SeedProjX

Here presented are the samples pressed on Oct 13 from an earlier Overton Park Old Forest trip. 11x14 (maple and fern) and 4x6 (misc) frames obtained from Dollar Tree shown here. Gloss coated frame insert is turned over to the white background (so no special cut was necessary). Careful examination detects the image on the other side of what's seen here as a white backing. These initial plant press framings are not the most beautiful, but I am proud of them. They represent an edging forward for me from indecision, procrastination, and perfectionism to iteration, process, and reflective assessment. I have to figure out what kinds of plants I want to put together, what else I might want to put with the plant and what will be my process of permanence (spray adhesive, backing material, labeling).

The press seems to have worked. About 1 month press time but only 1 day with the additional 2 screws inserted (for a total of 6 screws). The middle of the press bowed in the middle before the insertion of the middle screw set. Things now to consider are how to frame these samples (dollar store frames seem likely), how to show the backs of some samples (like ferns), and identification. Also have to consider where best storage for dehydration might be (ex. attic), how many samples can be successfully pressed, and where can I connect with people to further learn about press strategy and identification.

My first plant press. Went on an expedition hike and collected a few samples from the Old Forest @ Overton Park. This press will help to preserve those samples. I hope to frame the pressed plants as decor, possibly saleable someday. For now, solely for display of identified species. 1/4"x4" 20 bolts with washers and wing nuts. 1-1/8" holes separated 4" in every direction. Board is about 24"x16", cut from a $6 24"x48" plywood board. Makes the whole project less than $10 with a 24"x16x board to spare.

It's amazing what you find in your own backyard. Miracles beyond what can be conjured. I'm working on being demystified by the variety of life on our property, literally in our backyard, but it's really difficult to attain clarity. Number one, I don't have much context in the variety of life, and I find it slow coming. Number two, I am in a context somewhat different than what I am accustomed to. The South, albeit strikingly similar to the Northeast, is distinct in a great number of species, proving to myself again that I am living in a world different than what I knew. Nonetheless, or perhaps because of this, I find these neighborhood organisms intriguing. My guess is that, because of their ubiquitousness they have some fascinating biology. The plants below, I'm sure, are all remarkable upon investigation, even if they seem uninteresting upon first inspection. I hope to discover and tell their stories in the upcoming weeks and months. Here are a few to begin.  ...

Saw this little guy outside my daughter's window. Grabbed my Bugs and Slugs guide and got ID down to American Spider or Orb Weaver. Searched genus name for Orb Weaver (Araneus) and Wikipedia had a European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) front and center. I think that's a match. Excited to pursue IDing common species that we live with everyday and yet know nothing about. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araneus

The idea is to have a table that makes doing field microscopy a bit easier. I still have to work on a few pieces to make setup faster. For one, disassembling the body of the microscope currently requires the undoing of every screw and bolt. I'm considering cutting a channel in the base of the wood so that the body can be mere loosened and then taken off. The same cannot be done for the phone holder (arm). It would make the construction too weak. Additionally, I have to consider what components to use instead of binder clips (or use different binder clips). The clips were not supporting the slide or microscope as flatly, but I'm sure the table wasn't flat either so that is an added factor. It functioned, but the aesthetics are bad. Lastly, I am learning that each step forward is satisfying, and not the least reason due to the next set of questions that present themselves. Of course, I still have refinements with the table and Smartphone Microscope to consider (and maybe...

I was a little disheartened when I discovered some portable tables under $30 that were far nicer than what is shown here, but after constructing this one I can confidently say this one has some advantages. Number one, setup is a cinch. Slam the post in the ground and sit the clipboard atop. Construction is a cinch, too, and that counts for something in these projects. Lastly, none of the components is single function. The clipboard retains it's original function, and the pipe can be used to hold a camera, as well as be a post for an emergency tarp shelter. Additionally, slender emergency objects may be stored in the tube, and it can be used as an emergency channel for collected water. Ok, really starting to stretch it, but tubes are really useful! The Build Charlotte schedule 40 PVC tubing used, 1/2 in. Cut about a 1/2 in piece of tube to secure to the clipboard with crazy glue (sanded the flattest PVC end before gluing; applied glue to PVC and clipboard, had acerone on ha...