ForestWander - Nature Photography News

WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — For decades shutterbugs have dreamed of having one of their best shots appear in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Now, just as millions of Americans are dusting off their cameras to capture their summer memories and travels, that dream is within reach for one lucky photographer whose photograph will be featured in an Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium ad that will run in the December 2008 issue of the magazine.

Not only will the winning photo be a part of an exciting, new ad in National Geographic for Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium — the world’s longest-lasting batteries for high-tech devices — the winner will also receive a National Geographic Expeditions trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar accompanied by a National Geographic expert. Both represent one-of-a-kind opportunities for one gifted amateur photographer.

Those interested in entering the “Energizer(R) Ultimate Photography Contest” may do so online by visiting www.nationalgeographic.com/energizer and submitting their best work. Photos should be submitted in one of the following thematic categories: adventure and exploration, travel, weather, science, people and cultures, festivals and celebrations, wildlife and nature, and space.

A winner in each category will be selected in July, at which time Americans will then be asked to vote online for the photo they think should be included in the Energizer ad that will be published in National Geographic.

The photo contest celebrates a new name and identity for Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium(R), the world’s longest lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices. Formerly known as Energizer(R) e^2(R) Lithium(R), Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium lasts up to 8X times longer in digital cameras (Versus Energizer(R) MAX(R). Varies by camera.). Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium not only meets the power demands of digital cameras and flash units, but also those of other high-tech devices like GPS systems and wireless headsets.

“Reliability is a big deal for me when I’m choosing equipment,” said Jim Richardson, acclaimed National Geographic photographer and judge for the Energizer(R) Ultimate Photography Contest. “Long-lasting batteries that can function in extreme temperatures help me get the job done, and let me concentrate on more important things — like getting great pictures.”

In addition to the extreme long life, the batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees C), making them ideal for professional and amateur photographers.

“We’re proud to partner with National Geographic on this contest,” said Betsy Laakko, director of Battery Marketing for Energizer. “National Geographic has long-represented excellence in the field of photography, and Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium helps provide the portable power that all photographers need.”

If online submission is not possible, entries for the “Energizer(R) Ultimate Photo Contest” will also be accepted by mail, provided the photos submitted are no larger than 8 x 10 inches and are accompanied by an entry form (also available by visiting www.nationalgeographic.com/energizer) or a 3 x 5 inch card with the photographer’s name, address, e-mail address and telephone number. The materials may be mailed to the following address:

Energizer(R) Ultimate Photo Contest

c/o National Geographic Society

1145 17th Street, NW

Room 7623

Washington, D.C. 20036-4688

Deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. EDT July 25, 2008, for online submissions. Those sent by mail must be postmarked by July 25, 2008, and received by August 1, 2008.

Richardson will judge the entries and determine the category winners based on the following criteria: Extent to which photo captures the essence of the theme selected (25 percent), composition (25 percent), clarity and technical quality (25 percent), and creativity (25 percent).

Each of the eight category winners will receive a photography-themed package valued at more than $300 and composed of Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium batteries; a “Gear on Assignment Earth Explorer” shoulder bag; a VuPoint Film Scanner, which enables users to scan strips of negatives or color slides and convert them to 5 megapixel digital files via a USB port; and the National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Photography.

Each of the category-winning photos will be posted online at www.nationalgeographic.com/energizer in mid-August, and visitors to the site will then be asked to cast their vote to determine the grand prize winner of the “Energizer(R) Ultimate Photography Contest.” The voting period will extend from August 15 to August 28, with the grand prize winner being announced on or about September 22, 2008.

About Energizer Ultimate Lithium

Introduced more than 15 years ago, Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium continues to help pave the way for a new generation of high-tech portable power devices, ranging from digital photo equipment to GPS units and wireless headsets. Recognized as the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries for high-tech devices, lasting up to 8X longer* in digital cameras, they are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries, perform in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees C) and have a 15-year storage life.

*Versus Energizer(R) MAX(R). AA Only. Results vary by camera.

About Energizer

Energizer Holdings, Inc. , http://www.energizer.com/, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer(R) MAX(R) premium alkaline brand; Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium; and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.

The Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids and medical devices, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses. Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices. Energizer continues its role as technology leader as it launches its Energizer(R) Energi To Go(R) line of portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones and iPod(R) devices.

Web site: www.energizer.com/ www.nationalgeographic.com/

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GLASTONBURY - - The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury is hosting its annual art show and sale on Saturday and Sunday.

The sixth annual Art for Nature’s Sake show and sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. A select group of artists and artisans inspired by the natural world will display their art and craft work in tents set up on the grounds.

Arts include oils, watercolors, ceramics, photography, wood sculptures, metal, woodcuts, bird carving and jewelry. It is an invitational show, meaning that the exhibitors are selected for the quality and originality of their work. Proceeds from the show go to support the center’s environmental education programs.

Special features will include entertainment, an auction of various items donated by participating artists and a sale of bird houses designed by Glastonbury High School art students. Philip Stein of Fairfield will demonstrate bird carving both days. There will also be craft activities for children. Saturday entertainment includes Ed Meincke playing the banjo, harmonica and recorder from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Don Seniti, “The Shanty Man,” performing sea shanties from 2 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, puppeteer Rolande Duprey will perform from noon to 2 p.m.

The center is at 1361 Main St./Route 17. For more information, call 860-633-8402.

International non-governmental organization The Nature Conservancy announced today that its has cancelled Nature Reserves of China, Through the Viewfinder photo contest award ceremony to donate all event funds to the earthquake relief efforts in Sichuan province. This high profile photography contest, which was due to take place on May 21 at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, was set to promote China’s nature reserve systems.

“The devastating, unimaginable, impact of the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan continues to increase in scale. The lives and welfare of our neighbors in Sichuan — a region of both high population density and biodiversity — are of utmost importance at this time,” said Rose Niu, Deputy Region Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy Asia-Pacific Region.

Along with a pool of individual donations made by local employees, The Nature Conservancy will contribute funds from the cancelled award ceremony to the disaster relief efforts. In particular, funds will be allocated to the staff and local communities in and around the nature reserves in the earthquake area. Relief efforts so far have been less successful in reaching the remote areas where these nature reserves are located.
The Nature Conservancy is part of a coalition of like-minded international and domestic NGOs, combining forces across China to provide disaster relief to earthquake-stricken areas. These NGOs are calling for donations of money, material goods, and blood from across the country and several are setting up relief funds for earthquake victims.
“We are proud to align ourselves with like-minded NGOs by redirecting our resources to this area of urgent need,” said Shuang Zhang, Director of The Nature Conservancy China program. “We are confident that together we can enhance and accelerate these relief efforts, and we call on all individuals and NGOs to join forces in moments like these.”

Local photographers, Meghan Arts and Jim DeLillo will each be exhibiting their perspective on Nature. An opening reception will be held on May 24 from 7-9 p.m. at Ruby Leif, 631 Route 23 South, Pompton Plains to support the emerging artists.

Oakland, NJ (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 — Nature is a significant focus in today’s society. The upcoming art exhibition at Ruby Leif, entitled “The Shape of Nature”, is intended to create further dialogue, touching on perspectives both obvious and obscure. Local photographers, Meghan Arts and Jim DeLillo will each be exhibiting their perspective on the hot subject.

Both Arts and DeLillo are seeking to further their careers in art and hope to gain some recognition from gallery shows. Arts is currently an art teacher at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne and is pursuing an MFA in photography. DeLillo, an Oakland resident, actively submits his photographs to iStock http://www.istockphoto.com/jimd_stock, a digital collection of stock photography. Both photographers are reaching for their passion and are becoming more active in their pursuit of sharing it with the public.

Although art exhibitions are a new venture for Arts and DeLillo, you can expect to see a professional presentation of beautiful photographs because neither is a newbie with the camera. In addition to photography, some mixed media work will be present. An opening reception will be held on May 24 from 7-9 p.m. at Ruby Leif, 631 Route 23 South, Pompton Plains to support the emerging artists. Open to the public. Free Admission. The exhibition runs from May 24 through June 14, 2008. Visit http://www.rubyleif.com/ or call 862-248-0453 for gallery hours and more information.

About the Photographers:
25 year old, Meghan Arts is a Montclair State graduate and will be furthering her studies in photography in London this summer. Jim DeLillo has been an internationally published photographer since 1972, but is recently taking on a more “artistic” approach. DeLillo takes the opportunity to further his photographic portfolio on his many travels, most recently to Italy.

One-Tank Trip / Western New York Day trips give kids a chance to hike, learn By Christine Smyczynski
At the visitors’ center in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls, children can touch antlers, shells, feathers and furs.
The warmer weather is upon us and school is almost out. However, many kids would be content staying indoors playing video games and watching TV, instead of enjoying nature. Now is the perfect time to introduce them to something new; perhaps they can learn to talk a walk on the wild side and get back to nature.

Western New York has an abundance of wildlife preserves where your family can experience nature and learn about the animals that live in our environment. These areas have been set aside to preserve green space, to allow a habitat for birds and other wild creatures, and to provide a place where people can lean about nature. Many have naturalists on staff and have scheduled nature programs and hikes. Some even offer summer day camps for kids.

My family recently visited the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls, about 90 minutes from Buffalo. If you’ve driven on the Thruway between Rochester and Syracuse, you’ve driven through the refuge, as the highway bisects it.

The 7,000-acre refuge was established in 1938 to restore the area’s historic expanse of marshes, which had been greatly reduced with dam and canal construction in the 1800s. It provides a habitat to migratory birds and other wildlife. Ducks, Canada geese, snow geese, peregrine falcons, great blue heron, pelicans, loons, and even bald eagles are found here. Since the Cayuga Seneca Barge Canal, which runs along the eastern border of the refuge, doesn’t freeze in the winter, the eagles remain here year-round.

The visitors’ center has displays of local wildlife, including many stuffed specimens. Kids will enjoy the “touch table,” where they can handle items such as antlers, animal skins and turtle shells. A small gift shop has reasonably priced nature themed items.

We climbed the stairs to the observation deck on top of the visitors’ center. The kids especially liked looking through the telescope to get a better view of the area, although they didn’t like taking turns! For an even better view, take a short walk to the observation tower and the handicapped-accessible observation platform. We were there in the late morning, so we saw some wildlife, but not a lot. The best time to observe wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon.

If you have the time, take the 3.5 mile one-way wildlife drive along the main pool of the nature preserve. Set your radio to 1610 AM for information about the refuge. You can get out of your car in designated places if you want a closer look. One stretch of the drive is a bit distracting as it runs right alongside the Thruway, with cars on the highway whizzing by at 70 mph in the opposite direction. There are also a couple of hiking trails within the refuge.

A great naturalist

Two nature centers are located in Jamestown, in Chautauqua County, about a 90-minute drive south of the Buffalo area. Roger Tory Peterson, considered one of the greatest naturalists of the 20th century, was born in Jamestown, so it’s fitting that two such outstanding facilities are located here. This year marks the 100th anniversary of his birth, so a number of special events are planned for this summer and fall.

The 27-acre Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History has nature trails, a butterfly garden, and more. Peterson used his skills in painting, photography and writing to bring nature to everyone.

The “Roger Tory Peterson Centennial Exhibit: Original Paintings by the Master Nature Artist,” running June 22 through Oct. 15, will feature about 50 original works by Peterson, including some never displayed before. A Centennial Kick-off Open House is scheduled for August and the institute has a Nature Writer Lecture Series planned for July through October that will feature five programs lead by distinguished children’s and nature authors.

Nearby, the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, which was once a farm, has 600 acres of fields, woods, wetlands, several streams and ponds, including Big Pond, a sanctuary for migratory birds. There are 5 miles of walking/hiking trails, including a boardwalk by the swamplands. Deer, fox and other small mammals make their home here, as do more than 400 species of plants.

The three-story Roger Tory Peterson Nature Interpretive Building contains living and non-living exhibits, including more than 200 mounted birds-some now extinct. Hands-on exhibits for kids are located in the Discovery Room. You can view the sanctuary grounds from the center’s third-floor observation room.

More wildlife

The 324-acre Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java is home to a variety of plants and animals. It has 7 miles of marked walking/hiking trails as well as a boardwalk with handrails for the physically challenged. The visitors’ center houses exhibits and a discovery room for children. Family nature walks take place at 2 p. m. Sundays. The nature center also has an observatory with a 20-inch-diameter astronomical telescope, which is open to the public the first and third Saturday of the month, from April through December (call the observatory at 585-457-3104).

Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Farm, in the town of Ashford in northern Cattaraugus County, is a not-for-profit bird sanctuary, which opened in 1983. It’s the second-largest waterfowl park in the world. It features close to 400 geese, ducks, and swans and 19 species of birds from all over the world.

Near Olean, the Pfeiffer Nature Center is celebrating its 10th season. It has six miles of nature trails and 20 acres of old-growth forest of Eastern Hemlock, White Pine, Red Oak and American Beech dating back 400 years. A 60-year-old log cabin on the grounds, constructed from American Chestnut, is listed on the State and National Historic Registers.

There are several natural areas located in northern Genesee County. The Bergen Swamp is one of the more unique locations. Privately owned and operated by the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society, the 1,900-acre swamp is a marl bog that supports many plants that can’t grow in acidic bogs. Rare plants and animals can be found in an unchanged habitat going back 125,000 years. It is home to the Massasauga (pygmy) rattlesnake, a rarity in Western New York.

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, known locally as the “Alabama Swamps” because it’s located in the town of Alabama, is the largest wildlife refuge in the state. The 11,000- acre refuge is a habitat for migratory waterfowl and other birds, including 10 species of ducks. There are four overlooks and three nature trails.

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area, near Oakfield, is a 2,500-acre wetland which has a high concentration of waterfowl in spring, as well as a large deer herd in winter. Four nature trails are located near the Oak Orchard education center on Knowlesville Road, along with an observation tower off Albion Road.

In the Rochester area, visit Braddock Bay State Fish and Wildlife Management Area, which has the only hawk-banding station in the United States that is open for regular visitation. The refuge, which borders Lake Ontario, is a popular spot to view thousands of hawks, owls, and other birds of prey that migrate to this area in the spring.

Mendon Ponds Park and Nature Center in Honeoye Falls just southeast of Rochester is the largest park in the Monroe County park system. It is a designated National Natural Landmark because of its glacial land forms, which include kames, eskers and kettles. The kettle, referred to as the “Devil’s Bathtub,” is a meromictic lake, a deep body of water surrounded by high ridges. The park’s 550-acre Mendon Nature Center features 7 miles of trails, wildlife and plant life.

Genesee Country Nature Center in Mumford has a variety of plants and wildlife which can be found in the fields and woodlands that border Genesee Country Village. This 175-acre nature center has 5 miles of hiking trails. Inside the interpretive building are exhibits that describe plants, animals and geological formations. It offers an Earth Camp for kids in grades 1-8 in the summer.

Cumming Nature Preserve in Naples is a 900-acre environmental center operated by the Rochester Museum and Science Center. It has 6 miles of themed walking trails and an observation platform for bird-watching. The visitors’ center has multimedia theater presentations and hands-on exhibits.

Closer to home, you can also explore Tifft Nature Preserve, a 264-acre refuge less than 3 miles from downtown Buffalo which is run by the Buffalo Museum of Science. On the northern tip of Grand Island, Buckhorn Island State Park, an 895-acre park preserve consists of marsh, meadows, and woods, including wetlands that are home to great blue herons and other waterfowl.

If you go

Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown; (716) 569-2345, www.jamestownaudubon.org . Grounds open daily dawn to dusk.

Roger Tory Peterson Nature Interpretive Building is open 10 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. Monday-Saturday; 1 to 4:30 p. m. Sunday. Fee, $5.

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, 311 Curtis St., Jamestown; (716) 665-2473, www.rtpi.org . Hours: 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p. m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children, $12 family.

Beaver Meadow Nature Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java; (585) 457-3228, www.buffaloaudubon.org . Nature center open 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p. m. Sunday. Trails are always open. Suggested donation $3 individual, $5 family.

Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Farm, 5067 Townline Road, Ashford; (585) 942-6835, www.gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com . Open Sunday 2 to 5 p. m. July through August.

Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Road, Portville; (716) 933-6063, www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org Open 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Bergen Swamp, 6646 Hessenthaler Road, Byron; (585) 548-7304, www.bergenswamp.org . Trails open dawn to dusk; permission needed for groups of six or more. No picnicking or pets allowed.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom; (585) 948-5445, http://iroquoisnwr. fws.gov. Visitors’ center open 7:30 a. m. to 4 p. m. Monday through Friday; also open weekends in spring and fall (call first). Trails open daily.

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area, Albion Road, 3.5 miles north of Oakfield; (716) 226-2466.

Braddock Bay State Fish and Wildlife Management Area, 432 Manitour Beach Road, Hilton.

Mendon Ponds Park and Nature Center, 3914 Clover St., Honeoye Falls; (585) 256-4950. Open 6 a. m. to 11 p. m. daily.

Genesee Country Nature Center, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford; (585) 538-6822, www.gcv.org . Open year-round; closed Mondays. Hours vary; call first.

Cumming Nature Preserve, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples; (585) 374-6160, www.rmsc.org . Open 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. weekends.

Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo; 825-1289. Open 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. Tuesday through Sunday.