July 2024 • Nebraskaland 33
devoid of life. However, when we got out of our vehicles
and started to explore the wetland on foot, we were quickly
drawn to the abundance of wildfl owers and pollinators on the
parched playa.
Bees and hoverfl ies fi lled the air with frantic buzzing as
they visited the light pink blooms of smartweed and vibrant
yellow sunfl owers that added color amongst the dry grasses
that carpeted the ground. The countless insects undoubtedly
provided the area's pheasants and other grassland birds with
a reliable food source that summer.
Take the time to appreciate wetlands even when they aren't
wet. It's a good reminder that even though dry conditions
present a number of challenges to people and wildlife, those
challenges have resulted in resilient ecosystems that are well
adapted to the dramatic weather of Nebraska.
Whether wet or dry, wetlands provide beauty and life.
N
For more information on the Wetlands of Nebraska project
visit NebraskaWetlands.com
Smartweed and sunfl owers bloom on a dry playa in southwestern Nebraska. While at fi rst glance dry wetlands might seem
like barren wastelands, closer inspection reveals a rich diversity of life.
A northern pintail drake performs a courtship display for a
nearby hen. In dry years, land managers will pump water
into select wetlands to ensure habitat is available for
migratory waterbirds.
