Ripples from the Dunes
January 20, 2002

I am the forest. I am the meadow. I am the river. I have been oft visited by the wandering, curious naturalist.

The nature of habitats, the critters of habitats and the lives of the critters are often spoken of in the writings found in the field notebook of the wanderer.

I am a student. I am a teacher. I am a naturalist. I am RIPPLES FROM THE DUNES. My stories number over 1,400 - weekly since 1974. I have a first and last name. "Ripples" are stories - tales about a place and of things usually found or happening at that place. My last name is that place - the "Dunes" - Woodland Dunes Nature Center.

I am found in the lakeshore area of Manitowoc County - in east central Wisconsin. The "center" property touches two cities - Two Rivers and Manitowoc. I enjoy sharing with readers from coast to coast - thank you technology.

Numerous people have written my articles. In times past, the byline A.G. Olius was used. That pen name is part of the scientific name of the saw-whet owl and, in a way, sounds like "all-of-us". All articles were reviewed by the curious naturalist. Most (95%) were written by the curious naturalist herself - and they, by her insistence, were also reviewed.

Accuracy was most important, along with interest, education and entertainment.

Seasons come and go - so do the birds, leaves and the insects. So do curious naturalists.

Keep growing forest. Keep blooming meadow. Keep flowing river. The educational efforts of Winnie Smith to share with others, this love of nature, will always be a part of Woodland Dunes.