The Photography of D L Ennis, and more!

 

Friday, August 31, 2007

Ironweed and Skippers

Ironweed and Skippers

Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) blooms July-September in moist woods, marshes and along streams in the Blue Ridge region.

The Skippers are a group of insects in the order Lepidoptera, classified in the superfamily Hesperioidea, which includes only one family, the Hesperiidae.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Morning on Abbot Lake

Morning on Abbot Lake

Morning on Abbot Lake, at the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and the early fog is burning off…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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The Arched Footbridge

The Arched Footbridge

A misty morning hike on a trail at the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Misty Sunshine

Misty Sunshine

A misty day on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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The Clouds Below

The Clouds Below

It’s 8 am in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the sun is promising a beautiful late August day while the clouds rest in the valley…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Polishing Stone

Polishing Stone

Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Otter Lake

Otter Lake

Otter Lake, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, on a sunny August afternoon…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

An Early Fall

An Early Fall

It almost looks like autumn has arrived on the Blue Ridge Mountain stream…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Silken Stream

Silken Stream

A small stream in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Saturday, August 25, 2007

Where Peace Resides

Where Peace Resides

I went for a hike yesterday afternoon following this stream, no path and treacherous footing, and I broke my tripod. So, all of these images were taken at 1.6 seconds with the camera handheld; seemed like an eternity. I didn’t take as many photos as I wanted and in frustration I sat here for awhile…I would trade a tripod for this place any day! I’ll return to this stream later today…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Friday, August 24, 2007

Streaming

Streaming

Water rushes over stones in a small Blue Ridge Mountain stream…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Rushing Brook

Rushing Brook

A rushing brook in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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The River Crossing

The River Crossing

Where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses the James River on the Harry Flood Byrd Bridge…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Touched

Touched

I am always touched by a scene like this; the peace and calm sets me in a mood of tranquil reflection and enhances my love of nature!

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Storm across the River

Storm across the River

Yesterday, 08-21-07, a storm was in the mountains to the south and by the time I took this photo and got back to my truck it was on top of me. I love storms in the mountains…it’s a very beautiful time to me!

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Touch the River

Touch the River

The James River in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Trailing the Creek

Trailing the Creek

Hiking the Otter Creek Trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Water’s Surface

The Water’s Surface

Taken at Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway one late afternoon…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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A Hint of Autumn

A Hint of Autumn

Some of the leaves are changing, and falling, and I am breathing a sigh of relief that autumn is approaching… Otter Creek, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.


For Autumn Sky


Sing to autumns
Change of wear
Sweet chill of
Sparkle in the air
Earthen freshness
Colors bright
Will wash into
The winter’s night
No qualms have I
To sing goodbye
To summer’s end
For autumn sky


D L Ennis Copyright © 2007

Image: © 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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A Seat in the Woods

A Seat in the Woods

A bench to rest your weary self when hiking…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Monday, August 20, 2007

A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods

Clear your head in
A place of peace
Let yourself breath
Whilst woods songs
Dance in your ears
Smell the deep damp
Of the forest floor
Live for awhile
Walk through nature’s door

D L Ennis Copyright © 2007

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Grass Fields

Grass Fields

On a back road in Amherst County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Wharf

Wharf

At Otter Lake, on the Blue Ridge Parkway…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones

Stepping stones crossing Otter Creek on a trail in my fantasy forest… Image from my Fantasy Forests Collection.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Hazy Mountains

Hazy Mountains

Taken from the Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Calm and Reflecting

Calm and Reflecting

The James River on a cloudy, windless day as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Otter Creek—Orton

Otter Creek—Orton

Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway…done in Orton…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Natures Garden

Natures Garden

This stand of wildflowers sits right in front of a line of trees on a cliff on the Appalachian Trail…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Drifting

Drifting

An oak leaf drifts on the waters surface…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Friday, August 17, 2007

Moss and Low Water

Moss and Low Water

We need rain bad! We are over 10 in. short on rainfall for the season and I’m worried about our creeks drying-up and forest fires! Seems like it’s feast or famine all over the world these days! Taken on Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Middle of the Stream

Middle of the Stream

A very calm portion of Otter Creek and a fine place to cool ones feet, when hiking, on a very hot August day…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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The Open Gate

The Open Gate

Taken on a back road in Amherst County, Virginia…in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

Above the River

Above the River

This view is on the Trail of Trees behind and slightly above a stone balcony on a cliff overlooking the James River. The Trail of Trees is a loop trail at the James River Visitors Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2007

A Mid-August Morning

A Mid-August Morning

This image was taken early yesterday morning (08-14-07) at Otter Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Black Saddlebags Dragonfly/ Female

Black Saddlebags Dragonfly/ Female

Dragonflies are among the most ancient of living creatures. Fossil records, clearly recognizable as the ancestors of our present day odonates, go back to Carboniferous a time which means that the insects were flying more than 300 million years ago; predating dinosaurs by over 100 million years and birds by some 150 million.

The black saddlebags dragonfly can be found almost everywhere in the United States except in some extreme northern areas of the country. It ranges south to Baja California and Mexico and is also found on Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Bermuda and Cuba. It can be seen as far north as Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia in Canada.

The black saddlebags' hind wings are quite long and wide, with the eponymous iridescent black bands. Besides these markings, the rest of the wing is clear. I consider black saddlebags to be a rather large dragonfly (it's about 50mm long), though not quite as large as the green darner. The males are predominately black, with deeper coloring than the females who are larger, and possess a whitish-yellow spotted pattern on the dorsal side of their abdomen (a trait shared by newborn males as well.) Females and the young also have a lighter face, almost yellow in color that distinguishes them from the males. Both genders have black legs.

The black saddlebags, glides through the air using its broadened hind wings, and feeds predominantly on small flying insects. When food is amply available in a particular area, feeding swarms may be formed; sometimes of only males, but never with just females.


*Image: I took this image on the “Trail of the Trees” at the James River Visitors Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Fence by the River—Orton

Fence by the River

An old fence at the James River Visitors Center, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, gives warning to the rivers proximity…This image is done in Orton.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

The Forest Floor

The Forest Floor

A downed and decaying tree plays host to a colony of Paxillus atrotomentesus, and Virginia ferns provide a garnish…It appears that a sundry of insects, snails, and slugs have been feasting on the Paxillus though it is poisonous and not for human consumption.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Monday, August 13, 2007

Hiking or Driving the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

From the Atlantic Ocean on Virginia's eastern border, to the towering Mt. Rogers at its southwest corner, the Commonwealth includes every bird and animal habitat that occurs naturally between Maine and Florida. The state also offers a long history, rich culture, and tradition of warm hospitality to welcome visitors.

Within Virginia's 43,000 square miles of diverse natural habitat, you can find some 400 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 150 species of terrestrial and marine animals, 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail celebrates this diversity. In fact, it is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. In Virginia, three phases of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state.

The Coastal Area was the first to be developed. It features untouched barrier islands, cypress swamps, great stands of pine forest, and bayside salt marshes. There are 18 loop trails for you to explore. Be on the lookout for birds, butterflies, snakes, turtles, dragonflies, and more.

The Mountain Phase was the second phase to be developed. It features expansive mountain vistas, endless forest trails, large inland reservoirs and a taste of the western Piedmont. There are 34 loop trails for you to explore. Now don't forget your binoculars!

Completing the first statewide birding and wildlife trail in the U.S., the Piedmont Area offers 13 loop trails. The Piedmont area includes expansive grasslands, large forested tracts, pineland savannahs, several large reservoirs, and an abundance of rich history and culture!

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Reflect the Summer Forest

Reflect the Summer Forest

The trees and foliage on the summer forest reflect on Otter Creek in the George Washington Forest…on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Sunday, August 12, 2007

In the Green

In the Green

A green day hike on the Otter Creek Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Four Threats to the Health of America’s Forests and Grasslands

Healthy forests make for a healthy nation.

In the 21st century, the nation’s forests and grasslands face four threats. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth named them as: (a) fire and fuels, (b) invasive species, (c) loss of open space, and (d) unmanaged recreation.

Fire and Fuels

Rehabilitation and restoration treatment priorities are highest where risks are greatest. Estimates are that high priority treatment areas cover 397 million acres across all ownerships, public and private, an area three times the size of France.

Invasive Species

Of 2,000 nonnative plants found in the United States, 400 are invasive species. The U.S. spends $13 billion per year to prevent and contain the spread of invasives. For all invasives combined, the price tag is $138 billion per year in total economic damages and associated control costs. In addition to nonnative plants, 70 million acres of forest in all ownerships (public and private landholdings) are at serious risk of being wiped out by 26 different insects and diseases (e.g., gypsy moth, hemlock woolly adelgid, dogwood anthracnose – the list goes on).

A strategic Forest Service response to invasive specifies is embodied in the National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management launched in October 2004. The strategy is an aggressive program that harnesses the capabilities of the Forest Service. The Forest Service provides cutting edge leadership in natural resource management and research and development.

Invasive Species

More than 21.8 million acres of open space were lost to development between 1982 and 1997, about 4,000 acres per day, 3 acres a minute. Of this loss, close to 10.3 million acres are in forestland. It continues today.

Unmanaged Recreation

Increasing use of the national forests for outdoor activities prompts the need to manage these forms of recreation, including the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). OHV ownership has grown from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2002. Depending on the site, unmanaged OHV use in the national forest can have serious impact on the land, among them: (1) damage to wetlands and wetland species, (2) severe soil erosion, and (3) spread of invasive species.

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August on the River

August on the River

Some of the trees are starting to change and shed leaves already and on a windy day like this there were numerous leaves floating on the river. Taken at the James River Visitors Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Layers

Layers

A hazy day in the mountains; as seen from the Appalachian Trail in the Jefferson National Forest.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Parkway Sunrise

Parkway Sunrise

Sunrise on the Blue Ridge Parkway...

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Friday, August 10, 2007

Fawn

Fawn

A whitetail fawn in the early morning light on a back road in Amherst County, Virginia…in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

This wildflower grows 2 to 7 feet tall and blooms July-September in moist woods, marshes, and along streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

This lovely little wildflower can be found in white-deep pink and grows 1 to 3 feet tall along roadsides and fields in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…it blooms July-October.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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A Bouquet of One—Cardinal Flower

A Bouquet of One—Cardinal Flower

The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) grows1 to 6 feet tall and blooms July-September along stream-sides, marshes, and low woods in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Thursday, August 09, 2007

Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

This beautiful wildflower blooms from June-August in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and grows 1 to 4 feet tall on roadsides, open woods, and fields.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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“By any Means Necessary!”

“By any Means Necessary!”

I was only a few feet from this doe and fawn and the doe was unflinchingly determined to protect her child no matter what it took or how close I got. It is a spiritual experience for me anytime I am in the forest, and when I can get this close to these majestic animals that experience is off the charts! This image was taken in a forest where, during season, the woods are thick with hunters, so these animals are wild…not tame. To get this close to wildlife you just have to move slowly and talk sweet…have trust in, and respect for one another!

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Earliest Dawn

Earliest Dawn

The last foggy morning that I took pictures of the James River, from the Blue Ridge Parkway, I got there before daylight…this was the first shot that morning.

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Natural Beauties

Natural Beauties

In my younger days I used to hunt…now when I see a scene like this I wonder how in the world I could have ever been a hunter with anything but a camera. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need for hunting to control populations, but I will only hunt with a camera from here on out!

© 2007 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Permissions for commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

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