A Kansas Wetlands Sketchbook

The wetlands provide habitat and plays a major role in the survival of both common and endangered birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants.  The wetlands are also places of rest for hundreds of ducks, geese, and other wildlife species.  There is a certain spiritual quality to the wetlands.  The land is constantly changing – at times the land can make itself almost inaccessible to most people, yet it is abundantly available to wildlife.  It can be a hardy place and fragile at the same time. Its value is often understated and it is seen by many as wasteland: others view the land as an oppoutunity for growth and wealth.

The land lends itself well to watercolor and sketches in pencil and ink.

Follow the seasons and see and experience a wild range of wildlife. These images represent spring and summer in the Kansas Wetlands.

The Baker Wetlands or the Haskell Wetlands - Whatever you call it, its a several mile stretch along the Wakarusa River that drains into the river. Traveling along the river one can see highways and homes and fields of crops. Most of the native wetland are gone, but there is still lots to see and appreciate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images copyright by Mitch Battese, 2009

 

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