This Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is not hanging out in the desert, though it may look like that from this photo. Much of the region is running a strong rainfall deficit from the past few months with many areas abnormally dry and some in the midst of moderate drought. This combined with higher than average temperatures and aggressive destruction of vegetation in areas around ponds like this one (I promise there is a pond out of sight in this photo with actual water) can make what was a favorable area for insects and thus birds and other wildlife far less attractive and beneficial. Water is life, and it should have life around it. Cutting areas surrounding waterways down to a mowed lawn, letting pesticides, nitrogen, and phosphorus and more run into them, helping introduce invasive non-native plants and animals…the list goes on and on. If we do not care for our water sources and the animals that depend on them how are we supposed to survive? This is why we at RTPI work to protect and care for the Chadakoin River to Lake Erie to the Long Island Sound and significant waterways around the world. Water is our life, too.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
