Spring Blooms in Wild America
In the spring of 1953, Roger Tory Peterson and his British friend James Fisher embarked on a thrilling 100 day, trip to explore and document the Wilds of North America. Their excursion took them from Newfoundland to Florida, the heart of Mexico to the dry Southwest, the Pacific Northwest to the Pribilof Islands of Alaska, and the numerous memories of the splendors they encountered were later documented in a book titled Wild America, first published in 1955. Among the many things that Peterson and Fisher recorded along their journey were blossoming spring flowers, and this pen and ink drawing...
Read MoreSpring Ephemerals
Trilliums like the one shown here – and other ‘spring ephemeral’ wildflowers – only bloom for a short period of time in early spring; they then die back to their underground root system. But what a welcome show they put on each year, after we’ve been seeing nothing but snow for months! Before the tree canopy in our forests fully leaf out, the forest floor is briefly carpeted with flowers. Please enjoy them where they are found – in their native woodland habitat. Tempting as it may be to transplant some to your garden, most of these plants don’t survive and they are becoming...
Read MoreOl’ Three Toes the Bull Frog
This piece – carved from a rock known as Utah alabaster by artist Dale Weiler – is currently on view at RTPI. Weiler explains: “This was my very first stone carving, which I created in Maine in 1992 at my first (and only) stone sculpting class. I was smitten the moment my hand touched stone and I knew I was born to be a stone sculptor.” Come in and see all of the pieces by Dale and his late father Milton C. Weiler that comprise “The Weiler’s Evolution: a Father and Son’s Artistic Journey” exhibition.
Read MoreThe Wilderness Next Door
Think you need to take a week off and travel far to access’Wild America’? Think again. This panoramic photo was taken within the limits of the village of Fredonia just a few weeks ago! Amazing discoveries await just outside your door wherever you may be. Take some time to tune in to the wilderness next door to wherever you are! Check out RTPI’s Natural History Atlas to discover the gems that surround those of us fortunate enough to reside in Western New York. Natural History Atlas In the spirit of Roger Tory Peterson, we dare you to Learn It, Love It, and Protect...
Read MoreRTPI in the Rainforest – Conservation, Education and Inspiration
RTPI provides innovative programs that bring nature back into people’s lives. RTPI researchers work with school and college students to give them a chance to study natural history first-hand, and open their eyes and minds to the workings of the natural world. Whether in our own backyard, or in a remote corner of Costa Rica, RTPI works to increase understanding of the natural connections between species, habitats, and people that are critical to effective conservation. Learn more in this outstanding video created by Nicholas Gunner of...
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