Reed-Weaving Circle
Bring your nimblest beak and a bundle of dry rushes. Old Nan Tuftly teaches the ancient art of basketry, gossip, and pretending not to gossip. Tea served in woven cups (results vary).
Marsh Diary
What’s on this seasonThe Great Lilypad Regatta
Waddletown’s finest race hand-built leaf-boats from the willow to the weir. Wagers welcome, capsizing guaranteed. Last year’s champion, a duckling named Pip, remains insufferable about it.
Dawn Chorus Swim
A brisk paddle greeting the morning, followed by a communal honk to the rising sun. Not for the faint of feather — the water is described, generously, as “invigorating.”
Snail Jam Bake-Off
Mrs. Mallard defends her title against all comers. Judges seek balance, texture, and a distinct absence of actual snails escaping the jar. Sampling at your own risk.
Fledgling Story Hour
Tales of brave herons, foolish foxes, and the Great Bread Riot of ’24, read aloud beneath the old willow. Ducklings welcome; grown drakes welcome to pretend they aren’t listening.
Full-Moon Frog Watch
A hushed evening counting frogs by moonlight with the Marsh Naturalists’ Society. Whispering essential, lanterns dimmed, and strictly no snacking on the subjects.
Community Ripples
Small news, big splashesCongratulations
A Brood of Eleven!
The Featherbottom family proudly announce the safe hatching of eleven healthy ducklings down by the south reeds. Mother and brood are doing splendidly.
Lost & Found
One Smart Satchel
Found near Marsh Walk: a small leather satchel containing three river shells and a very stern note. Claim at the Old Willow.
Thank You
Boardwalk Rescue Squad
Heartfelt thanks to the young drakes who fished six elders from the shallows last Tuesday. You are a credit to the marsh.
Letters to the Press
Send your letters!“The scum was fine before THEY arrived”
Sir — I have eaten from the North-Side bank since I was a duckling, and I shall not be lectured about “seasonal drift” by some expert in a borrowed monocle.
“Three cheers for the new boardwalk”
Madam — Whilst I appreciate the elders’ concerns, I for one have never enjoyed a more thrilling commute. Slippery? Yes. Exhilarating? Also yes.
Write to the Gazette
Got a grievance, a glad tiding, or a particularly fine bit of pondweed to boast about? Drop your letter at The Old Willow, Lilypad Lane, or honk loudly in the general direction of the editor’s desk.