I live in the North Country of New York State on a private "preserve" containing mixed hardwood and softwood woods, some meadows, and several beaver ponds. We have been gardening organically since 1975, and our woodland has been managed from time to time with guidance from N.Y.State Department of Environmental Conservation. The natural world is a couple of steps from our door, and we have seen a snapping turtle drown a muskrat, a fisher rob Canada Goose eggs, porcupines, deer, mink, and several other species from our living room window.

When in his twenties, my father spent his winters in the High Peaks area of the Adirondack Mountains, living in a shack and climbing the peaks on skis or snowshoes. As a kid, my summers included many camping trips to that area of N.Y., and it was from my father that I gained my love of nature.

I have been a photo artist, but now usually snap pix with an iPhone. (It's shameful, but it's easy, and I am retired).