The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) announces the 13 winning photos gracing its 2022 calendar. TLGV’s “Explore the Last Green Valley” calendar for 2022 features magnificent photos of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.
The coveted cover shot was taken by Sandee Harraden of Woodstock and is called “Ruby-throated Hummingbird.” The photo shows a hummingbird drinking nectar as it twists its body to get the perfect angle for the nectar.
This is the second TLGV calendar cover Harraden has won since 2015. “I’ve always been interested in birds,” Harraden said. “But I also enjoy watching the bird behavior. Learning photography, I can stop the moment and get all the details to understand what I am seeing.”
Harraden fell in love with photography 11 years ago. She is always trying to learn more about photography while hoping to inspire others to love nature through photography. In addition to the cover photo, Harraden’s “Northern Cardinal with His Fledgling” is the April photo. Harraden’s images are the results of hours of watching the birds with her camera at the ready and positioning herself as the light moves.
“I think The Last Green Valley is a wonderful organization and it also inspires people to enjoy the outdoors and brings awareness and helps people to connect to nature. I think that’s really important for people to have that inspiration.”
The other winning photos are: “A Sparkling Day,” by Ulla Britt Roemer of Pomfret; “Ponemah,” by Nick Velles of Franklin; “Chasing Waterfalls,” “Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut…” and “Let it Go,” by Sarah L. Hamby of Danielson; “Calves on a Sunny Day,” by Joseph Orefice of Union; “European Praying Mantis at Lavender Farm,” and “Monarch with Sunflowers,” by Heather Brunelle of Lebanon; “Sunset at Blue Slope,” by Susan Trapp of N. Stonington; “Fall from Above,” by Ryan Heilemann of Brooklyn; and “Ready to go Kayaking at Hopeville Pond” by Gail Miller of N. Franklin.
The more than 65 entries went through a blind review. Additional smaller photos are used throughout the calendar. The 2022 calendar is also filled with interesting tidbits about the natural and cultural history of the National Heritage Corridor. “This year the entries were very high quality,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. “It was difficult to choose only 13. We’re excited by the stunning photos in the 2022 calendar.” The calendar is on sale for $15. You can order one in the gift shop at TheLastGreenValley.org or call the TLGV Office at 860-774-3300 to order a copy. All proceeds support The Last Green Valley’s programs to protect our natural and historic resources. TLGV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

.