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Internship at Audubon 2005: Taldi Walter

Nearly a dozen of us slid down a mud-faced incline at Benny Craig Park, making for a most graceful entrance into our fleet of canoes on Fourche Creek. With mud clumped boots we began our adventure in one of the largest urban watersheds in the nation. As we moved down the creek it became evident that Fourche Creek boasts greater species diversity then one would imagine in such an urban setting. It was amazing how within minutes of being on the river I was consumed by the size of the Bald Cypress and Tupelo, and captivated by the voices of Yellow Throated Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Red Shouldered Hawks. I was honestly surprised by the discovery of such solitude within the city of Little Rock. However, as we continued to maneuver around debris dams adorned with an appalling amount of floatable trash (most of which was recyclable), I was reminded that this intimate natural experience was just minutes from the city.

As the sights and sounds of Interstate 30 dominated my awareness I knew that our recreational, yet educational tour of Fourche Creek was coming to an end. Upon disembarking from the canoes at Interstate Park, I found myself pleasantly surprised to have found this natural treasure in the heart of Little Rock. However, I also found myself concerned about the impact that the city and its residents were having on this delicate ecosystem. I was motivated to share my experiences and the secrets of Fourche Creek with others in an attempt to bring awareness of the impact our daily routines have on the Fourche Creek watershed. For with the benefits of having such a magnificent stretch of wildlands within the city, there are responsibilities that accompany the recreational, economic and ecological benefits associated with Fourche Creek.