Yuma East Wetlands InspirationPhotographed: 2016 Location: Yuma, Arizona
Gila Mountains, East Wetlands, MonochromePhotographed: 2016 Location: Yuma, Arizona
Yuma Storm GlowPhotographed: 2016 Location: Yuma, Arizona
Sunrise, Yuma GatewayPhotographed: 2016 Location: Yuma, Arizona
East Wetlands SunriseEast Wetlands Sunrise Photographed: 2016 Location: East Wetlands, Colorado River, Yuma, Arizona I was visiting my Grandmother when she suggested we get up at 4 AM to visit the East Wetlands just inside the Yuma Gateway along the Colorado River. The reason for the early wake-up was to avoid the stifling Summer heat, which was even worse with monsoonal moisture and its associated humidity. Monsoonal weather makes for great light though, and the sunrise was truly amazing. It was incredible to be able to experience this wondrous light with my Grandmother, who can still walk and hike. This was a truly memorable morning for both of us. Must of the East Wetlands was decimated by agricultural runoff that caused much of the soil to be salinated and inhospitable to most of the native vegetation. A huge project to desalinate the soil and plant vegetation has resulted in a beautiful landscape that supports the Colorado River and its associated flora and fauna.