Changing Water Level on the Myakka River

The changing water level on the Myakka River is amazing. We wanted to take a moment to share with you the impressive and frightening amount of water that accumulated on the Crowley Museum & Nature Center’s east side bordering the Myakka River following Hurricane Ian.

Standing next to these trees is our Mr. Eric. With his work boots on he is 6’2”. Can you see the line where the trees and their branches are darker, stained by tannins and soil? This was the high water mark!

Over 8’ of rushing water full of debris both natural and man made and animals dead and alive. The sheer power of this frightening yet natural occurrence took down structures, fences, gates and massive trees hundreds of years old. Yet here, on the marsh these ash trees live! They along with grasses, herbaceous and other woody plants. Insects buzz and whir, birds circle and little creatures scurry along gathering food and repairing/rebuilding their lives. Nature can heal herself. Nature will. No matter what punches we throw with irresponsible rapid development, and other greed based exploitation, nature will have and should have the last word. This environment is naturally made to hold and filter water. It is made to survive and thrive with fire. When we fill our natural areas with asphalt and concrete, buildings and chemicals, when we try to arrest its natural capabilities Nature WILL remind us of her ability to wash, blow or burn it away.

This is why conserving lands like CMNC is so important. Conserved lands allow a place for Nature to cycle her processes, naturally. The proof of an ability to recover is in the vibrant green leaves of new growth on the oak, maple, ash & hickory. On the delicate blooms of the asters that show their sunny faces this time of year. On the wings of the vultures doing clean up and those of bees returning to their important tasks of pollination. Though cleanup continues, daily we are awe inspired by the power and resiliency of all things natural. We will recover too because through it all we understand the need to exist harmoniously with nature. We understand and learn when nature teaches us lessons. What did Hurricane Ian teach you?