“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”: This photograph by Olivia Nini, grade 10 — Ken Lockwood Gorge, High Bridge, New Jersey is part of the “Beauty and the Beast — the Fall and Rise of the Raritan River” exhibit at the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Olivia Rainbow Gallery on view through March 30.

D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Olivia Rainbow Gallery presents “Beauty and the Beast — the Fall and Rise of the Raritan River,” fine art photography by Princeton Day School students of Eileen Hohmuth-Lemonick, head of Upper School photography. Focusing on the historic Raritan River, the images are on view through March 30, 2016.

The “Beauty” section evokes the river’s course through stunningly beautiful New Jersey locations, home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals — many threatened and endangered. The “Beast” segment of the exhibit chronicles effects of the river’s use for transportation; as an energy source for crucial industries; and, tragically, receptacle for toxic wastes.

“We have canoed and photographed the Raritan from New Brunswick to Edison,” says Hohmuth-Lemonick. The Raritan is New Jersey’s longest river and includes the state’s largest contiguous stretch of wildlife habitat. D&R Greenway was founded to preserve land adjacent to waterways such as the Raritan River.

In this year-long project, documenting ecological impacts affecting the Raritan over the course of the last century, “the Upper School environmental studies class and two photojournalism classes are working individually and as teams,” says Hohmuth-Lemonick, who also credits participating faculty members Carlos Cara, Liz Cutler, and Aaron Schomburg. “They are learning about the Raritan River, its essential tributaries and riparian ecosystems, and recovery efforts.” Students interviewed and photographed Hannah Suthers, who bands birds and conducts research.”

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for holidays, and on the third Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. D&R Greenway Johnson Education Center is located at 1 Preservation Place (off Rosedale Road), Princeton. (609) 924-4646; www.drgreenway.org.

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