Sometimes we take for granted the things that are part of our daily life. I have grown up near, and lived around, the Mississippi River most of my life and such is the case. In fact, currently I live less than a half mile from it, albeit an industrial area. Being raised in St. Louis, a city that owes its growth to the river, I have showed little interest in taking the time to explore it. For years it possessed no natural beauty as far as I could see. Industrialization along its shores, bridges with the heavy flow of automobiles, and that great architectural symbol of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch that I have considered an eyesore (oh my is that sacrilegious?). As a nature photographer I scarcely gave the Mississippi any thought.

However, recently I have begun to look at this great waterway, which is so close to my roots, and see it in a different light. I have begun to venture beyond the commercialized river I have known. The state of Missouri has been restoring wetlands and even islands have become open to the public; wildlife is returning to the ecosystems along the river and things are changing. It is not the river know by Lewis and Clark nor Mark Twain but I am finding adventure in exploring this artery of North America.

Here are some images I have begun taking to capture the beauty of the Mississippi. It is my intention to continue to expand this gallery as I continue my exploration. I will also add a gallery (or more) to showcase the beauty of the surrounding wetlands as well. Stop in from time to time to see the updates.