I am a lifelong environmentalist. For almost two years now, I’ve been registered with the National Park Service as a trail steward in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’m supporting our trails. I’m responsible for keeping tabs on the Cedar Ridge Trail, observing and reporting whenever any major trail work needs to be done. The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or MST, also follows the Blue Ridge Parkway through Doughton Park before it turns to descend the escarpment into Stone Mountain State Park.
So I also spend a lot of time hiking on the MST, unable to help myself, staying in “observe and report” mode as I also explore opportunities for beautiful photography and timelapse captures. I’m working on an essay describing my adventures finding and protecting several Carolina Lilies along the MST in the park (stay tuned!). This adventure was the catalyst for me getting to know the leaders of the Friends of the MST a little bit better.
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The MST is a state treasure, running 1175 miles from Clingmans Dome to the Outer Banks. On the sections I’ve hiked, I have to say that is an excellent trail. In order for the MST to stay excellent, it needs a lot of maintenance: volunteer hours and donations of dollars.
In addition to volunteering, I’m raising funds for the Friends of the MST by selling special edition signed and numbered prints of several recent photographs I’ve captured along the MST, either in Doughton Park or Stone Mountain Park.
Fundraiser Details
One of the things I like most about these signed matted prints is that, if you want to frame it, it is a standard sized mat, which means it will be easier to find a frame you like that fits the decor of the space where you choose to hang it.
There are twenty-five prints total: four sets of five numbered prints, and five individually numbered prints. The prints I’ve created are mounted, matted, and protected in a cellophane sleeve, as shown here:
Profits beyond cost for the matted prints will be donated to the Friends of the MST. If I sell all the prints, the total donation will be $1,375.00. If I can raise this total by the end of November 2022, I will personally round it up to an even $1500.00!
If you’d like to purchase one or more prints, they can be shipped anywhere in the United States, or picked up in person at my studio office in Sparta, NC. I’ve included a purchase link for each photo print, which will take you to my Square checkout site for ordering online.
Beware: Prints are available on a first come, first served basis!!!
Below you’ll find a description of each photo print available.
MST – Doughton Park (series of 5)
Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches
$100 – Purchase this print
The MST is just out of the frame, to the right of this big rock. This is one of the most iconic spots in Doughton Park. I love the way the light hits the grass.
Fall Colors Over Stone Mountain (series of 5)
Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches
$100 – Purchase this print
This is a great view of Stone Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway, near one of the overlooks. You can’t see it, but the MST goes down through that valley.
MST – Doughton Tree Rock (series of 5)
Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches
$100 – Purchase this print
This is one of my favorite trees in Doughton Park. Where I was standing to take this shot, the MST runs directly behind me. I’ve always enjoyed capturing natural shadows on different surfaces. It’s like a sun signature, perhaps?
MST – Bluffs Cloud Mirror (series of 5)
Print size is 8 x 12 inches, gray matte size is 12 x 16 inches
$100 – Purchase this print
This is one of my favorite photos in my collection. Seriously. I came up on this familiar spot after a particular rain with lingering puddles, and got lucky enough to capture this shot. This is the Bluffs. One of my sanctuaries. Clearly shown is the trail marker for the MST.
Stone Mountain (1/1)
Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches
$150 – Purchase this print
This is one of the better shots of Stone Mountain I’ve ever captured from below grade. If you didn’t know, Stone Mountain is a monadnock, which is “an isolated hill or ridge or erosion-resistant rock rising above a peneplain.” It’s one big solid rock. I love how the black and white shows off its beautiful texture.
MST – Storm Clouds Over Doughton (1/1)
Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches
$150 – Purchase this print
This is a shot straight down the MST, headed southbound, or eastbound, toward the ocean. One of the best things about Doughton Park (and all of the escarpment) is the constantly dynamic skies. Never the same skies twice. Every second should be savored. This is also what makes Doughton such a great spot for timelapse captures.
Unknown Creek Reflection (1/1)
Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches
$150 – Purchase this print
I’ve always been interested in capturing reflections. Sometimes it’s best to slow down, be still, and look down!
MST – Foggy Morning Spider (1/1)
Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches
$150 – Purchase this print
The open corridor of the MST is a haven for spiders. With all the fog we get up here, this is a very common scene. The early bird gets the morning dew (or fog) on the webs, with perfect angles of light!
MST – Wildcat Sunrise (1/1)
Print size is 9 x 12 inches, light gray matte size is 16 x 20 inches
$150 – Purchase this print
Basically every time I go to Doughton, I visit Wildcat Rock. Since I was a small child. So, I’ve been coming to this spot for over forty years. This is a sacred space. The MST runs along the pasture on the left, which is where the Storm Clouds shot mentioned above was captured.
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