Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Nature Walk

"Marsh is not swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky." — Delia Owens

Our theme for this August nature walk is “liminal spaces”. The wetlands at Chichaqua Bottoms are quite literally a liminal space — suspended between water and land.

As we near the end of summer and gather in this beautiful in-between place, we’ll take time to appreciate the stillness and pause between seasons.

Meeting point: South end of the Chichaqua Bottoms Longhouse parking lot (farthest from the Longhouse building).

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is located at 8700 NE 126th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161.

From the parking lot, we'll walk along the road for a short stretch, then continue along the wetlands and woodlands approximately 1½ miles — near the Wildlife Management Area.

Along the way, we will have time for conversation, reflection, and quiet. We’ll look for plants and bird species (waterfowl, if we’re lucky!) and connect more deeply with the ancient land we call home. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about plants and birds, and to practice the spiritual aspects of nature — a wonderful mindfulness practice.

Please RSVP here if you plan to attend!

This nature walk is co-led by the Centering Nature Leadership Team from First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and is funded by the REACH program (Radical Engagement And Creative Happenings) through the church.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Please do not attend if you’re feeling unwell.