Welcome!

In addition to various musings on the concept of "place based" education, this blog provides a handful of photographs taken over the last 90 years from the margin of America's most accessible glacier - the Mendenhall. This glacier landscape - in Juneau Alaska's own backyard - has changed dramatically.

I invite you to come on in and be a witness to change.

Look closely at the two photos below. Can you match up the distinct bump in each of the photos on the ridge on the right? Once you key in on that "bump," you become a witness to change! Not only has the glacier receded nearly 1.5 miles since 1924, but it has also thinned dramatically!

Mendenhall Glacier 1920s

Mendenhall Glacier 1920s
Alaska State Library Historical Collection - ASL-Glacier-MendenhallGlacier-59

Mendenhall Glacier June 2010

Mendenhall Glacier June 2010
US Forest Service Photo - Mendenhall Glacier Photo Gallery

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Pondering Place in My Life


As an archeologist on the Tongass National Forest, I love the work I do.

Life, for me however, is not simply about work. It is instead about PLACE. It is about knowing or finding a place that shapes who you are and how you think.

Many, born into place have an intrinsic bond through culture and history. They are, in essence, part of place. Some, like me, who find place during their journey through life, feel a tie through a heart connection; a sense of peace and belonging that is inexplicable but takes control.

My career and life choices have, in fact, been driven by my connection to place … and for that I am grateful.

The photo at top right is of my husband and I on the trail to our home. Our niece, Emily, took the shot while visiting in May this year.

No comments:

Post a Comment