Mark River: The Rebirth
it must be protected by ALL of us ~ because we are ALL connected
The Rebirth
Mark River Peoples
The wintering days are over. The waters of the Lower Mississippi River have started to recede after a much-needed flood stage rise. The oxbow lakes connected to the River have been replenished and are now providing excellent habitat for spawning fish and breeding waterfowl. Now the lakes slowly empty crystal clear water back into the Mississippi River -- waters that have been filtered and diluted by the flooded estuaries, wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests. It's the River's way of cleaning and rejuvenating itself.
The cleaned, manicured beaches are exposed along with reshuffled gravel and fossil beds lined with treasures from millions of years ago. Hardwood forests are swept clean of leaves and deadfall, opening up the forest floor for new flora and fauna to thrive. Beautiful willow and cottonwood groves with sandy bottoms make for ideal campsites. Plenty of seasoned driftwood litter the sand, makes for a perfect overnight or a long daytrip. New blue holes have been created, but are quickly turning into algae ponds full of fish, then eventually into feeding holes for scavengers after days of sun exposure and depletion of oxygen. The time is now to be on the River because conditions are changing daily as she dries out from the flooded waters. It's like what fire does to forest floors causing a rebirth of all life forms.
Recently, as we paddled a group of students from the Urban School of San Fransisco, and on another trip with a group of Boy Scouts from Tupelo (Troop #12), at flood stage through a flooded island along the Mississippi River, we found secret channels through the woods. One of these featured an exposed sandy bluff loaded with mulberry trees with some of the sweetest berries I've ever tasted in the wild. The boys piggy backed on top of each other to reach the highest branches. We set up lunch in the shade, while some kids swam and others raided the mulberry tree. The chaperones took refuge in the shade and discussed the logistics for the next day. Because of the high water, we stayed at the Mississippi River State Park and paddled the flooded forests through churning muddy flood waters near Helena, AR. The park was beautiful. Families fished the chutes off the main lake catching various species of panfish. One group that stuck out was a family with grandpa, momma, siblings, and grandchildren. Other gròups were enjoying the swimming beach, with kayaks and paddle boards available to rent. (Note: bicycles are available at visitor's center). Fathers and chaperones bonded with the kids, teaching them basic survival skills. It is awesome to have this public resource near the river.
The river has dropped 20ft. since then (Crested at 46 in April. Now bottoming out around 26 on the Helena Gage). The songbirds are gorging themselves on insect nymphs and larvae, baitfish are eating tiny crustaceans and mosquito larvae. Meanwhile, out of clean sandbars, the male least terns are practicing fishing skills, waiting on the females to arrive. Eagles and osprey with offspring in their nests are fishing the bounty of the alluvial flood plain covered in water. Mississippi Kites have arrived from Central and South America and are feasting on dragonflies. Turtles are climbing up sandy bluffs to lay eggs, while the raccoons, weasels, skunks, coyotes, bobcats and snakes are raiding their batch. Nature has its way of keeping the populations in balance, with most eggs becoming fuel for nursing mammals, and some hatching, surviving to adulthood. The trees are bursting with greenery, having weeks of water on their roots, full of songbirds like warblers, indigo buntings, and kingbirds building nests, singing, and mating.
The River's health is very important to me and all walks of life. It creates life itself and is always re-healing and moving forward -- the latter being my daily goal. It does something to my mind and soul that you can't buy or barter. Every time I'm out there it gives me invaluable time for refocus, recharge, repurpose, and realignment. It provides over 20 million people with water. It doesn't care what political party you are with. It's an epic iconic waterway providing exploration, recreation, creativity, and economic growth for our country. It must be protected by ALL of us because we are ALL connected.
-Mark River
About Mark River: Mark River Peoples grew up hunting and fishing along the river with his father near St. Louis, MO. After attending Central Missouri State University, and becoming defensive back with the New York Giants, Mark left a career in professional football for the river. Mark is a writer for the Lower Mississippi River Dispatch and shares his intimate & nature-filled musings about river life in presentations and online platforms. When not on the water, Mark mentors Mississippi Delta youth and educates them on the importance of the protection and preservation of our national treasure for generations to come. He himself is a tributary to his community, like the stream is to the big river. Mark works hard on changing the perception of our great River and its tributaries. Through river trips, cleanups, and workshops, Mark’s goal is overall systemic health of the Mississippi River.
Lower Mississippi River Dispatch No. 976 "Voice of the Lower Mississippi River" ~ Quapaw Canoe Company ~ Celebrating 27 Years of Service ~ ~Custom Guiding & Outfitting on the Lower Mississippi River~ ~ Winner of the SBA 2024 Small Business of the Year Award ~
Beautiful
Nice work, River! Makes me want to get back out on the Big River!