Elk Ridge Springs

I took a trip last week up down near the Abajo Mountains with members of the Grand Canyon Trust, the Ute Tribe, and a few professors and research students from Utah Valley University. The purpose of the trip was to go to the locations of several possible springs, check their status, and also perform a few water quality tests that UVU could then use to map the groundwater. As an aspiring environmental chemist, IT WAS AWESOME. 

Here are a few random photos that I took during the trip. 

This is a photo of the entire group planning the night before we hit the field. Not a glorious photo, but helps set the scene. 

After spending a lot of time in the desert, it was awesome to see some green. 

Duck Lake

Details

I've been trying to figure out what to capture. This hasn't been a problem for me in the past- I kind of just shoot whatever I want. But here in Utah everything is perfect and should be photographed.... and I am worried that if I don't pay attention to my surroundings I will miss an opportunity. 

Here are a few photos that I have taken when I slow down to really focus on the little things around me. These were all taken along Huntington Creek up in Manti-La Sal National Forest. 

4th of July Fireworks!

Loads of rain near Moab on the 4th of July meant that we didn't get a chance to see fireworks. However, I'd say this is the better option anyways. 

Controlled Burn

Hello, world!

The great thing about this summer is that I have already taken thousands of photos. 

The not so great thing about this summer is that I have limited internet access and it is difficult to share them. 

So here we go on trying to catch up....

A week or so ago I had the opportunity to go to Manti-La Sal National Forest in the Abajo Mountains. I was assisting with a project on exotic and native grass species in landscapes comprised of primarily ponderosa pine. One of the locations that we went to had recently had a controlled burn. This left the landscape with some incredible, detailed carvings from coal. I had a blast shooting some of these marks, broken down trees, and intricate patterns, and decided to make it into a black and white photo essay. 

Enjoy!

Pollinators!

Just goofing off. We have had a few days in Castle Valley where I have been editing photos and working on a few smaller projects, but I had a chance to photograph these lovely little dudes!

Okay, so not a pollinator. But very well disguised!

This photo of the bumble is particularly interesting because the bumble bees are really struggling in our area this year. This was one of the few who was in the yard. 

Nights in Castle Valley

Hi, ya'll! A couple of fun announcements. #1, my photography website is up and running. Check it out at marraclayphotography.com 

#2, I have officially started my job working as an environmental photography and ecology intern for the Grand Canyon Trust. I have been in Moab for the last week or so and I have been photographing transects and geo linking photos. It is all very exciting!

A couple of nights ago Castle Valley had a pretty dark evening with some interesting clouds. Here are a few shots. 

Johnston Wilderness Campus

My RA staff and I went on a retreat to JWC in Oregon. It was so delightful to escape from everything for a night; out of cell phone range and no homework to work on. 

I am in the middle of packing to head back to MN for a few days before leaving for my job as a photographer and ecology intern with the Grand Canyon Trust near Moab, UT. Get stoked for some awesome photos this summer!!