Photo-touring in Nevada's Back Country
Far off the beaten path and nestled in the rugged canyons of Central Nevada lies a unique ecosystem of Piñon and tall Ponderosa's pines, where nature seems to thrive against all odds. A small stream flows down between trees that are so huge; they must be over 100 years old.
This stream is Alum Creek and is
located south of Lucky Boy Pass in Mineral County, Nevada. Around the mid 1800's
when mining was in it’s hey day, a creek in the Lucky Boy area flowed from Poison
Spirit to Cottonwood Creek. The presence of alum in solution was discovered in
this creek so it became known as Alum Creek. During this time, the Lucky Boy
mines that were located in the Alum Creek district were producing yearly over a
million dollars of silver and lead.
In present times, only a small trickle of water still flows down the creek bed. With the severe drought that has been plaguing both Nevada and California, I am very surprised the creek has not completely dried up. Over winter, even the snow pack that replenishes the ground water has become less significant.
With the climate warming and drying, will the pines that have created this unusual habitat still be able to adapt? The piñon pine, Pinus edulis, native to the Southwestern U.S. will survive on available water and is drought tolerant. Piñon can grow to 15-35 ft (4.6-10.7 m) tall and 12-24 inches (.3-.6 m) in diameter. They produce the edible pinyon nuts which were a staple food source for the Native Americans.
The Ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa is found in mountainous topography at elevations 3,000 and 9,000' (914-2700m) where there is moderate rainfall. Mature trees can reach from 60-130' (18-39 m) with a diameter of 30-60" (9-1.7 m).
Alum Creek which at one time was a favorite area for family outings and picnics still offers a peaceful mountain retreat from the high desert landscape.
While I sit and admire the green pines that reach for
the deep blue sky, two lizards come out to warm in the sun. As I watch them I
ask a silent blessing on this unique pocket that time seems to have overlooked.
I hope against all odds that the unique ecosystems of Alum Creek will have the
tenacity to adjust and that we will continue to enjoy its peace and oneness of
nature for many generations to come.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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