We have always taken the Cheyenne Bottoms for granted. Most people know about it, but very few except hunters and birders spend very much time out there. We all know of its importance as a major wetland and resting place for migrating birds, but most of us don’t have the time or compelling interest to make driving through the Bottoms a priority.

We know it is well-managed and vitally important to a few people and a bunch of birds. It’s somewhat like living in the mountains and after you see them every day they lose some glitter. I think we had grown complacent about the true value and beauty of the Cheyenne Bottoms. I know this solar panel threat certainly woke me up with a vengeance. 

I hunted the Bottoms in the ’70s and ’80s, driving here from Kansas City. When Sandra and I moved here in 1990, I was smitten and consumed with this marsh. When Eric Geising and I started “Marsh Musings” 11 or 12 years ago, we had no idea that it might grow legs and continue to this day. 

I will always be grateful to Dale Hogg for supporting this little column. I am grateful for every opportunity to visit with these folks that keep up with the “Musings.” They are interested and interesting to communicate with. They have given me clues, corrected some misconceptions, and helped me stay on track to write about things that define who we are.

I tend to concentrate on wildlife and our kids. We are infinitely obligated to protect both of them or we become much less as parents and people. There aren’t many venues that can celebrate both wildlife and children in one column, but I can do that every day and be grateful for the opportunity. That “gift” just seemed to happen without any agenda or plan. Thanks to everyone that has supported this effort and read this little column. You are awesome!

I have over 40,000 pictures of our kids, our lives, our wildlife and our families on my computer. I have a few favorites which you have seen probably ad nauseum. I was thinking about sticking some of them in this edition but decided to go out and get new ones to celebrate the new water and energy developing as bird seasons arrive. Always know the beauty and value of our marsh. We will protect it to the death.

Thanks for your support. Go take your own pictures and carry them with you to show everyone how good it really is. Share all the goodness you can! Don’t ever again be complacent about the Cheyenne Bottoms!

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.