Monopoly Lake levels are low

This is a view of a portion of Monopoly Marsh at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. It is also referred to as Monopoly Lake. This photo, shot Aug. 13, shows the dramatic loss of water due to this year's drought.

Normally the cypress trees in a row at the middle of this scene would have water two or three feet up on their broad trunks. The edge of the lake of water should be at the transitional area in the far distance where the forest begins.

This historic low area is a basin where the Mississippi River once flowed many thousands of years ago. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is near Puxico, Mo.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by him at the Painted Wren Gallery.