Nov 3, 2024
Gravel Wetland interpretive panel art for The Downs, Scarborough
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Gravel Wetland interpretive panel art for The Downs, Scarborough
Happy to call my interpretive panel finished! I chose to focus on Ficuses and a selection of Amazon species that rely on them for food, as well as a shoutout to the special relationship fig wasps have with these trees. Fig trees are such interesting and important parts of rainforest ecosystems, and I enjoyed learning more about them.
Design was also a huge part of this project, almost more so than the actual paintings. But after lots of fiddling, nudging, resizing, and realigning, I think I arrived at a design I’m happy with!
Panel number 5 is all about amphibians. This time of year, vernal pools are one of my favorite sources of outdoor entertainment. Before the majority of migrating birds show up, and the plants start growing again, the frogs and salamanders are back at it. Right now the pond in my yard is full of the eggs of all three of these guys, and the tadpoles are just starting to hatch. Warmer weather is right around the corner.
Before creating this panel for The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire, I had no idea that giant rhododendrons where native to North America. They are so big and showy, I assumed they were some exotic flower, but no, they are found throughout the Appalachian Mountain range. New Hampshire is about as far north as they grow in the wild. Makes me like the one planted outside my window even more.
It’s hard to believe that one in four trees in the eastern US used to be an American chestnut. Last year I ordered a sapling, and it just came in the mail this week. Excited to have one in my yard, and hoping it makes it to 500 years.
This panel highlights the Manchester trail's namesake. Cedars swamps are definitely one of my favorite ecosystems. Doesn't get much better than a sphagnum moss carpet.
Yesterday, The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire opened an All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. I’m so honored to have been asked to design 7 interpretive panels for the trail. Here’s one all about the symbiotic relationship between glacial boulders and rock tripe, a winning team. Can’t wait to come visit the trail in person.
Another panel for The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire, at the new Manchester Cedar Swamp All Persons Trail.