Keeping Birds Local

Keeping Birds Local

By Taylor Spontaneo, Nature Educator When winter winds are frigid and I crave a taste of the outdoors, I find myself glued to the window watching my birdfeeders. If the landscape is a bit snowy and I notice plenty of activity, I will sneak out my front door...
Geometric Shapes in Nature

Geometric Shapes in Nature

By: Charlotte Schmaltz, Animal Care Specialist and Nature Educator Often when describing patterns, they are placed in one of two categories: organic or geometric. Organic designs are ones based on natural things, like the silhouette of a tree or fur pattern of an...
Subnivean Life

Subnivean Life

By: Emma Roth, Nature Educator and Animal Care Specialist Snow. While it’s still early in the winter, here in Chautauqua County we are already feeling the freeze. The world has been blanketed with white, and it seems like that blanket is here to stay. While the snow...
Keeping Warm in the Winter

Keeping Warm in the Winter

By: Chelsea Jandreau, Education Director The sunlight reflecting off the frost that covered the trees was a beautiful and welcome sight last week. The glittering hillsides made for a stunning commute and walk into work. The only downside is that my face was freezing....
The Shape of Trees

The Shape of Trees

By: Katie Finch, Senior Nature Educator Leaves are probably the most common feature used to identify trees. But in winter, when so many trees have dropped their leaves, combinations of other features are needed. The bark, along with the pattern and shape of buds on...
Bird Feeders and The Joy of Casual Birding

Bird Feeders and The Joy of Casual Birding

By Charlotte Schmaltz, Nature Educator An easy way that I stay connected to nature, even if I have a busy schedule, is taking a moment to look out a window and watch birds at a bird feeder. It is both simple and, in my opinion, brings an extra bit of joy into one’s...