The Beauty of Heath…
Standing in the pouring rain at the Saco Heath yesterday, I reaffirmed in my mind why I love nature photography. Even more so in the rain, this place was saturated and unique and beautiful…with vegetation and diversity uncommon in these parts. It was like visiting a landscape out of place or back in time…
Entrance to Saco Heath
And in a way, it is. The heath followed the natural progression of many of the bogs in New England, but it’s kettle ponds have completely filled. The boardwalk floats on 20 feet of ‘water’ in places, except the water is saturated with layers of peat moss building since the last ice age. The water is acidic, and the plants that grow there are specially adapted. Bog Laurel, Rhodora, Blueberry were in bloom, and put on quite a show.
Flowers at the Saco Heath
As an unfortunate aside, despite it’s beauty and uniqueness, it seemed to me at times that it was undervalued. The boardwalk was in serious disrepair in places, and an occasional beer bottle out in the peat…out of reach without sinking or disturbing the flora. I’m glad that my photography speaks to so many people, but I hope to inspire people to get out and see the world around them, and to have a stake in it’s conservation. Perhaps the Nature Conservancy, who maintains the area, is struggling during these tough economic times…perhaps they just need time and volunteers.
Back to the good, the trail into the heath was a treat as well, with many favorite wildflowers in bloom: clintonia, polygala, a few lingering goldthread, starflowers, lady slippers and plenty of painted trilliums! I didn’t have the patience to shoot them in the rain, nor will I be able to shoot much of ANYTHING in the wind today. It’s already gusting to about 25mph, and slated to get windier. It’ll be a good day to leave the camera at home and enjoy a nice walk with the wife and pup!
Now..my favorite shot of the day yesterday…these benches mark about the halfway point between the car and the end of the loop. Clearly weathered, and surrounded by the great landscape in the heath, I found it a perfect setting to sit and enjoy. Please view it large here…it’s nearly as good as being there!
Saco Heath - A Place to Rest
very nice pictures
Jim,
Great photos. Thanks so much. As a Nature Conservancy employee, I’m always psyched to see our preserves highlighted in such a beautiful way. This makes me want to get out of the headquarters and head up to Maine!
As for your comments on the state of the boardwalk: I would really encourage you and your readers to reach out to the Maine office and see if there are volunteer opportunities at this preserve. Not all of our state chapters have robust volunteer opportunities, but the Maine chapter does. You (and your readers) can find out more information here:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maine/volunteer/
Thanks again for sharing these beautiful photos.
All the best,
dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the note…the organization does great work, and I’m glad to hear that there are opportunites to help out. I appreciate your comments…as it’s so important to give back to the places and organizations that make outdoor opportunites accessable and available!
There was a palate of wood in the parking lot of the Saco Heath, ready to go in…I’ll be sure to contact them and see it there is a day planned to do it! I just wish the beer bottles were readily in reach yesterday…
Have you been to the heath? If you can, go in mid to late September, when the blueberries put on their autumn show!
Best and thanks for following along!
~Jim