Dear Readers,
It is with a heavy heart and immense gratitude that we bid farewell to Joan Herrmann’s beloved nature column in The Daily Post. Since October 2019, Joan has enriched our lives with her bi-monthly reflections on the wonders of the natural world, sharing her profound knowledge and passion for flora and fauna.
Her recent computer crash, coupled with the challenges of age, has led her to step away from writing at 83. While we respect her decision, we cannot let her departure pass without celebrating her extraordinary contributions.
Joan’s columns were a window into the Adirondack wilderness, inviting us to marvel at the delicate beauty of wildflowers, the intricate lives of insects, and the quiet wisdom of trees. With the eye of a professional nature photographer and the heart of a naturalist, she wove stories that made the outdoors accessible and enchanting.
Whether she was describing the fleeting bloom of a trillium, the tracks of a fox in fresh snow, or the delicate architecture of a spider’s web, Joan’s words painted vivid pictures that inspired us to look closer at the world around us. Her work was more than just a column; it was an extension of her lifelong dedication to education and conservation.
For 38 years, Joan taught and led programs for schools, garden clubs, libraries, and nature centers, sharing her expertise as a photographer, naturalist, and outdoor educator.
After moving to the Adirondacks in 1995, she built Essence of Nature, her photography business, and became a cornerstone of the community as a co-owner of The Artworks in Old Forge.
Her 19 years as a docent at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute and her work with the Black River Outdoor Educational Program and Mohawk Valley Community College showcased her commitment to nurturing curiosity in both children and adults.
Joan’s columns, archived at The Daily Post and the Adirondack Express, reflect her deep love for the natural world. She introduced us to the secret lives of mosses, the survival strategies of amphibians, and the seasonal rhythms of the Adirondacks.
Her ability to blend scientific insight with poetic observation made every piece a gift—an invitation to slow down, observe, and cherish our environment.
For those who followed her work, she was both teacher and guide, encouraging us to see the beauty in the small and often overlooked.
On behalf of The Daily Post and our readers, I extend our deepest thanks to Joan for her years of service, not only to this publication and others but to the countless individuals she has inspired through her photography, teaching, and writing.
Joan, your legacy lives on in the trails you’ve cataloged, the students you’ve taught, and the readers you’ve touched.
We wish you peace and joy in this next chapter, knowing that the forests, streams, and creatures of the Adirondacks will always carry a bit of your spirit.
With heartfelt gratitude,
David E. Warner
The Daily Post/My Little Falls/Mohawk Valley Express
I learned something new every time I read her weekly posts. Her writing was a mix of facts, artistry, and amazement. She has a gift of unlocking the mysteries of the natural world to the reader. Thank you!
Loved Joan’s column! A subject I knew very little about. I would pass it on to my grandchildren and tell them to learn from the best. Thank u Joan!
Thank you for the beautiful photography I got to enjoy. Maybe your previous articles can be archived so many can still enjoy your labor of love. I hope your retiring years are kind ones and maybe there is something a bit easier for you to do rather than give it all up. Maybe a photo or 3 with a brief comment about it. Thank you, Joan. God Bless, Wanda F. Sewell
Joan – you will be very much missed! But what a legacy of words, photos and knowledge you have left as a legacy to your love of the ADKs and surrounding regions. I look forward to our paths crossing. All best! Peggy O’Shea