We would like to share with you our most recent accolade from the Cultural Center of Cape Cod:

"Congratulations!  Your work has been selected to be a part of our online exhibit "The Magic of Water".  We received 990 entries from all over the world.  The selected images are now on our website,  https://www.cultural-center.org/themagicofwater."

The image selected is titled "Evening Reflection."  It was captured in the Svalbard Archipelago located 600 miles south of the North Pole and 600 miles north of Norway. 

The setting sun, which never really set, and still waters afforded wonderful reflections in the Arctic sea.

In 2012 the United National General Assembly proclaimed March 21st The International Day of Forests.  The theme for 2021 is "Forests and livelihoods:  sustaining people and planet".  It celebrates and raises the importance of all types of forests.  Forests are home to about 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity and covers 1/3 of the earth's land mass.  Forests and woodlands are made up of over 60,000 tree species.  About 1.6 billion people depend upon forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. It is said that forests are the lungs of the world.  The United Nations has given us 7 secrets that forests have been keeping from us.

1.  SUPERMARKETS:  forests are veritable food markets in that almost 50% of the fruit we eat comes from trees, not to mention the nuts and spices.

2.  LIFE INSURANCE:  some communities rely almost exclusively on forests for their food sources.  Around 250 million people live in forest and savannah areas, and it is their insurance against hunger.

3,  WATER FOUNTAINS:  forests provide the drinking water for over 1/3 of the world's largest cities, including New York and Mumbai.  Many rivers and streams have their sources in forests.  Trees act as filters and provide us with clear water vital for life.

4.  ENERGY:  around 1/3 of the world's population use wood as their source of energy for necessities such as cooking, boiling water and heating.  Wood from forests supply about 40% of global renewable energy.  This is as much as solar, hydroelectric and wind power combined.

5.  SUPERHERO:  forests are our heroes in the fight against global warming.  They cool the air and remove pollutants.  They give us places to retreat and relax in and provide plant and animal life with habitats.

6.  CARBON SINKS:  forests absorb the equivalent of roughly 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year.  Deforestation releases this carbon dioxide back into the air.

7.  RECREATION:  trees are stress relievers.  Studies have linked green spaces and tree cover in cities to reduced levels of obesity and crimes.  The obesity rate of children living in areas with good access to green spaces is lower than in those with limited or no access at all.

Have you taken a walk in a forest lately?  If not, try it....but stop for a moment to listen and look around.  You will begin to hear all sorts of music and noises from the animal and bird residents.  Look up into the canopy and you will see beautiful sights!  It is truly a treasured place!

We would like to share with you some of our images of the forests we have been privileged to visit.

		Valley of Greens  was captured in the Arapahoe National Forest in Colorado.  We enjoyed wandering around on unmarked roads as it would afford us beautiful vistas like this!
Skyward was captured in the Sol Duc River Valley on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.  It is an old-growth forest.  Some of the trees sprouted when the Mayan culture was thriving in the jungles of central America!	Shady Lane was  captured on a day's outing on Fort George Island in Jacksonville, Florida.  The oak canopy is impressive!	These images are available in table top to wall size, triple matted and with or without a frame.  The matted versions are yours at a 10% discount and the framed matted versions in sizes 11x14 and larger can be yours at a 15% discount. Visit our website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices.

 Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 12 noon and 2p.m. to 5p.m.

The gallery is open for arranged Saturday appointments.  Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit.  Come see us and order now.

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul"

                    -- John Muir