Massachusetts - Stockbridge

 

It was assumed that the old growth forests of Massachusetts were erased by the expansion into the far reaches of Massachusetts.  Bob Leverett noticed some small areas that had trees that seemed to fit the look of old growth trees. Others have checked and the trees have turned out to be old growth trees. These trees are key living things in battling climate change.  Proforestation seeks to preserve the champions at carbon accumulation.  Data has shown that the trees of great age accumulate more carbon.  The Blanton Forest in Harlan County, Kentucky was a location where old growth trees went unnoticed.  In more recent times the stock of old growth trees was discovered and estimated.

Kentucky - Louisville

 

The fall foliage was vibrant in 2021. This solitary tree in Iroquois Park was one of the best trees of the brilliant fall. We realized the continuity; the trees and us.

 

  

Indiana - Mitchell

Rushing water from Hamer Cave

 

In 1927 the State of Indiana entered into agreement with the Lehigh Portland Cement Corporation to transfer the mill property at Hamer Cave near Mitchell, Indiana to the state. The Corporation would retain the water rights. The beginnings of the Spring Mill State Mill Park started in 1927. The restoration of the village with the mill began in 1928. The foundations of 50 structures were found at the village site.

Indiana - Mitchell

Garden - Pioneer Village, Spring Mill State Park

The mill near Mitchell, Indiana was built in the early 1800s because of the plentiful amount of water that came from a cave at the site. In 1825 Hugh and John Hamer of Albany, New York purchased the mill. Under the administration of Hugh Hamer various stores were opened in the village.  The garden looks as the garden would have looked when the Hamer family was there. The economy of the village began to decline when railroads brought competition to the area. By the late 1880s the mill was no longer in operation.

The mill has been preserved in the present day Spring Mill State Park. 

Gus Grissom was from Michell, Indiana. 

The Donaldson woods in the state park have had and have old growth trees in the forest.

Kentucky - West Point

 

Fort Duffield was built by the Salt River near the Ohio River

 

 

Fort Duffield was named for one of the soldiers’ father, a minister. The Fort was built as a part of a Union effort to defend the Louisville Nashville turnpike approach to Louisville and the railroad near Louisville. The soldiers that died while serving at Fort Duffield died from several causes. The most common cause was infectious disease. One soldier was killed by a sniper. The labor to build Fort Duffield is evident at the site of the Fort.  Neighbor was to fight neighbor. Brother was to fight brother. The country was so divided that it’s own inhabitants were fighting and killing each other in battles. It is a sobering place; the reason for the Fort being constructed brings sorrow to one’s mind.

Tennessee - Franklin

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge is located northwest of the historic town of Franklin, Tennessee. The bridge was completed in 1993. The deck is supported by the bridge's cathedral arch design. The minimalist design has won multiple awards.

Kentucky - Clermont

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest was provided to the people of Kentucky by Isaac W. Bernheim.  The Olmsted firm provided the landscape plan for the Arboretum.  Isaac Bernheim paid for the stature of Lincoln at the Louisville Public Library.  The graves of Isaac Bernheim and many family members are at the Arboretum. During his life Issac Bernheim moved to Colorado.  He was attracted to Kentucky and he was attracted to Colorado.