THE ASH FOREST PROJECT

This exhibition invites you to explore some of the most beautiful forests in our part of the world. Sadly, these forests are also in grave danger. A tiny beetle called the emerald ash borer is killing the ash trees that anchor them, setting in motion a cascade of changes.

We’ve spent the past three years visiting wetland forests on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay, observing and documenting the rich webs of life that inhabit them. We’ve followed scientists studying how these ecosystems work, how the ash borer is transforming them and how they might be safeguarded. Through our work, we gained a deep appreciation of the roles humans can — and must — play in protecting, restoring and enhancing vital ecosystems, from tiny ones in our yards and city parks to vast landscapes.

We invite you to view the series of aerial images of ash wetlands on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Notice how in some of these forests, mature trees have already died, and the ecosystem is transforming. In others, trees remain alive, but the beetle is already at work.

As you explore this exhibition, think about the wild and natural places you cherish. What do these places need from us, and how can we become stewards of them so that they will be there for generations to come?

We would like to thank all the individuals who donated to this project, the scientists who opened their research sites to us, Margaret Boozer-Strother and Red Dirt Studio for hosting our fundraiser and Joe's Movement Emporium for providing the space and assistance for this exhibition. We would also like to thank Yazan Hasan for working with us to capture drone footage and making a video of these glorious forests.

Thank you for visiting.

Leslie Brice & Gabe Popkin