Finding the Jeweled Shooting Star was not as difficult as I originally thought. However, the hiking and climbing required to obtain any photographic images took some fortitude.

After researching their known locations, the hunt was narrowed to a Scientific and Natural Area in the southeastern part of the state that was a reasonable drive from home. Having never been to this particular area, it took some time to acclimate myself and locate their proper habitat. They exist in high river bluff country, so as my hike started, I knew it was going to be beautiful at the very least. Soon, a single plant was discovered on a large rock cliff face. It was found merely by accident after locating a Declining Trillium and then making a decision to investigate its photo opportunities.

This single Shooting Star was clinging to the cliff face. It was in full bloom, and yet it did not jump out and say, "Here I am." It took a moment or two to recognize the find. Growing on a cliff face of over twenty feet, the feasibility of obtaining a good image was next to impossible, perplexing to say the least. Sitting there with my feet dangling over the cliff and contemplating my next move, an old axiom came to mind, "If there is one, there has to be more. "

Doing a quick survey of the terrain convinced me that the only available option was to play mountain goat and climb down the cliff. In very short order, it was obvious I did not play the part very well; my feet went out from under me and I tumbled down the hill. Once I was able to stop my rapid descent and slowly pull myself to a standing position, the automatic response of, looking around in embarrassment to see if anyone was watching, kicked in. Yeah, like right, who is going to be out here? I laughed to myself at the thought. Next, was to check my equipment and found everything to be in good shape. A big sigh of relief was muttered.

The next few steps confirmed that axiom's truth. On a smaller outcropping, were many beautiful specimens. At first, I sat in amazement not knowing what to do. There were white ones, lavender ones, and dark purple ones, all at different stages of blooming. Could I get them all? No, that was not feasible. It no longer mattered that I had taken the hard way down the cliff.

Then the questions began. Which is the best subject and from what angle should it be shot? What will give me the best background? How much additional space to include? What will give me the best composition? It took me awhile to compose myself and begin a rational thought process.

In searching for answers to those questions, I walked along the cliff face several times. One grouping consistently caught my eye. It was a single plant with six dark purple blooms growing amongst a small fern. After capturing some images, I tried other specimens, but I always found myself coming back to this group. After shooting a few rolls, I noticed a single Morel growing nearby. It, too, was captured on film.

With that task completed, I was contemplating on whether to continue my hike. I was looking out over the river bluffs and reflecting on what a wonderful way to spend the day; dirty, tired and chock full of new experiences. I probably did not get the "best" image I could have, but the pursuit of the Jeweled Shooting Star has left me with some lasting memories. To me, this is a big reason why we do this.

Description: Considered a relic or hold over of the glacial age, it is a small perennial that has four to five petals that reach skyward, while their yellowish stamen grows downward to a point or cone, giving it a "shooting star" appearance. A stem may hold a cluster of flowers that can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches. Each flower is roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in length, with their colors varying from a rich purple to a snow white.

Location: The unglaciated region of southeastern Minnesota, which is also known as the Paleozoic Plateau or "driftless area," is the northern most portion of their range. They have been found sporadically southward along the Mississippi river valley to Missouri, with Pennsylvania and West Virginia harboring some small populations. Today, there are only two locations where this species is known to exist in within the state. Both sites are protected under the Minnesota's Department of Natural Resource's Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) program. While other sites may be in existence, they have yet to be discovered.

Habitat: It prefers shady and moist limestone or dolomite outcroppings that are north or east facing that form cliffs, but they have been found to inhabit dry to moist alkaline bluffs. Many can be found growing out of the smallest rock fissures. While these habitats are not readily accessible, they are small and easily disturbed. Due to the few remaining populations and their particular habitat requirements, the species is classified as proposed special concern.

Bloom Time: In Minnesota, mid-May is usually peak, but you can look for them a week on either side of that time. They are a beautiful flower, and any hike to see them is well worth the effort.

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Tom Samuelson has spent many years being a photographer, but only within the last two years has he recently started to focus on the art of nature photography. Growing up in a "conservation minded" family has instilled a yearning to see all the beauty that nature offers us. But, we must be willing to explore our world in order to see this beauty. Having the ability to capture an artistic image of that beauty for all to see is a good endeavor. What is it that makes a truly great image is a question I strive to continually answer? We are blessed with what our natural world offers us, if only we recognize it. Learn to look for it and then photographic it.

Currently, I am president of the Minnesota Nature Photography Club and learn much from this experience. Yet, there is much more to learn. We learn by getting out in the field. I hope to see you in the field someday.