Water wonders

SANDY LONG

Posted 10/3/18

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Water wonders

TRR photos by Sandy Long

Guttation is the secretion of watery droplets from the tips of the leaves of plants that have vascular systems. The result can be quite beautiful to observe, as in the glistening pearls depicted on this strawberry plant.

Dew collects on spider webs creating artful outlines of the web’s delicate structure.

The mirroring aspect of water provides an opportunity to experience the natural landscape in evolving expressions. Here are two photos of the same landscape shot one day apart, but offering a very different visual sense. The light and color in both the moody scene and the vibrant one are amplified by the reflective quality of the water. With fall foliage season upon us, seize the opportunity to explore the changing colors and textures of autumn. Visit https://bit.ly/2OYUsnS to track the Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Report prepared by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.

Beyond their beauty, the waters of our region are intricately entwined with the well-being of countless humans, animals and plants. Acquaint yourself with the work of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, a collaboration among four states focused on protecting the rivers and streams that supply drinking water to 15 million people in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. Visit https://4states1source.org to learn more.

Posted Wednesday, October 3, 2018 9:38 am

SANDY LONG

When water is scarce, when wells run dry and rivers run low, we are reminded of the essential value of this irreplaceable natural resource. When water is overly abundant, as experienced in the Upper Delaware River region recently and over much of the summer, its effects—from flooding to saturated farm fields—can lead to despair and downright resentment.

In the spirit of celebrating some features of water that are gifts in other ways, I offer this invitation to reflect on the wonders of water that enrich our lives in both functional and artful aspects.