Kate's HodgePodge Images

Back in 2010, when I was unemployed, I volunteered 8 hours one day a week at Laudholm Farm. Nancy was the volunteer coordinator at the time and she would generally schedule me to work in the morning with the research team and in the afternoon either working on mailings or sitting in the parking lot kiosk. Over the years, I continued volunteering during events like the Craft Festival and Punkinfiddle, and spending time on the trails taking pictures. More recently, when I spend a day adventuring, I like to bring Mattie, my dog. Laudholm does not allow dogs so I would usually go elsewhere. Last Saturday I had my Geology class in the morning so found myself with an empty afternoon near Wells without a dog, so my cameras and I took a meander. I am trying to learn the important new features of both my new cameras before bug photography season begins. I chose my favorite loop, starting down the Muskie Trail, then returning via the Pilger Trail, Laudholm Connector, and Knight Trail. I move...

The HodgePodge Images Project is ongoing, and I wanted to share some updates. My initial goal was to buy camera gear to continue to serve my non-profits by capturing great images. On January 1st, I achieved part of this goal by photographing the New Hampshire First Day Event at Wentworth Cooledge Mansion and Creek Farm for the NH State Parks and Forest Society using my OM-3 camera. Soon after, I was also able to purchase an OM-1 m ii camera and a 60mm macro lens, the latter funded by a scholarship from the Maine Entomological Society. I’ve been practicing with this equipment, especially focusing on the close up photography I will need for the insects. Looking ahead, I’d love to get a teleconverter to improve my macro and telephoto shots. My dream is to raise enough funds to make HPI an official non-profit, which would open up new funding opportunities and perhaps eventually help cover some travel costs. Until then, I truly appreciate your support. I plan to keep exploring, learning, ...

GWRLT: Geology week 1 Ten years ago, I started working at the University of New Hampshire because staff can take classes for free.  I’ve  always wanted to take an Earth Science course, especially Geology, but most classes  in this department  are in the morning, and I can only attend  classes  after 2 pm.  Recently, I was excited to find out about a Saturday morning geology class offered by Great Works Regional Land Trust, taught by retired  Dover High School  Earth Science teacher Don Wason.   Week One, we met at the GWRLT office at Beach Plum Farm, where  we  learned the basics of mineral and rock identification, focusing on coastal Maine. It was  a great experience , and  I’m  looking forward to this Saturday’s field trip at Nubble. Next week,  we’ll  visit Marginal Way in Ogunquit.  It’s  wonderful to combine geology , education,  and   being  outdoors , and I  can’t ...