HodgePodge Images: MMRG Shillaber Conservation Easement Grand Opening

Yesterday I attended the Grand Opening of the Shillaber Conservation Easement with the Moose Mountains Regional Greenways. MMRG was probably the first Conservation Organization that I started taking photos with - I have photos of the Woods Water and Wildlife Festival from 2007. They state on their website that, "Moose Mountains Regional Greenways services its member communities by conserving land, conducting research, providing technical services and advice to town land use boards, and freely distributing information through workshops and reports." Events like this grand opening remind me of their work with "the little guys" and makes me appreciate them even more.

In 2016 I worked with the previous executive director, Patti, in creating a postcard that went out to surrounding communities encouraging people to come together to collaborate on a greenways plan for the area. The primary photo, of Bowser Pond in the SPNHF Moose Mountains Reservation, was taken after a bit of a scouting trip to create a photo that looked similar to the logo at that time. (only the snowmobile and farmers pictures were not mine and I created the layout)

This was also the photo that was used on a chocolate bar created by Winnipesaukee Chocolates. They are known for creating and distributing candy and donating part of the proceeds back to the non-profit organization. I even got a byline.

The Shillaber property consists of 195 acres on the Farmington/Strafford town line. It has been maintained since the '70s or '80s by the Shillaber family who developed a Forest Management Plan shortly after purchase. Gemini tells me that, "A Forest Mangement Plan is a comprehensive, site-specific, written document that guides landowners in managing their forestland to meet their personal goals, which may include environmental, economic, and social objectives, such as enhancing wildlife habitat, increasing timber value, improving recreational opportunities, or ensuring long-term forest health". This shows a dedication to protection and stewardship. It is obvious while walking the property, which includes portions of the Berry River and a large marsh, making the property 30% wetlands, that it has been well-loved by now four generations.

The Berry River is an important water source for the town of Rochester, and they have taken part in this conservation project.

Access for this property is off of Sheepboro Road. There is currently an area that can be used for parking, though the land owner may make a shed in this area. I'm sure I will be back!

MMRG Link to the Shillaber Project including trail maps: https://mmrgnh.org/directory/shillaber-conservation-project

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

• Share this campaign with friends, family, and nature lovers at GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/4cff87b7e

• Follow me on social media to see the journey unfold at https://hodgepodgeimages.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-hodgepodge-images-project.html

• Connect me with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!

HodgePodge Images: Exploring Nature and Photography at Keay Brook Preserve, Berwick, Maine

Last week marked a new chapter in my outdoor adventures as I took on the role of leader for a Naturalist and Photography hike organized by the Great Work Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) at their Keay Brook Preserve. Located conveniently close to home, this preserve has been a personal favorite for exploration and photography, and I have participated in numerous GWRLT-led hikes here.

My trail companions for that day were a small group comprising three individuals well-acquainted with GWRLT and two newcomers—a couple eager to learn about the land and its natural beauty. Despite my reputation for being quiet, I open up significantly when given the opportunity to hike and share my knowledge. Jane, the office administrator of GWRLT, enjoyed the experience immensely and even recorded some of my commentary during the hike. Throughout the walk, I shared various tips on nature photography, especially focusing on cell phone photography techniques because the best camera is the one you have with you. I demonstrated how to effectively use apps like iNaturalist and Seek for plant and animal identification. Additionally, I discussed the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and explained how to move beyond the default "green box" settings on digital cameras to achieve better photographic results.

A significant part of the discussion revolved around the workings of Land Trusts, clarifying common misconceptions and emphasizing their role in conservation. Although I took only a few photos during the formal part of the hike, I returned afterward with both my digital camera and a film camera I am using for my UNH Darkroom class.

Walnut Grove Road

The trail itself, known as the River Loop, is approximately one mile long and mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers. It meanders along the southern side of the Keay Brook Estuary, a term I thought required brackish water... The trail continues along the Salmon Falls River, which marks the border between Maine and New Hampshire. A notable feature along the route is the remains of an old bridge at the intersection with Walnut Grove Road. Although the wooden boards have been removed, I can only imagine how many people who climb across it as-is. The bridge’s footings are particularly fascinating; on the Maine side, they are constructed from beautifully cut granite, often with less than three inches between the stones, showcasing the craftsmanship of the past. Conversely, the New Hampshire side features cobblestones set in cement, weathered by time and the natural forces of gravity.

Enjoy some of the nature of the preserve through Kate’s eyes:

Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Wild Chestnut, possibly American/European Hybrid

I love calico red maple leaves, even more so when they have cool shadows!

Oak Leaf Miner

Salmon Falls River

Walnut Grove Bridge

Keay Brook Estuary

Saturday I get to explore the brand-new Moose Mountain Regional Greenways’ brand new Shillaber Conservation Easement. Looks like good early fall weather for it!

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

• Share this campaign with friends, family, and nature lovers at GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/4cff87b7e
• Follow me on social media to see the journey unfold at https://hodgepodgeimages.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-hodgepodge-images-project.html
• Connect me with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!

HodgePodge Images: Big Bang

It seems like big events are winding down for the year. I have a couple of smaller things coming up but the Seacoast Science Center BioBlitz is certainly my largest event, my big bang (as in out-with-a...). Last Sunday I hiked 6 miles around Odiorne State Park and took over 1600 photos. I was able to send the SSC some photos and will send more when I am able. There are many organizations recently that are waiting. I promised the National Parks images of Katahdin Woods and Waters and the Fiddlehead Festival in May and hope to get to them soon. This was part of my vacation and I rarely process vacation photos the way I would like.

On Saturday I volunteered for the Greater Rochester Camera Club manning the club table at the Granite State Fair, mostly without a camera. I am currently taking a Darkroom Photography course at UNH and shot a roll of colored film, mostly at the fair. We are not able to develop colored film at school so was pleased to use a Gift Certificate for PhotoSmith that I won for a Judges Favorite award (I would rather win a Judges Favorite than a first) in Dover for my developing. Thursday we will be learning scanning though I have been doing this for a while now and will do it at home rather than tie up the few school units.

The SSC BioBlitz is also one of my favorite events. They do such a great job of education while recording species. I usually skip the first item on the schedule, usually birding, as they do it for 2 hours and I don't like to make the day any longer. 8 hours on site plus processing, and 6 miles of walking is enough for me. 

There was a huge turnout this year and they were there earlier than the past. The Tidepooling group was broken into two locations with one going to the drowned forest and one to the Magic Tidepool. I choose the second because the next session was Seine netting and the tidepool was half-way there. I suppose I could have broken out my bike...

There seemed to be less people in my group but they were determined to find good stuff. There were a lot of hermit crabs this year and a couple of lobsters. One young lady was well prepared with hip waders though they don't help if you sink your arms into the water too far.

We don't often find live sea urchins. They are so amazing. This one was crawling across the hand by his spines!

Sculpin in a tide pool

Each year the seine netters seem to forget the ropes to allow the group to help pull in the bottom of the net. The divers try to pull the net through the eel grass to pickup the creatures that live there. I don't know if the net was too high in the water table but the first attempt only pulled in a little grass, no critters. The second time the net was full of small silver fish. I was not close enough when the teachers told the identification of these fish.

The Salt Marsh is always a favorite session of mine. I think I kind of consider it an Underdog, not receiving the attention of the seashore, but super-important. And as we walked out this day two different groups saw coyotes, as far as I know a first with the BioBlitz! I was not fast enough to catch a photo - maybe I need autofocus... the first teacher to walk out on the marsh headed to the river's edge to look for signs of fiddler crabs. I don't think they've been seen here but with more eyes to look...

I didn't explore with the mycologist. She didn't have a whole lot of specimens in this drought year but was pleased that she found at least one of all the different families? genus? I was amazed when she showed us this scarf that was created from yarn dyed with different mushrooms for different colors.

Although the (freshwater) pond has been impacted by the drought, it was easier to maneuver around it this year than past. There also seemed to be more frogs than I've seen before. The teachers for this session said their specialty was herpetology which explains the high frog interest. They may have looked more at insects later in the exploration but I must admit, I didn't stay to the end. By 3:30 I was a little worn out. .

I love this bullfrog pic, especially that her shirt is pink

Juvenille Pumpkinseed Sunfish

HodgePodge Images: Late Summer Adventures & Fall Beginnings

Welcome to the first installment of my HodgePodge Images updates! The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind — fall and spring always bring a flurry of large events, and I’m doing my best to keep up. 

Monarchs & Magic at Valentine Farm

On August 24th, I invited myself to the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Monarch Festival at Valentine Farm in Bethel, Maine — and I’m so glad I did. The Habitat For All Garden was absolutely stunning: imagine a pollinator garden on steroids, complete with a vegetable garden, native plants, a sanctuary space, and the charming Anna & Oliver Basecamp.

The festival was buzzing with energy — vendors offering beautiful wares, butterfly tagging, bird and forest walks, engaging speakers, and even a parade. Words don’t quite capture the magic, so I’ll let my photos do the talking. (MLT is already sharing some of them on their social media!)

I’ve been challenging myself to photograph more children while being mindful not to show faces — and I think I’m making progress.

Labor Day at Scarborough Marsh

Labor Day found me at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, as it has for 15 of the past 16 years. This time, I skipped the canoe and kayak assistance thanks to a strong crew of volunteers and focused solely on photography.

I’m currently taking a Film Photography course at the University of New Hampshire, so I brought along my Minolta X-700. Unfortunately, I discovered too late that the shutter wasn’t working properly — the negatives were useless. Live and learn!

Bugs, Bogs & Trails

This past weekend was a road trip extravaganza. First stop: Caribou Bog Conservation Area in Orono, where the Maine Entomological Society hosted a field day with students from the University of Maine’s Entomology class. It was fascinating to watch the mix of enthusiasm and indifference among the students — and always a joy to spend time with my fellow Bug People.

Spiny Oak Slug-Moth Caterpillar

Next, I headed west to Mt. Monadnock State Park for the Monadnock Trails Week, a collaboration between the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and NH State Parks. I covered three different trail projects across three locations — a full day of shooting and storytelling through images.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow (Tuesday), I’m taking a well-earned day off to sleep in before another busy weekend. One of the wildest events is coming up: the Seacoast Science Center’s BioBlitz. In past years, I’ve hiked 7 miles and photographed for 9 hours straight. This year, I’ll be bringing my trusty e-bike, Fledge, to help me cover ground more efficiently.

Stay tuned for more updates — and as always, thanks for following along on this photographic journey!