These photos were taken along Dunkard Creek, a waterway that has fought to reclaim life after one of the worst ecological disasters in the region’s history. Once devastated by industrial pollution, the creek is slowly healing, and wildlife like this green heron has returned, a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

Yet, the last image tells a different story. A discarded soda can sits in the water—a stark reminder that human impact still threatens this fragile ecosystem. While nature fights to recover, it is up to us to protect it. Every piece of litter, every act of pollution, adds to the burden this creek has already endured. These images are more than just portraits of wildlife; they are a call to action. We must cherish and safeguard the natural world before it is too late.