Adrian Scholes

Did I Mention I Love It Here?

I live in Essex County, Massachusetts, and I love it here. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I’ve travelled extensively over the years, but nowhere has captivated me like this region. I’m going to steal from a page of the Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) web site, as they sum it up perfectly: “…the Essex National Heritage Area covers the 500 square miles of eastern Massachusetts that lies north of Boston. It's not one location, but thousands of historical sites. Not a mile-long beach, but miles and miles of intact landscapes and glistening coastal areas. Not one story and tradition, but lifetimes of rich experiences that chronicle the history of our region, and our nation.”

Makes you want to live here, or at least visit, right?  :o)

There is so much to see and do in these 500 square miles, so much to learn, and I’m on a mission to do just that. I’ve been posting photographs of recent visits to local landmarks, and this week was a particularly good one for learning.

On Sunday, I joined members of the Essex County Greenbelt Association (ECGA) for a guided tour of the Indian Hill Farm Reservation; one of their properties in West Newbury. As we followed trails through some of the 45 acres, we learned the history of the estate and its fascinating (and maybe a little eccentric) owner, Major Ben Perley Poore. In addition to his prominence as a 19^th century newspaper correspondent and editor, Major Poore was an avid horticulturist and spent years landscaping and planting the hillsides of his property, and creating formal gardens and the winding cart-paths we were walking on. I always enjoy the history of these places, and value the work ECGA is doing to preserve it for us. 

 

Wednesday evening found me at the annual meeting of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, learning more about the important work these folks are doing to monitor, preserve and protect this magnificent river that continues to play such an important role in the history and economy of Essex County. We were also treated to an outstanding presentation on the status and struggles of the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon, which migrate from the ocean to spawn at a location a mile from where I live. A truly prehistoric fish, Sturgeon have managed to survive for 2 million years, and until threatened to near extinction by over-fishing, dams and pollution. Another feather for our proud-humanity cap!

Finally, last night was spent in most agreeable company at the Jewell Towne Vineyards; New Hampshire's oldest winery. Although technically in NH, the property spans the border into Essex County, just outside Amesbury. The visit was arranged by the Essex National Heritage Commission, mentioned above; another organization dedicated to “building, growing and sustaining our sense of place”. The tour was engaging, the food excellent, and the wine pairings exceptional. We of course came home with a few new bottles for the cellar (ok, the basement).

Most importantly though, at all of these events I meet the people who are dedicating their lives to promoting, preserving and protecting this amazing region. At dinner last night, we shared our table with Elizabeth Rankin from ENHC. It was impossible to ignore the enthusiasm and conviction in her voice and eyes as she discussed the work of the organization and her role in it. I’ve observed this in every person I’ve met from every one of these organizations.

And this is what will keep me going back, learning more, and doing my small part to help them do what they do best. Did I mention I love it here?

Curiosity and Conservation

One of the many pleasures of photography is the search for new and distinct photographs, which naturally leads to the discovery of new and distinct locations. Curiosity lies at the very heart of photography. It drives our 360 degree vision as we hike trails. It encourages us to return to the same location at different times of day and in a variety of weather conditions until we get the images we see in our minds eye. It inspires us to learn more about our subjects. What was that flower? Who lived above those ruined foundations? Where is the source of that river?

Visiting an interesting locale for the first time is a fabulous experience, especially when it’s on our proverbial doorstep.  I called on the good people at Essex County Greenbelt Association (ECGA) today, and learned of a few such places; all of which are less than 25 minutes from the house. I’ll be exploring every one of them in the coming weeks.

I began this evening, with a visit to the ‘Riverbend Conservation Area’ in West Newbury. Not marked on any map I own, I’ve driven past the area many times. An abandoned and much deteriorated town road has recently been cleared by volunteers, and now provides access to more than 4 miles of trails. Following one of these trails alongside the Merrimack River and through woodlands sprinkled with the crimson and gold of a New England Fall, I was reminded once again of the vital work carried out by conservation groups around the region. This trail system is a particularly good example, resulting from the combined efforts of multiple organizations. Even the local Boy Scouts played a part; marking the trails to help folks like me to find our way around.

I arrived a little too late to explore the complete property, but saw enough to know this is a location worthy of many more visits. Once again, my curiosity has been sparked and I will be back.

Science, Beauty, and the Meaning of Life

After a valiant effort to extend summer into October, Mother Nature has officially given up and delivered more traditional fall weather to New England. In response, our trees have decided it’s finally time to take a break from all that photosynthesizing and prepare for their long winter’s rest. No more chlorophyll production. The carotenoids in their leaves can now entertain us with a vivid display of yellow, orange and gold, while the extended summer means we should also see vibrant reds and purple in the mix, as trees produce more anthocyanins to recover any remaining nutrients from their leaves. Of course, this is all before the leaves give up and decide it’s just easier to jump.

It’s impossible to write that last sentence without thinking of the brilliant Terry Gilliam and his animated ‘suicidal leaves’ sketch in Monthy Python’s ‘The Meaning of Life’.

Anyways…

As mentioned in my previous post, I recently made the first of many pilgrimages to photograph this fall color. In previous years, I’ve waited (or not had the chance) until the area I visited was at so called ‘peak’ color. This year, I was determined to get out there early. There was good reason for this. I happen to prefer the beginnings of the color change. Sure, it’s an amazing sight when the hillsides are awash with crimson and gold, but, at the risk of alienating leaf peepers everywhere, I find it all looks the same after a while. What I really enjoy is finding a lone tree, dripping scarlet against a backdrop of green. That’s when the colors truly pop and we appreciate the science and beauty of this change.

That doesn’t mean I won’t be back to take more pictures. In fact, I’ll keep going back until the trees have lost their color, lost their leaves, and it’s possible to find a parking space again. And I’ll do it all again next year. Because this is New England in the fall.