Wildlife Habitat
This scene was captured using a long lens with the aperture wide open, in order to blur the background. The exposure was set to create a silhouette of the bird and tree limb. Further manipulation to the digital file created the abstract look. The location is a small wildlife habitat in Lewisville, North Carolina near Lewisville Elementary School.
A Loving Tribute
Did you know that there’s a wildlife habitat in Lewisville? Although it was established 15 years ago, it had escaped my attention until a little over a year ago when our new library opened. The wildlife habitat is located on Lucy Lane, across from the library, tucked along the edge of a small wooded area.
The marker standing along the front of the habitat reads:
In memory of Jeanette E. Messick
The Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat
Dedicated 1994
I’m told that Jeanette Messick was a beloved teacher’s aide at Lewisville Elementary School who died of cancer. Her passing was such a loss to her students and colleagues that the wildlife habitat was established in her memory.
The small patch of land that makes up the wildlife habitat features birdhouses, birdbaths, benches, and a variety of plants, flowers and trees. Following the meandering pathway through the small habitat will take you over an attractive brick-lined bridge. Along the way, you’ll see some small statues of children and animals. Sadly, it appears that a sundial is missing, most likely due to vandalism.
Did You Know Jeanette Messick?
If you knew Ms. Messick and would like to share something special about her, feel free to do so by CLICKING on the Comment link below. I’d love to hear more about the lady who inspired the wildlife habitat.
Photo Gallery and Google Map
MORE PHOTOS of the Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat are available in the photo gallery. Plus, a GOOGLE MAP has been created to show you the exact location of the wildlife habitat. Simply CLICK the links below:
Photos: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Photo Gallery
Google Map: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Map
Update on 3/25/09: Jeanette Messick’s daughter, Susan Messick Luebchow, contacted me in response to this blog post. Susan clarified that the wildlife habitat was built by family and friends. Be sure to read Susan’s comments about her mother and the impact she had on so many.
Exploring Shallow Ford
Hobie and Addie Lou Cawood were among the participants in the 2009 Shallow Ford Walk. The Cawoods are pictured standing on the Yadkin County side of the Yadkin River, just south of the historic Shallow Ford.
Shallow Ford: Where the Road West Began
A small band of explorers set out on an adventure last Saturday (March 7, 2009) to trace portions of the Great Wagon Road to and from the historic Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River.
Thanks to the planning and efforts of both the Lewisville Historical Society and the Yadkin Valley Historical Association, the day was a perfect blend of regional history discussions and real-life exploration that led us through open fields and undeveloped woods.
Daniel Boone’s Trail
On our hikes along both sides of the Yadkin River, we found portions of the Great Wagon Road — also known as the Daniel Boone Trail — untouched by housing or highway development. We also found the heavy cast iron markers that were placed on both sides of the river by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1913. The inscription on the markers reads:
Daniel Boone’s Trail from North Carolina to Kentucky – 1769
Marked by N. C. Daughters of the American Revolution
History Envisioned
Throughout the day, we heard stories of Daniel Boone and other important families who had helped shape the land, the roads and the communities of the Piedmont. We learned about the Moravian settlers’ strategic, efficient manner of completing the Great Wagon Road from Bethabara to Lewisville. We listened to accounts of the Tories and the Whigs in the Battle of Shallow Ford, among other fascinating historical tidbits.
[FOR MORE HISTORY on the Shallow Ford and the Great Wagon Road, check out this 1996 article by Ann Brownlee: The Shallow Ford.]
As usual I took photographs of the Shallow Ford Walk, and they can be viewed in the Shallow Ford Walk photo gallery.
Audio File of Panel Discussion
In addition to the photos, I’ve provided a 38-minute MP3 recording of the panel discussion led by Rod Meyer, the retired director of Bethabara Historic Park, and Kyle Stimson, a local historian and author of The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road: Path of Settlement, Harbinger of Revolution.
Rod and Kyle started looking for the Great Wagon Road about 20 years ago. I think you’ll find their discussion to be full of interesting history told in a compelling manner. Simply CLICK on the link below to begin listening to the accounts of these two self-professed “road bucks.” The recording starts right after Rod Meyer is introduced, so you’ll hear from Rod first, followed a little later by Kyle.
Shallow Ford Walk Panel Discussion (MP3, 38 MIN.)
More on the Battle of Shallow Ford
Other articles on this website that may be of interest to you: Down by the River, The Great Wagon Road, The Nissen Wagon Museum, Yesterday’s Journeys.
Ready for Spring?
A beautiful snow scene at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Did it really snow last week, or was I just dreaming?! Frankly, with temperatures reaching into the 70s this weekend, thoughts of snow have left me a bit disoriented!
However, as promised in my previous post, today you can view the final group of snow scenes that I shot last week. This group of photos focuses on some downtown portions of Lewisville, including scenes of the historic Laugenour House, the Lewisville Library and Shallowford Square (shown above), including the Veterans Memorial.
I regret that I didn’t make it further down Shallowford Road in downtown Lewisville before the optimal snow scenes had passed. The next time it snows here, though, I hope to employ a new strategy that will enable me to capture some new Lewisville snow scenes.
To view the final set of photos from last week’s snowfall, please visit the Snow Scenes photo gallery.
Finally, now that the most recent — and very beautiful — snowfall has come and gone, are you ready for spring? Cast your vote by clicking on the Comment link below!
Snow on Conrad Road
Freshly fallen snow adorns the pasture and barn on Conrad Road in Lewisville, North Carolina — a stretch of road that is easily one of Forsyth County's most scenic spots.
Getting Around Town
A beautiful snow had fallen overnight in Lewisville, and I wondered: Just how in the world am I going to get photos along Conrad Road? I wanted so much to photograph the scenic Conrad Road area covered with fresh snow. Yet my little truck was not to be trusted whenever the roads were the slightest bit slick. With no clear answer, I left home on foot — equipped with photo gear — and I headed toward the center of town.
Somewhere along the ever-so-peaceful walk, the answer came to me. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before: Just bum a ride to get to wherever I want to go in Lewisville!
I mean, with two cameras dangling on me, I figured I’d look innocent enough to approaching motorists. And I trusted that I could accurately “size up” my prospective “taxi drivers.” (I was also convinced that kidnappers and other ne’er-do-wells aren’t prone to committing crimes on snowy days!)
“The Tank”
I’d just finished photographing around the old Spaugh House (discussed in Oh, What a Beautiful Day), and was making my way toward Shallowford Square when I saw “The Tank” coming my way. It was a Hummer — the really big version.
Unexpectedly, the driver of the Hummer, Greg Aaron, brought it to a commanding halt in the middle of the snow-covered road, lowered his window and hollered: “Have you gotten some good shots?” “Yeah, I think so,” I replied. We talked a moment or two about camera gear, and then Greg said the magic words: “I’m headed to Conrad Road to take pictures.”
Before I knew it, I had “volunteered” to go with Greg to Conrad Road! Now, I’m usually not the pushy type — but when it comes to getting good shots, my middle name is “Assertiveness.” Thankfully, Greg is a nice guy, plus he’s a bona fide photo enthusiast who photographs as much as his schedule permits.
A Popular Spot
Of course, Greg and I weren’t the only ones heading to Conrad Road that morning. Numerous vehicles were stopping here and there along the most popular stretch, and folks were stepping out to take pictures of the lovely snowscape.
The everyday beauty of the Conrad Road area is always remarkable to behold. But when covered with snow, its beauty is gloriously magnified. Thanks to Greg Aaron’s hospitality, I was able to capture some of Conrad Road’s snow-covered splendor on a fine, and most memorable, winter morning.
If you’d like to see a few more snow-scene photos of the day, please visit the Conrad Road photo gallery.
Interested in more Conrad Road coverage? CLICK to enjoy more ARTICLES and PHOTOS on Conrad Road.
