Sipsey Soul
The name Sipsey Wilder is inspired by the wild and diverse wonder that is the Sipsey River or "Sipsey River Swamp" located in west Alabama. This fascinating river is one of the last free flowing swamp streams in the state and is considered one of Alabama's Ten Natural Wonders.
I was first taken to this incredible place by an ecologist friend who works there studying the river's rich diversity of mussel species. The variety and prosperity of the mussels here show the health of the river. Mussels are the shelled filter-feeding creatures on the riverbed that clean the water. The Sipsey River is home to as many as 37 mussel species (several of which are imperiled) and is one of the most intact mussel communities left in the United States. It is also sanctuary to as many as 102 freshwater species fish including several that are close to threatened status.
I have felt honored to visit this wild, sacred place several times and be so inspired in my creative work and in my soul. My dogs love it there too!
