Tracking and Farming (Day 3)

The day began at Tamposi (Barrington headwaters) with professional tracker Dan Gardoqui. After brief introductions we set off off trail into the woods to search for signs of the creatures inhabiting the forest ecosystem. Dan's knowledge was incredible and he opened my eyes to many of the small signs of the patterns of the creatures that live there. 

Some of my favorites:

-Sap tapping squirrels

-The red under bark of hemlocks showing through as a result of the gnawing and scenting of red squirrels.

-The masked wood frog

- Porcupine homes located by the mounds of scat beneath a hollowed tree

-The white trails of snails climbing birch trees

-Nip twigs (45 degree brake) vs. Pull downs (rough brake)

I also enjoyed Dan's excitement as he was pointed in the direction of a beetle home and began to uncover clues that matched a previous hypothesis that he had made. As he sorted through the wood shavings and scat piled below the tree, he began to uncover the details that wood carpenter ants and red squirrels has inhabited the tree. He told us that he had seen this scenario before- a beetle inhabiting a similar habitat with the "resources" that were left behind by past occupants. The pure joy on his face as he encouraged the beetle to come out of the tree and snap picture of what he believes to be a species of scarab was inspiring, as it always is to be taught by someone who is passionate about what he/she does. I was fascinated by his ability to put together pieces of evidence to bring forth a hypothesis about the potential of a symbiotic relationship occurring between these species. It is not often that I take advantage of and reflect upon the clues that surround me- a skill I will work on this summer.

In the afternoon we were fortunate to travel to Warren's farm in Barrington. The property has been family farmed for decades and abuts the headwater property. Randy Warren, the current owner is rich will historical information as well as perspective in modern family. I was captivated by his take on organic farming and the downfall that is occurring in this industry. Never before had I thought about the fact that pesticides, herbicides and fungicides used by organic farmers are not necessary non-harmful to humans simply because the are made naturally on earth. Randy spoke of organic farmers using sprays that are heavy in copper and sulfate and today having problems with soils that are laden with these heavy metals. The resonating message that stuck with me as I left the farm was that, "excess is bad... too much of anything can kill you," and the planet. As we read Kumar and Kingsolver this point is reiterated, in order to make substantial differences were are going to have to learn to make sacrifices and conscious choices as to the materials and products that we consume!