area with water as deep as ten feet. The floods wash debris many miles downstream. When debris gets caught against tree trunks, the water pressure can snap the trees, wreaking havoc on the lowland forests.

Divided we Stand.
Joining two sides of the river, this bridge’s presence divides the valley ecology. Slated to be strengthened and widened, the redirection of federal infrastructure funding alters the way forward. Like the valley ecosystem, our divisions inhibit progress.

Reclamation.
Once the main highway across the valley. A century has passed since its closure, allowing nature’s roots and rains to slowly eat the asphalt, returning it to earth.

Neighbours.
The sale of federal land for development threatens to reduce the protection afforded to the Refuge.

Malt House 5.
Since 1847, Rahr Malt has existed within the valley, serving brewers across the nation and now the world.

Train Drops.
Feeding straight into the wetlands, toxic runoff from the railroad, moving food.

Spring Growth.
Warmer temperatures accelerate the growth of cyanobacteria algae blooms, fed by the excess phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients from fertilizer runoff.

Undercurrents of Hope.
Louisville swamp is home to two hundred and eighty-one species of birdlife. The health of this habitat and its inhabitants depend upon the quality of water entering through Sand Creek.