D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Olivia Rainbow Gallery presents “Beauty and the Beast – the Fall and Rise of the Raritan River,” fine art photography by Princeton Day School students of Eileen Hohmuth-Lemonick, head of Upper School photography. Focusing on the historic Raritan River, the dramatic images are on view through March 30th.
Olivia Nini, grade 10—Ken Lockwood Gorge, High Bridge, New Jersey
The “Beauty” section evokes the river’s course through stunningly beautiful New Jersey locations which are home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals, many of which are threatened and endangered. The “Beast” segment of the exhibit chronicles effects of the river’s use for transportation, as energy source for crucial industries, and, tragically, receptacle for toxic wastes.
“We have canoed and photographed the Raritan from New Brunswick to Edison,” said Hohmuth-Lemonick. The Raritan is New Jersey’s longest river and includes the state’s largest contiguous stretch of wildlife habitat. D&R Greenway was founded to preserve land adjacent to waterways such as the Raritan River.
In this year-long project, documenting ecological impacts affecting the Raritan over the course of the last century, “the Upper School environmental studies class and two photojournalism classes are working individually and as teams,” explained Hohmuth-Lemonick, who also credits participating faculty members Carlos Cara, Liz Cutler and Aaron Schomburg. “They are learning about the Raritan River, its essential tributaries and riparian ecosystems, and recovery efforts. Students interviewed and photographed Hannah Suthers, who bands birds and conducts research.”
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. except for holidays, and the third Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. D&R Greenway Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place (off Rosedale Road), Princeton. 609-924-4646 / www.drgreenway.org.
D&R GREENWAY LAND TRUST IS IN ITS 27TH YEAR of preserving and protecting natural lands, farmlands and open spaces throughout central and southern New Jersey. Through continuous preservation and stewardship — caring for land and easements to ensure they remain protected and ecologically healthy in perpetuity — D&R Greenway nurtures a healthier and more diverse environment for people and wild species in seven counties. Accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, D&R Greenway’s mission is to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic, now and for the future. Since its founding in 1989, D&R Greenway has permanently preserved close to 20,000 acres, an area 20 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, including 28 miles of trails open to the public.
The Johnson Education Center, a circa-1900 restored barn at One Preservation Place, Princeton, is D&R Greenway’s home. Through programs, art exhibits and related lectures, D&R Greenway inspires greater public commitment to safeguarding land.
