At the start of 2025, Bainbridge Island Land Trust came to me with urgency; 38 acres of pristine forest was up for sale to the highest bidder. The Grand Forest East now had a price tag, and in today’s land grab, the outcome could be disastrous. Within this expanse of wildland is a network of intertwining pathways that allows the broader community to experience the serenity of the outdoors. It is a place of activity, hills and valleys of ferns and moss were people gather to walk, hike and bike; and safe trails for the local cross-country team to train upon; as well as horseback riders searching for rays of sunlight piercing through the canopy up high. It is a room without walls for an overall experience of mental health.
Not only do the local residents thrive within, but the native flora and fauna thrive as well with little to no noise pollution disturbing the air between the woodland’s thick fur stands. Various fungi find the shade and moisture between a natural compost, and species from raccoon, owl, black bear and deer pass through as a part of a larger natural causeway for animal passage.
So with a deadline of one month I was tasked to capture still photography and a dozen or so motion vignettes of the people and their activities within the 38 acres that represent for the community as a whole. Released online and varying social media channels, the BI Land Trust in partnership with the Parks and Trails Foundation were able to secure the necessary funding to purchase the land and preserve the heritage of a wild outdoor space for generations to come.
For more visit www.CameronKarsten.com | www.the-subconscious.com
<!–
–>
