Snow Crystal Photomicrography 101

We learn early on in life that every snowflake is different. But did you know that each snowfall has its own signature snow crystal patterns based on temperature and humidity? So says Kathy Hrechka who has been observing, studying, documenting and photographing snow crystals for the past five years. She would set up her microscope, cameras, and collecting plates on her front porch during snowfalls. Mother Nature determined the schedule, so at times she was the first person in the neighborhood to be awake to study snow crystals when the snow started falling. The anticipation was like awakening on Christmas morning. She would wonder what kind of snow crystals would arrive at her microscope.

Kathy will be sharing images she has captured of one of nature’s most elusive and ephemeral artforms – the snow crystal.

Born in Wisconsin, Kathy Hrechka grew up playing in the snow. Today she is a retired flight attendant, residing in Virginia. Her favorite hobby has always been geology. She collects microminerals, which require magnification for identification. Kathy is a volunteer editor of The Mineral Mite, a newsletter for micromineral collectors like herself. www.dcmicrominerals.org. She also volunteers in the Geology Gems & Mineral Gallery at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.

Zoom meeting information will be emailed to you upon registration. Please direct any questions you may have to bstrong@marylandnature.org.