The pileated woodpecker has long been a mascot of Northern Woodlands, so when our staff decided to begin an annual tradition of commissioning a sticker by a northeastern artist, everyone agreed that the first design should feature our special bird. For our first year’s artist, we chose Liz Wahid, a New York–based science illustrator who often focuses on ornithological subjects. You can see more examples of Wahid’s work on her website (ornithart.com) and in this year’s spring magazine, which included her illustrations of forest bees.
I’m delighted with Wahid’s design, and pleased that this small project offers a new way to acknowledge artists whose work connects with Northern Woodlands’ educational mission. At my house, the woodpecker flies across my laptop, several thermoses, and Pompy the Dog’s water bowl. It’s also available via our website, and the subject of a board member rivalry for best-sticker-placement bragging rights. That competition is intensifying. As Jessica Leahy (the instigator) noted, Matt Sampson took things “to a whole new level” with a daring double-sticker feat during his presentation on forest carbon at a meeting of the New England Society of American Foresters (NESAF).
On the topic of meetings, Northern Woodlands is also beginning to hold in-person gatherings again – and what a happy change that is, after two-plus years of interacting through screens! On August 20, we’re hosting a “Northern Woodlands Field Day” on the campus of Thetford Academy, which is just over the river and down the road from our office. This day will feature a fun mix of workshops, walks, and presentations that reflect the range of topics covered in the magazine.
If you’d like to learn more about this event, please see page 8, where you’ll find a registration link and a partial list of speakers. The list includes familiar names from past Northern Woodlands conferences, as well as Liz Wahid, who will teach a bird illustration workshop, and Meg Madden, whose mushroom photograph graces the cover of this issue and whose images also appear on page 28. Our keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Jack E. Davis, whose new book, The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird, describes shifting perceptions and treatment of this iconic species over the past few centuries. The bald eagle’s story of loss and resurgence is one worth remembering, as we work to protect other species and landscapes.
A final note: this summer, Richard Carbonetti and Starling Childs both reach their term limits for the Northern Woodlands board of directors. Carbo and Star are the last two board members who served during my first full year on staff, and they’re part of a truly remarkable relay team of individuals who have guided this nonprofit during the past 10 years, enabling us to expand our educational reach, obtain a permanent home, and successfully come through a historic pandemic. Words seem inadequate, but on behalf of Northern Woodlands, to everyone who has been part of that decade of board service: thank you.