The Beautiful Merrimack River: A Photo Essay/ or A Beaver’s Work is Never Done!
The Merrimack River runs through Concord, New Hampshire, our town of residence and home to my husband, Jim, for most of his life. The other day, he needed to drop our vehicle off at the shop for a check-up and had to decide what to do with three hours. Armed with insect repellent, his backpack, and his camera, he walked downhill from the dealership to do some exploring along the banks of the river. Knowing that, in the past, homeless people have lived along the banks, I was a little nervous. He came home with photos and agreed to let me share them with you.
This view of the river is looking north to the downtown area of Concord. One can also see the hills of West Concord, site of a large granite quarry since the 1800s.
This photo shows a variety of sumac,” just one variety of sumac that grows in New Hampshire. We have “Staghorn Sumac,” “Smooth Sumac,” and “Poison Sumac.”
The common name for this plant is “Pussytoes.”
Queen Anne’s lace is a late summer plant that I love! I have seen this plant rendered in embroidery pieces with lots of French Knots.
Proof that a beaver has been busy at work!
A lone Lily grows near the Merrimack River.
A beautiful Mushroom stands among eaten and whole acorns, a favorite food of squirrels and chipmunks, and once ground into powder for use in cooking by Native Americans.
A serene view of the Merrimack River
In this back water area, the water appears to be green in color.
A flowering plant called “Joe Pye Weed” or its Latin name, “Eupatorium.” Jim notes that many of the plants seen along the river, grow on a flood plain. They are not necessarily found readily in places this far north where we live, in northern New England.
Another August 2009 view of the Merrimack River in Concord, New Hampshire
This inscribed granite marker is a dedication memorial. The late John J. Hickey was the husband of Anita Hickey, my former boss when I worked at the NH State House. The couple was very instrumental in raising funds to build a fenced-in dog park, down by the river. Aren’t the engraved dogs on the stone wonderful? The stone was prepared by Perry Bros. Monuments and Barbara Perry did the engravings, according to Mrs. Hickey. In addition, she states that Sandy E. Sanel donated the benches for the park. Sadly, Sandy passed away before seeing the completed project, which is a wonderful place for Concord residents to let their dogs enjoy the outdoors.
Hope you have enjoyed this overview of a city where nature is never too far away!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
