Hi F-N-M,
you wrote:If I get a chance to do some collecting this year I'll remember to take a camera and let everyone in on some of this great place I take for granted.
Don't publicise too much, people who moved to Florida will go up north (LOL)
Seriously, I think that for now(well when winter's over) your best bet is to collect trees that are hardy in your zone. As long as you take care of the roots while doing this... I'm shure that you have great specimens in your area. White pine, some larch, spruce, etc...
Check in your area for some horticulture club. They may have bonsai enthousiast in their group.