As I grew up in the post-WWII era of “boom kids,” many of us grew up with nature, baseball, the Boy Scouts and hard-core Christian family values. Into my teens (early 1960s), I discovered one of the greatest little books to carry in my pocket on outdoor excursions to the woods, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds. This guide likely contributed to the inspiration for today’s software program from Cornell called MERLIN. It features photo-form bird illustrations, much like the Peterson Guidebooks, and allows birds to be recognized by recording their song on a cellphone. Since the original Peterson Guidebook, there are more than 50 similar Peterson Guides to plants, insects, fish, and other natural phenomena. Each of them is priceless for outdoor folks and others.

A walk through RTPI can be inspiring. Visitors discover an uncompromised sense of environmental concerns and related factors, as well as the eco-dynamics affecting the biodiversity of the earth.

In addition to their regular schedule of nature art exhibitions and programs, RTPI offers a complement of unique Anniversary Programs and Exhibitions, along with insights from scholars, artists and conservationists culled from interviews and RTPI archives. In August, an exhibition entitled “Art that Matters to the Planet: Clarity,” explores the role of art and artists in protecting freshwater ecosystems and all of the life they support. The exhibit features artists partnered with environmental organizations, scientists, naturalists, and writers. Their work highlights the unique and fascinating worlds of freshwater ecosystems nationwide.

Related to fish consumption from our local waters, we ought to know more about the effects of chemicals for weed control, the disposal of prescription medicines, the fish we buy for consumption from retail outlets, and more. We all need to ask more questions and learn more about acceptable levels of water cleanliness regarding allowable pollution levels and controls for contamination in nature.

Red-Headed Woodpeckers are among birds that are incredibly striking in color with the brilliant crimson colored head. Photo by James Monteleone

With a visit to the artwork and educational venues available at RTPI, visitors may discover additional insight for their individual pursuit of answers to these concerns.

The Peterson Preserve features 27 acres of diverse habitat on the Roger Tory Peterson Institute grounds here in Chautauqua County. Hikers will discover mature hemlock groves, pollinator meadows, vernal wetlands, creeks, ponds, early successional wooded areas, and an Eastern Bluebird Trail. This site features about one mile of branching trails, interpretive signs that include QR codes for interactive learning, and a museum. It’s a short hike.

While my original Peterson Field Guide to Birds is dog-eared and a bit tattered, after all these decades, it is clear that Roger Tory Peterson made a difference in our world. According to the RTPI website, “As a living embodiment of the Peterson Guide, RTPI uses art as the lens through which to inform, inspire, and illuminate information about the natural world.”

Review a copy of the RTPI monthly newsletter at https://rtpi.org/rtpi-monthly-e-newsletter/ and learn more about RTPI by visiting https://rtpi.org/.

Gotta love the outdoors!

Yellow Warblers are common in Western New York with plain face and stout bill, they are attractive by their color and easily spotted in trees and bird feeders. Photo by James Monteleone

RTPI Calendar

Now through Aug. 25: Amy Tan’s Backyard Birds, on view inside RTPI during regular hours.

Aug. 2: Art that Matters to the Planet: Clarity, Exhibition Opening, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., in the Lodge at RTPI, register at 716-665-2473.

Aug. 2: Guided Gallery Walk, 2:00 p.m.

Aug. 3: Yoga with the Birds, 9:00 a.m.; on the patio w/Natalie Maggio; small fee, register 615-665-2473.

Aug. 3 – Oct. 27: Art that Matters to the Planet: Clarity; on view inside RTPI, partnering w/Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. Regular Admission.

Aug. 17: Roger’s Bird-Day Bash, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., in the Lodge at RTPI, tickets $20; Includes all-day admission to RTPI.