I grew up on a small peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean along
the northern Massachusetts coastline. Self-contained, surrounded by
water, the town of Marblehead is well known as the "birth-place of the
American Navy" and today as a yachting center. Most of the original
forest cover has been replaced by houses, and only relatively small
parcels of public lands remain green.
A few years back there was a volunteer project to identify, describe,
and map these last remaining vestiges of Nature. During my past travels
I had developed an interest in maps, especially topo maps that show all
the little details of the land (this is how I navigated through the wilderness).
Maps also let you imagine what it's like to be somewhere. So I joined
the project as the "map-maker." The result is a comprehensive guidebook
that encourages residents and visitors to visit these little known natural areas.
Below are a few samples of the more than two dozen maps I created.
An overview map of the entire town.
One of the public natural areas where there is a
Nature Center and newly constructed trails.
An un-inhabited island along the shore which can
be reached by foot at low-tide.
A beautiful woods full of birds and wild creatures,
hidden from view by surrounding homes, fences, and streets.
