Return to Reality
Roger Tory Peterson once said: “There has been a tremendous renaissance in nature study in recent years; it has been called a form of escapism, and perhaps it is in a way, but not an escape from reality; but rather, a return to reality; a flight from unreal things.” Reconnect with nature, and return to reality, by visiting the sites featured in RTPI’s Natural History Atlas to the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region (http://rtpi.org/education/naturalhistoryatlas/) I took these photos at one of these places, Point Gratiot in Dunkirk, NY, during a recent evening beach adventure with my son....
Read MoreSunset at Chautauqua Lake
Doing conservation related work around our region takes us to some really incredible places, blessing us with beautiful scenery and a diversity of species. While we work hard at surveying these areas in order to learn more about the habitats and needs of existing species, sometimes we need to take a break and simply take in all that is around us. Last week after spending the day doing surveys, I took an evening hike over at Long Point State Park, one of our Natural History Atlas sites, to take in the beautiful colors, warmth and water that surrounded me. I hope that during your busy week you...
Read MoreNatural History Atlas to the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region scanned & online
Another Throwback Thursday – in 2001 the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History published a Natural History Atlas to the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region, culminating several years of environmental education work through a matching grant from the Annenberg Rural Challenge. The printed version of the Atlas has long been sold out but did you know you can access it in full here on our website? The entire book is here for free in downloadable PDF form, so please have a read!
Read MoreWhy Do Leaves Change Color?
Have you ever wondered why the lush green summer colors of the local trees and shrubs change as autumn approaches? Well, as the length of daylight shortens and the intensity of sunlight lessens, chlorophyll production slows down and eventually stops within the leaves. As the chlorophyll gets broken down and disappears, the carotenoids and anthocyanins (other chemicals that exists in the leaves) become unmasked as the green color fades, revealing brilliant shades of oranges, reds and yellows. While this process is occurring, another is at work. The veins that carry fluids and nutrients in and...
Read MoreCanada Darner (Aeshna canadensis)
Have you ever taken an up close look at a dragonfly? We did at this Canada Darner (Aeshna canadensis) we found patrolling the edge of the pond at College Lodge around this time last year. As you can see, Canada Darners have large compound eyes, providing excellent vision needed for hunting on the fly. While you are enjoying the autumn-like days soon to come, keep an eye out for this spectacular dragonfly species and more emerging and migrating through the area.
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