Herald of Spring

This painting illustrates one of fire's paradoxes: it is a destructive force, but it also leads to renewal. I photographed many wildflowers during my Annadel hikes, but it was not until after the 2017 wildfires that the Scarlet Fritillary made an appearance. Fire clears thick underbrush and grassland to make way for new plant varieties. Increased diversity leads to stronger, more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand fire, drought or disease. The diversity of our community also makes it stronger and more resilient to withstand challenges and change.