What Are These “Weeds”?
Many aquatic plants exist within Chautauqua Lake; its nutrient-rich sediments provide a fertile growing bed for vegetation. Some of these plants are native to our area and provide critical ecological and environmental benefits, while others were introduced from distant locales and have been negatively impacting the ecological function, recreational and economic value of Chautauqua Lake. Surprisingly, some of the most prevalent invasives have been with us for decades already, while a steady stream of nearby or newly arriving species poses additional challenges to the future health of the...
Read MoreRTPI to Host “Illuminating the Dark Side of Nature” Book Club
Program Theme: Illuminating the Dark Side of Nature It’s easy to find beauty in the natural world. Literature is filled with descriptions of breathtaking landscapes, magnificent creatures, and meaningful experiences in the great outdoors. Yet, nature also has its dark places – filled with curiosities that we often fear. Participants in this new Reading and Discussion series will explore some of the strange and mysterious corners of the natural world – as they venture through contemporary pieces of literature- into places they may otherwise be reluctant to probe. Program...
Read MoreUpdate: 35 Stories in Celebration of RTPI’s 35th Anniversary
Can you believe that it’s June already? 2019 – the year in which RTPI is celebrating its 35th Anniversary – is almost halfway over. And while we’ve already written many chapters in the story of this milestone year, we still have many more to compose! As you may recall, one way that we are celebrating RTPI’s 35th Anniversary is by sharing “35 Stories”; a collection of ideas, memories, experiences, and more, that make our journey together special. We thought that this would be a good time to provide an update on this initiative! So here goes! The following links showcase some of the...
Read MoreAn introduction to Chautauqua Lake’s Aquatic Invasive Plants
Many aquatic plants exist within Chautauqua Lake; its nutrient-rich sediments provide a fertile growing bed for vegetation. Some of these plants are native to our area and provide critical ecological and environmental benefits, while others were introduced from distant locales and have been wreaking havoc on the ecological function, recreational and economic value of Chautauqua Lake. Surprisingly, some of the most prevalent invasives have been with us for decades already, while a steady stream of nearby or newly arriving species poses additional challenges to the future health of the lake....
Read MoreAdult 55+ Nature Art Classes to be Offered at RTPI
RTPI is excited to expand our educational programming to include art classes designed for adults aged 55 and up offering during the spring and summer of 2019. Through a grant from the Tri-County Arts Council furnished by the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, local artist and art instructor Robin Zefers Clark will teach two series of watercolor lessons at RTPI, each occurring over a six-week period. The first series of lessons will take place each Monday between May 6 – June 10 from 10:00 – 11:30am. The second series will begin Monday, July 29 and end on September...
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