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Why are there so many ravens on Franconia Ridge?
Why are there so many ravens on Franconia Ridge?
Forest Spirits
Forest Spirits
Before European contact, the Abenaki saw fairies half the size of normal humans which they called The Little People. They were described as traveling groups of forest spirits.
Important Lessons
Important Lessons
The Little People would rarely interact with humans only appearing in "human form" to those in need. If a human was to see The Little People, they would cover their eyes and offer them gifts, which The Little People would return with guidance and a reciprocal gift of nature's bounty.
However, if humans were to rudely stare at The Little People, they would be pointed at and frozen to the spot. Helpless, the humans would be commanded still while The Little People took their belongings to teach them a lesson about respect and *reciprocity.
Illustration by Christine Nih'Shaw
*Reciprocity - The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially resources which the other has limited access to.
Illustration by Christine Nih'Shaw
Ravens & The Alpine Zone
Ravens & The Alpine Zone
The Little People have the ability to shapeshift, often turning into ravens or other birds to offer guidance to humans. It is said that on Franconia Ridge, the raven are The Little Woods People advising hikers to stay on the trail. They take great care of the delicate alpine zone, preventing the trampling of alpine vegetation such as diapensia, bearberry willow, mountain avens, dwarf birch, Appalachian fir clubmoss, and more.
Heed the advice of The Little Woods People and help protect Franconia Ridge's fragile alpine zone!
"Diapensia" Illustration by Brianna Fuller
"Alpine Blueberries" Illustration by Brianna Fuller
"Appalachian Fir Clubmoss" Illustration by Brianna Fuller
"Alpine Zone Sign on Franconia Ridge" Photograph by Daniel Raymond, September 2024
Potential Signage Location
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