RTPI Staff Blog

Taken in the early 1980's by Birgit Freybe Bateman at Slimbridge, this piece of history shows from left to right, Robert Batemen, Roger Tory Peterson and Sir Peter Scott.  If we can pin down the exact date of this picture I'll let you know!

 

A side note: Sir Peter was the son of Rober Falcon Scott who died 100 years ago during his epic journay to the Soth Pole.  He arrived at the pole soon after Norwegian Raold Amundsen.  Amundsen and his men returned, Robert Falcom Scott and his men did not.  SIr Peter was 2-years old at the time.

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"For the Birds: the Life of Roger Tory Peterson" was superbly written by noted children's book author Peggy Thomas and illustrated by the the one-and-only Laura Jacques. A better team could not have been put together to bring the accomplishments of Roger Tory Peterson to life for young people.  Peterson's life was a classic American success story where one person's talent, abilty and passion can influence the world.  Thanks to Roger Tory Peterson we have a world of bird watchers who are able to exeperience nature every day in their own backyards.

 

This book should be under every Christmas tree if there is a young naturalist or historian under the roof!

 

Check the bottom of our website home page at www.rtpi.org for ordering instructions or go to your favorite bookseller.

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The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History's (RTPI) President/Executive Director, Jim Berry, is retiring in 2012.  The board of trustees through its search committee is actively seeking a new executive and invites interested persons to apply. Please download the full version of the position description here.

Position Profile

President/Executive Director

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

Jamestown, New York

 

The Mission

To continue the legacy of Roger Tory Peterson by promoting the teaching and study of nature, and to thereby create knowledge of and appreciation and responsibility for the natural world.

 

Passed: July 14, 2005 and under current review by the Board of Trustees for rewording only.

 

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute invites applications for the position of President/Executive Director.  Established in 1985, the Institute is a 501c3, non-profit science and environmental education center serving teachers, youth, families, and communities in the western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania region through its on-site programs, archives, and exhibits, and throughout the United States through its online programs, visiting educator workshops, and traveling exhibits.  The organization’s roots derive from the vision and principles of the 20th Century's greatest naturalist, Roger Tory Peterson.  Our campus is located on a wooded 27-acre site adjacent to Jamestown Community College in the City of Jamestown, New York where our award-winning headquarters building is located, housing permanent and visiting museum displays, lecture hall, library, meeting areas, archives, and administrative and visiting-scientist offices.  We are an independent organization with a $600,000 annual budget, and a staff of five permanent employees and 30 volunteers. Jim Berry, our current Executive Director, will be retiring in May of 2012 after more than 16 years of outstanding leadership.  The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees, works directly with the Board’s Chair, and is responsible for oversight of the Institute's fundamental areas of activity:  Environmental Education; Development and Communications; Operations and Administration; Programs and Exhibits. More information can be found at http://www.rtpi.org/.

 

Primary Responsibility

To support vigorously and implement the Mission and Vision of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Primary Qualifications

Although all administrative duties must be carried out with excellence, we seek a candidate with two very special talents:

1. The ability to envision and implement programs that are grand in scope -- that will yield excellent results at the national level.

2. The ability to build and sustain a coalition of RTPI members, Board members, staff members, sponsors, foundations and strategic partners that support this vision with their time, talents, and money.

Background Qualifications

 

A Bachelors degree in an appropriate field is required and an advanced degree is preferred.

Background as top executive in a comparable nonprofit science and nature center organization or of a complex nonprofit organization with a mission focused on nature and science would be ideal. At a minimum, the candidate should have three years of executive leadership background in a comparable organization.  Alternative backgrounds could include: a leadership position in public agencies with a demonstrated commitment to and involvement with environmental nonprofit organizations or advanced degrees in one of the natural sciences with experience as a researcher and educator who is professionally prepared to step up to the President/Executive Director-level position.

 

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

 

 

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On Saturday October 22, 2011 His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden visited Jamestown, New York, including the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. The King had visited Jamestown once before, in part to present Dr. Peterson with the Linneaus Gold Medal from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Upon his return to Jamestown he especially requested a visit to RTPI to pay his respects to his friend.

 

The below video was submitted courtesy of Greg Peterson of Jamestown.

 

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M&T Vice-president Barbara Vogan presents RTPI President Jim Berry with $2,500 grant award for the purpose of supporting 2011 natural history exhibits. M&T Bank in western New York has been an outstanding supporter of RTPI's science education efforts for many years as well as Barb Vogan herself. Barb is a "fellow birder" and shares her back-yard sightings on RTPI's website education forum. Thanks M&T Bank from the board, staff and volunteers of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History!

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The third annual Roger Tory Peterson Birding Festival, continuing the celebration of Roger Tory Peterson’s contributions to the world of birding, began with a tour of the grasslands of the Piney Tract in Pennsylvania and concluded with American Birding Association President Jeff Gordon’s banquet talk on bringing Roger Tory Peterson’s work into a digital age. In between were the field trips and workshops that have come to define the Festival. The Whirlwind Warbler Tour into Allegheny National Forest, a lengthened Allegany State Park tour, as well as trips to Woodchuck Hill, Akeley Wetlands and Watt’s Flats provided remarkable opportunities for close encounters with birds. Also new to the Festival was a post-festival trip to Niagara Falls that highlighted geology and botany as well as birds. The weekend weather was again ideal (We continue to believe that Roger may have something to do with this).The total number of species seen on the field trips was 123.

 

The workshops and talks were particularly appealing. At the opening reception, John Rappole injected some cartoon humor into a presentation on the lives of birds after they have raised the young and before they migrate. Michael Smith, whose photograph of “The Mad Bluebird” has assured his fame, showed us the equipment he uses and told of the patience required to obtain iconic photographs like his. Sarah Morris, ornithologist and Audubon lecturer gave tips on how to identify the “brown” birds and Vicky MacDonald exhorted us to look closely at the individual variation in birds that will never be captured in a scientific paper in which the statistics reduce bird behavior to averages. Jeff Gordon talked about the ability of birders to rapidly send and receive reports via electronic media not available in the early days of birding and ornithologist Scott Stoleson reprised his previous festival discussions on the connection of birds to habitat.

 

Friday’s events at the Institute, running parallel with the longer field trips, were devoted to beginning birders. Bird banding and a display of live raptors contributed to the educational possibilities. Following Friday night’s Pizza Party, which included a Bird Quiz produced by Tim Baird, many of us enjoyed clips from the re-mastered Peterson film Wild Africa, along with additional commentary on current conditions in Africa by Jeff Gordon and Bruce Peterson. It was a great Festival, you should have been here! by Michael DeSha

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April 4, 2011 PRESS RELEASE March 30, 2011 Contact: Michael Sullivan 212.779.3177 Msully9999@comcast.net Summer 2011 – The Experience, Jamestown, NY JAMESTOWN, NY – Summer 2011 in Jamestown, NY and the city is gearing up to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors looking for world class events in a small town setting. The home of Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson and Robert H. Jackson, comes alive with Lucy’s 100th birthday celebration and events ranging from an activity-packed birding weekend to an authentic Greek festival. Here is a snapshot of just some of the offerings: The Lucy-Desi Center celebrates the 100th birthday of comedic legend Lucille Ball with a variety of events culminating with a very special 100th Birthday Celebration of Comedy August 3-7 featuring performances by Joan Rivers, Whitney Cummings and more (www.lucy-desi.com). Throughout the summer, The Center offers exhibitions and events at the Lucy-Desi Museum, The Desilu Playhouse and the Tropicana Room. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosts The Third Annual Roger Tory Peterson Birding Festival, June 9 -12, 2011, will include many new events designed to appeal to novice as well as advanced birders and to those who simply wish to enjoy and learn more about nature with like-minded folk. The Institute honors the life of noted naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, author of Field Guide to the Birds and offers exhibitions, events and learning opportunities throughout the year. (www.rtpi.org) No trip to the Jamestown area is complete without a visit to the internationally acclaimed Robert H. Jackson Center. One of the most noteworthy jurists in United States history, Robert H, Jackson served as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and represented the United States at the London Conference that set up the International Military Tribunal, and served as Chief of Counsel for the United States at the first Nuremberg Trial in 1945 and 1946. The mission of the Robert H. Jackson Center is to advance the legacy of Justice Jackson through education, exhibits, and by pursuing the relevance of his ideas for our present generation. The Center offers tours and educational opportunities. (www.roberthjackson.org) The Jamestown Audubon Center and Sanctuary hosts its annual Art in the Woods on July 16 and 17 and provides over five miles of beautifully maintained trails on a 600-acre wetland preserve. Its 3-story nature center building contains a nature store, a small collection of live fish, reptiles and amphibians, and interactive displays that inform and engage visitors of all ages. In addition, they care for a non-releasable bald eagle named Liberty, who provides many teaching and learning opportunities. (www.jamestownaudubon.org) Visitors with an interest in history won’t want to miss The Fenton History Center. The Center occupies the former home of Reuben E. Fenton who was Governor of New York State from 1865 to 1869. He also served in the US Congress (1853-1864) and US Senate (1869-1875). As one of the founders of the Republican Party, he was a close political associate of Abraham Lincoln. Governor Fenton, who made his fortune in the lumbering business, commissioned local architect Aaron Hall to design and build a mansion in 1863. A typical example of Italian Villa style architecture, the Fenton Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This summer’s special exhibit is “Building Jamestown”. Visitors can find out about Jamestown’s growth from a lumber town to a world re-known furniture and tool manufacturing center. The exhibit is full of images, artifacts and long-forgotten facts about Jamestown’s evolution. In addition the Fenton Mansion provides engaging historical exhibits, and educational opportunities for all ages of visitors. (www.fentonhistorycenter.org). In addition to its major attractions, Jamestown, NY offers entertainment, a wide variety of dining experiences, accommodations from full-service hotels and motels to unique bed and breakfasts. Recreational opportunities abound from fishing, swimming at water sports at Chautauqua Lake to hiking amid spectacular scenery and almost any sporting activity. Jamestown in the home of the Jamestown Jammers (www.jamestownjammers.com) minor league baseball team who play at Russell Diethrick Park. The Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena (www.jsbia.com) is home of The Jamestown Jets junior hockey team and internationally recognized Jamestown Skating Club. It offers a variety of opportunities for skating, concerts and other events throughout the year. The Yassou Festival, a lively authentic Greek festival, June 17-18, 2011, offers home-made Greek foods, traditional dancers and live music. It is just one of the many cultural festivals held throughout the summer. A complete calendar of events for the Jamestown area is available at www.discoverjamestown.com.

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JAMESTOWN - The New York State Bluebird Society will sponsor a Bluebird Workshop in Western New York on March 19. This workshop is free and the public is invited. It will be held at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown.

 

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature two presentations. The first is a power point program about purple martins by Jack Gulvin and John Ruska.

 

Gulvin is the naturalist at Chautauqua Institution where he has monitored martin house for over 10 years.

 

The second program is "Bluebirds and More" by Ruska. It includes the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management, and more. Ruska has maintained the Chautauqua County U.S. 20 trail for 18 years.

 

His presentation will include items for both novice and experienced bluebirders.

 

Other items on the agenda will include a display and discussion on various types of nest boxes and an opportunity to ask all your bluebird and purple martin-related questions to a panel of experienced bluebirders.

 

Refreshments will be served. A bonus to those who sign up for a three-year membership to the society ($25) will be a free nest box and a free bird feeder.

 

With a one-year membership ($10) you will receive a free bird feeder while the supply lasts.

 

Displays and free literature will also be available.

 

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located at 311 Curtis St. in Jamestown.

 

Questions about the meeting can be addressed by contacting John Ruska at 592-5735, 679-9676 or email at ruskhill@roadrunner.com.

 

 

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William "Bill" Thompson Jr. passed away recently at the age of 78.  A great friend of Roger Tory Peterson and the Peterson Institute of Natural History, Bill will be sorely missed.  Founder and publisher of Bird Watcher's Digest magazine, Bill and wife Elsa's most noted legacy is their family and what they've all done for their local community of Marietta, Ohio and the international community of bird watchers.  Bill was also a lifelong jazz musician who especially enjoyed accompanying Elsa as she sang.  He also played many engagements with his son Bill III, editor of Bird Watcher's Digest.

 

Bill, with his degrees in English and Journalism worked in a variety of positions in journalism and academia before returning to his home in 1971 to serve as Marietta College's vice president for development.  In 1978, he and Elsa started Bird Watcher's Digest in their Marietta home which continues to be published today by Elsa and their 3 children, Bill, Andy and Laura.

 

The first few years of BWD were rough–so rough that Bill claims he would have given up and gone back to work if it hadn't been for Elsa's tenacity. "She never gives up on anything," he said.

 

Roger Tory Peterson, who received one of the first issues, was an enormous help in establishing Bird Watcher's Digest. He critiqued the magazine from the first issue, offering advice on what worked and what didn't and offering ideas for improvement. He was an enthusiastic booster of BWD and gave the Thompsons much-needed encouragement. His art, photographs, and writing often graced the pages of the magazine, and in 1984 he began writing a regular column titled "All Things Reconsidered." A compilation of these columns, All Things Reconsidered: My Birding Adventures will be released by Houghton Mifflin in November 2006.

 

Bill Jr., recalls an incident that happened during a visit to RTP in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Peterson and the Thompsons were going to lunch in Peterson's new Volvo, with Bill driving, when they suddenly realized that they were going the wrong way on a one-way street. As they were in the process of turning around, Peterson shouted, "Stop the car!" Bill stopped, and Peterson jumped out, saying, "I think I saw a bluebird back there!" No one had thought to bring binoculars except Elsa, who was carrying a pair of inexpensive, poor-quality ones. It didn't matter to RTP–he happily used those to see the bluebird.

 

This is Bill's most vivid memory of RTP, and he said that to him it demonstrates perfectly the essence of the man he knew.

 

Bill  retired from BWD in 1993 when asked to return to his position at Marietta College. Elsa, however, is still much involved in the day-to-day running of the magazine while also serving on the Board of Trustees of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York. Bill Thompson, III, Andy and Laura guide the magazine today.

 

"Once you become aware of one aspect of nature or the environment, it can't help but lead you on to others. If you begin to learn about, say, birds, you start thinking about bird habitat–what birds need, what harms them, and what you can do about it. And this awareness leads you into other areas of the natural world. You begin to understand that everything is connected and that our actions have a direct effect on the world around us and the creatures we share it with. Being able to educate and interest people in the environment, as well as to entertain them, isn't something I'd be willing to give up. BWD has been a wonderful experience." –Bill Thompson, Jr.

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Three outstanding North American nature educators have been recognized in 2010 by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute with its highest honor-The Blanche Hornbeck Award.  Blanche Hornbeck was Dr. Peterson's 7th grade science teacher who sparked and encouraged his passionate interest in nature, and often was cited by Peterson as the first adult in his life to ever understand this all consuming interest of his.  The recipients this year were:

• Rod MacVicar of the Pacific WildLife Foundation, Port Moody, British Columbia
• Rebecca Nystrom of Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY
• Scott Pankratz of Ecology Project International, Missoula, MT

On Thursday August 26, 2010 the Roger Tory Peterson Institute presented awards in person to two of these elite naturalists who were able to make the trip to Jamestown, NY for the recognition: Becky Nystrom & Rod MacVicar.

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