As promised, here are the remaining images from my show set to open on Sunday in Isle La Motte (on the shores of Lake Champlain). It’s always a favorite destination for Cindy and me, not only due to the natural beauty of the surroundings but also to the wonderful community that calls Isle La Motte home.
These days there is so much chatter about the fear and insecurity plaguing the country at large. One would think, if one follows news reports, that the land is in chaos, that decency is in short supply, and that daily life is under assault.
It is true that there are many problems that currently befall us. Whatever injustice is suffered by any citizen, it is done as well to you and me. And there is much to rear up against and make our voices heard, hopefully at the ballot box in November.
So, at a time when the negativity seems overwhelming, I’d like to tell you about two communities who reflect so much of what is good.
In the case of Isle La Motte, it was a group of local citizens who fought a battle, lasting years, to save a part of their island. The Chazy Reef Formation is the oldest known fossil coral reef system on the planet – a place of worldwide scientific significance and local pride.
When the reef was threatened by plans to reopen a long abandoned quarry, the local residents banded together to prevent it from happening.
They succeeded but then took it further. Thanks to their efforts, the Isle La Motte Land Preservation Trust was established. Under the leadership of resident Linda Fitch, money was raised to purchase the two primary parcels of land that are now deemed National Natural Landmarks.
Fund raising is an ever ongoing effort. The new barn and education center, general upkeep, etc. all fall on the shoulders of the local volunteers.
The folks on Isle La Motte are proud of their natural wonders and cultural heritage and celebrate it together.
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Community and cultural heritage are the key factors in the joy and celebration I witnessed last Sunday in Gilboa, NY. Gilboa is home to the oldest known tree fossils in the world. In fact, in the past few years, scientists plotted out some of this earliest known forest floor.
In another example of local residents keeping alive local culture and history, an open house was held to celebrate the opening of the History Center at the Gilboa Museum. A beautiful addition was built thanks to the donations made by Mr. Nicholas J. Juried ( seen above with Ms Kristen Wycoff, chairwoman). Son of immigrants, Mr. Juried grew up in Gilboa and returned to fund the museum’s addition in honor of his parents.
A large crowd turned out for the event. My friends Bob and Johanna Titus were present as well (above). Bob took a crowd out for a fossill walk along Schoharie Creek following the formal presentations.
Their new book, the 25th anniversary edition was also on display on Sunday. It gave additional meaning to this gathering – The cover painting of the Gilboa Forest (as assumed by the scientists) was done by the aforementioned Kristen Wycoff!
I’ll end with this image – a 5′-6′ length of tree bark from the Eospermotopteris tree, the one seen in Kristen’s painting. It was donated to the museum just last week by a Gilboa neighbor, just in time for the celebration..
Thanks for the visit.
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