Special supporter event celebrated the great blue heron through poetry

On a wintry morning with temperatures below zero, 34 supporters gathered at FMR to celebrate herons through poetry.

I started working at FMR last fall, and I've loved getting to know this community of river supporters at events like this celebration. FMR members, SuperVolunteers and staff were treated to exclusive readings by renowned Minnesota poets Deborah Keenan, Michael Moos and FMR's Ellie Rogers, who all contributed to the poetry anthology "Broad Wings, Long Legs: A Rookery of Heron Poems." 

Reflecting on the anthology's beginnings and its connection to FMR, Ellie expressed our gratitude that the book's editor, James Silas Rogers, and contributors generously offered to donate proceeds to Friends of the Mississippi River because of our conservation work.

Ellie also read a poem inspired by the long, tangled roots of prairie grasses. FMR's Conservation team restores prairie at dozens of sites in the metro. Prairie grasses have roots taller than me that help reduce erosion and contribute to a healthier river. Her poem reminded me how all of nature is intertwined; plants, animals and humans need clean water, soil and air to thrive.

Before Michael Moos started reading, he exclaimed, "We love rivers, we love herons, we love poetry, and this is good!" That sentiment embodied the community in the room; we needed this small moment of comradery for the river we love. Moos' words sparked attendees, transporting us to warmer moments, watching great blue herons wade in flowing waters.

I looked at the crowd while poets read, and there were always a few folks sitting with their eyes closed. I could see them digesting the words and finding peace within others' thoughts. This was yet another moment when I understood the importance of the community FMR builds with our members, volunteers and River Guardians. 

If you pick up a copy of this anthology yourself, I recommend you take it outside to a heron rookery later this spring. As you watch the flight of herons go about their day, sit and meditate upon the words of others.

To help you find herons in the Twin Cities, FMR Senior Ecologist Laura Domyancich-Lee created an interactive map showing the locations of the two metro heron rookeries, heron "hotspots" and our FMR restoration sites. Migration season is just around the corner. This map will help you find some of the best areas to spot our spring arrivals. If you can’t wait that long, there are always birds to see here along the Mississippi flyway — some even just for the winter.

I want to leave you with one of my favorite readings from the morning, Morgan Grayce Willow’s "Blue Heron Cinquain":

Geekish.
Long-legged, long-
necked in flight. Foolish bird.
Squawking, as if I’d steal your nest. 
Relax. 

Join us at our next gathering

Throughout the year, FMR hosts free, invite-only appreciation and social events for our members and dedicated supporters.

If you want to be invited to events like this, become a member or renew today! If you have any questions, contact Member Relations Manager John Briel at jbriel@fmr.org or 651.477.0910.

Thank you to the poets and to SubText Books for selling copies of "Broad Wings, Long Legs: A Rookery of Heron Poems" and other river-related books during the event.