Department of Conservation and Recreation Iron Ranger

In the summer of 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation issued a call to artists for paint proposals for their iron rangers (iron donation collectors) within the state park system. In an effort to draw more visitor attention to the iron rangers, and thus increase donations, the DCR appealed to artists to submit designs that reflected the character of the surrounding parks.

I was delighted that my mushroom design was selected for an iron ranger in Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, MA. Harold Parker is popular with mushroom hunters and those who appreciate spotting fungi on hikes and walks. I included a range of mushroom types that are familiar to the area, and labeled each mushroom with its name. I answered a lot of questions while I painted (no I'm not a Girl Scout, but thanks for the age compliment mister!), and met a lot of great families and folks visiting the park. The painting of the design took about 2 months to complete as the basecoats and color coats of paint required up to 2 weeks to cure between coats.

I hope the ranger attracts the donation attention desired, and I hope the design sparks a bit of mushroom interest along the way. I was very satisfied with the final outcome, and feel it's a fitting mark for me to leave behind as we prepare for our west coast move this summer!