Big Run Preserve Sneak-Peek

Ben Gelber, meterologist for our local NBC affiliate, recently interviewed my friend Frank about the future Big Run Preserve in Delaware County. I haven't been there, but from Frank's interview, it looks like it is a spectacular area.  I've always wondered if any of the ravines of the Olentangy between Columbus and the city of Delaware had red-backed salamanders- and now I know.  I commend Ben Gelber for spotlighting central Ohio's natural history.  You may remember his piece from 2009 on Gypsy Moths at Highbanks Metropark that featured yours truly.

-Tom

The Lodge at Deer Haven Preserve

About once a month I volunteer at a nature center called "The Lodge at Deer Haven Preserve". I'm here now, actually, typing and photographing with my IPhone. Most central Ohioans are well aware of the Franklin County Metroparks, but Delaware County also has a fantastic park district. The system in this County is known as the Delaware Preservation Parks.

The Lodge here at Deer Have Preserve is a fantastic place to watch birds. The nature center is open - every day from 12-5 pm. I'll be here today until 2:30.

-Tom

Winter Photography Workshop, February 5!

Otisfield, Maine 2010

Happy New Year!

Time, time, time....If only I had more of it.  As Weston grows, and as our family grows (we're expecting our second baby in early March), my life has grown increasingly complicated.  Megan and I are incredibly blessed.  But something has to give, and, I have come to the realization that I just can no longer keep this blog running as I have in the past at a several posts a week clip.  Don't worry- I'm not going anywhere, but things will just be considerably slower here as our family grows.

Worthington, Ohio, 2010

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming winter photography workshop that I'll be heading up.  It will be a 2 hour hands-on photography workshop for the Delaware Preservation Parks and the Deer Haven Preserve Lodge, Saturday February 5th from 2-4 p.m.  The topic will be winter photography- I'll show a few pictures, we'll go out and shoot the beautiful Deer Haven Preserve, and then we'll come back in and if people bring their laptops, we can go over postprocessing images.  This is a work in progress, but I hope it works and is successful, and perhaps it could be a recurring program.


My goal is to get you excited about photography in the winter- to get outside and take pictures! Let me know if you have any questions- the program is totally free- I hope to see you there.

Here's a schedule of all the Delaware Preservation Parks January-April programming.

Tom

Columbus, Ohio, 2009

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Today I started a new venture- I'll be volunteering my time with the Preservation Parks of Delaware County about once a month or so working at the Deer Haven Lodge nature center.  Today was my first day, and although visitation was light by human beings, the bird feeders there were quite active.  This beautiful female rose-breasted grosbeak stopped by the feeding station, and I had my camera ready.  What a great way to spend an afternoon.

Tom