Safeguarding RTPI’s Unique and Irreplaceable Collections
Documentary Heritage & Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) is a statewide program of the New York State Archives and New York State Library which provides free planning and education services to archives, libraries, museums, and other institutions that safeguard and ensure access to New York’s historical records and unique research materials. Preparation for an emergency or disaster is one of the most important steps a cultural institution can take to safeguard collections. RTPI is the only official institutional steward of the life works of Roger Tory Peterson. We maintain,...
Read MoreHellbender Surveys Continue
While the summer season is winding down, our survey work certainly isn’t! As stream conditions allow, we will continue surveying for the elusive Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in the French Creek watershed and beyond. Working closely with the University of Buffalo and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we have found habitats within the area that may support hellbenders. Test results and hands-on surveys will reveal whether these sites may support a viable population, so we have our fingers crossed and will share more details soon!
Read MoreAmerican Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is one of those birds that are so well known to nearly everyone that we rarely stop to take the time to view them properly. Thankfully they are more common now in the east than they had been as the initial part of the 21st century saw significant losses to even this abundant species thanks to the West Nile Virus. Areas that were richer in species diversity saw fewer losses due to the virus, likely signaling the strength of a healthy ecosystem to battle a pathogen. Conservation needs to focus on certain species at times – as we at RTPI often do...
Read MoreSnowmobiling and environmentalists
Considering I took my first trip down the snowmobile trails of Chautauqua County while at the controls of a snowmobile this weekend I thought it was time to talk about the issue of snowmobiling and the environmentalists who oppose it in general terms. This has cropped up less than I thought it would after we launched the “Nature at Your Fingertips” winter trails cell phone tour at the beginning of the 2013-2014 snowmobile season. Anyone on the trails – hiking, running, skiing, or so forth – can use and enjoy our mobile tour for free. However, the focus is engaging...
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