Strickland is a husband, father, grandfather, amateur naturalist, photographer, and author of more than 100 articles published in various publications. With over six decades of float fishing, hunting, trapping, and exploring the swamps of the Sipsey River in west central Alabama, David enjoys sharing stories drawn from a life deeply connected to nature.

His unconventional education spanned 11 different schools before a brief time at the University of Alabama and two brief stints in a small country near Vietnam in the early 1970s. Nature has been his constant teacher throughout his journey, offering unique insights that shaped his worldview. Along the way, an assortment of pets — including squirrels, frogs, snakes, and turtles — provided valuable lessons and enriched his understanding of life.

The waters of his childhood playground have long served as a source of rejuvenation for himself and many others. Those same waters form the backdrop for many of his unusual adventures, where the plants, animals, and landscapes he encountered deepened his appreciation for nature’s vital role in humanity’s well-being.

David’s collection of short stories weaves together the history of this small West Alabama stream, recounting the land’s evolution and the lives of those who once called its banks home. His writing is a testament to his belief that each generation must have the opportunity to connect with and appreciate the natural world around them.

Through his storytelling, David offers glimpses into nature’s enduring ability to teach timeless lessons — lessons that remind us all of the beauty, resilience, and wisdom found in the world outside our doorsteps.