A Ongoing Journal

A 3rd summer teaching the Environmental Education Institute! My cedar blog has remained untouched for too long. I hope this summer lends itself to some explorations of AWC in the Barrington Headwaters property. Let's only hope for some new discoveries and enticing photographs.

Back to the field 2007

Today's was the beginning of another Environmental Education Institute. I sensed that this new group of EE folks are enthusiastic and have a wonderful range of prior experience to draw upon and enrich this four-week intensive experience. I am looking forward to working with this group and returning to the Tamposi property in Barrington.

Ode to Cedar

You grow on moss-covered pedestals
Cinnamon fern and royal fern your companions
What mystery do you hold?

Bullfrogs and swamp sparrows your choir
Sunlight your clock
What mystery do you hold?

Decades you have inhabited our coastal landscape
Your cinnamon bark
Your skirt of needles bowing toward the pond
Your sacred fragrance etched in my memory

What mystery do you hold?

Rain in the field

Today's rain reminds me of numerous days in the field collecting data in the rain (or drizzle). In my experienc once one accepts the weather ---it is rainy or it is humid---one's experience greatly improves. I have many fond memories of rainy days in the field. On these days the landscape appeared different and allowed me to observe it in a new way. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Challenge of Photographing Wildlife

Learning how to photograph nature is a slow task. I continue to practice. It is challenging to capture a plant in the midst of many other plants. This warbler was teasing my field assistant and I while photographing it. Each time we got closer to the bird it flew further into the wetland.

painting deepens ones observations

Painting the wildlife in my study site has enhanced my eye and understanding of those species. Taking the time for this type of observation is challenging as life presents many 'shoulds' and demands that get in the way. Nonetheless, I am reminded of the importance of taking the time to study organisms in our environment and to appreciate each of their unique forms.

in the field and blend in

I returned to my study site in Rye, NH, last week and was reminded what a special habitat Atlantic white-cedar creates. As I spoke to the Nature Conservancy representative about appropriate water levels in the pond for cedar regeneration a Great Blue Heron flew above us and landed on a nearby hummock. While watching the large bird standing in front of us, a flock of memories of my years of fieldwork in the cedar swamp returned to me at once. Numerous times while working in the field I have caught glimpses of wildlife and have had the opportunity to observe wildlife's authentic behaviors and smile as I 'blended in' with the wetland. Or perhaps I was treated as a welcome guest?