Green-Up Jamestown!
The mission of the Green-Up Jamestown Coalition (GUJC) is to unite the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences; business and industry, and community leaders to increase citizen’s love of nature, promote environmental awareness, and create local-to-global sustainability. RTPI works with community partners and sponsors of the GUJC to organize grassroots teaching and learning events modeled after those utilized during the first Earth Day in 1970. In the coming months, a diverse set of events will be offered throughout Jamestown to celebrate our natural assets and to inspire future generations to...
Read MoreCalling All Citizen Scientists: Help Protect Our Hemlock Trees!
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an aphid-like insect, originating from Asia, which is devastating Hemlock trees throughout much of the Eastern United States. This deadly bug has been progressively moving closer to our area, and early detection of HWA is crucial to effectively managing its spread. This winter season we are once again conducting a series of field surveys in which the public is invited to join and work alongside conservationists from RTPI, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and Jamestown Community College to monitor for the presence of this invasive pest. Want to get...
Read MoreGive the Gift of Art this Holiday Season; “Neil Rizos: the Art of Exploration”
Of this particular piece, Rizos wrote: “This is a portrait of a specific tree in the Adirondack Mountains – one I’ve painted many times. Labels and concepts certainly have their place (as in this essay) but once the mind suspends the practice of attaching labels and concepts, the world is experienced in a very different manner. The first concept to dissolve is that of Beginning and Ending, at which point all is recognized as a constantly transforming whole with no distinct boundaries – more easily seen in the ocean, perhaps, than the forest.” A portion of all sales benefit RTPI’s Art,...
Read MoreMerlin Meal
I barely missed my first Snowy Owl of the season earlier today, but my consolation prize was this Merlin finishing up a meal. I am not positive on the identification of the prey, but I did observe the raptor eating the entire leg and foot. Snowy Owls seem to be spreading out all over the region with new sightings coming every day! Have you spotted any yet? I am looking forward to seeing and sharing images of one soon… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreAmerican Tree Sparrow
Here’s a look at a little bit of lingering green, thanks to some holly trees, with a lovely American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea). This cute bird is one of many on the move to the south right now. We are far enough into the season that these winter residents, along with species like the White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco, are beginning to fill up our yards. Be careful not to confuse their rufous caps with the similar Chipping Sparrow. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More