By Tania Evans, Photo-Monitor since 2009
![](https://legacylandconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Kipka-maple.jpg)
The ancient maple tree I cherish visiting each year, with my monitoring partner Bill Steere.
Each season, I can’t wait to walk Legacy protected properties. It’s fun to explore landscapes so dear to landowners. The work of a volunteer photo-monitor is to take pictures of protected land from assigned spots. My monitoring partner and I follow a prescribed route, armed with a GPS and notes from other years, putting foot-to-earth in special places.
For example, the Saline River ribbons ferociously through a farm I visit each spring. It surges to Level 2 rapids and then becomes serene again. I kneel on the bank, usually at the foot of a lone, giant-girthed maple, and just listen.
![Blanding's turtle](https://legacylandconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Blandings-Turtle_John-Lloyd_web-300x199.jpg)
A Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) on protected land. Photo by John Lloyd.
Every property boasts some sort of wildlife: turkey, deer, mink, pheasants, bald eagles, cranes—and some rare creatures as well. Last year we found a Blanding’s turtle beside a bog. We huddled over her for a photo. She was so wild that she eyed the camera with curiosity instead of ducking inside her shell.
![](https://legacylandconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Fresh-eggs_Tania-Evans-e1485530323932-300x225.jpg)
Fresh eggs from Cynthia Zuccaro’s happy hens, one of the many treats I’ve received from a Legacy landowner. Almost too pretty to eat. Thanks, Cynthia, for two treats—the other being a walk on your property.
After a walk in the fall, I have been presented with a squash in return for my volunteer efforts. After a cold walk on a snowy morning, I have shared English tea in a warm kitchen. Love it! Thank you, landowners.
And thank you Tania and our other volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a photo-monitor, contact Dana Wright at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263.
This article first appeared in our Winter 2017 newsletter, which you can download to read in full.