ALLEGANY NATURE PILGRIMAGE 2016
** OUR LEADERS **
Adrieaansen, Kimberly, - West Seneca, NY - Program Coordinator for Tifft Nature Preserve and a life-long advocate of infusing science education with art. Drawing upon her science and art background (B.S. Biological Sciences/ Studio Art and M.S. Environmental Interpretation) and love of the outdoors, she leads Nature Journaling workshops for all ages in pursuit of bringing people intimately closer to the natural environment vital to us all. Kimberly enjoys being a freelance artist in her spare time and works primarily with graphite, pen and ink, watercolors, and Conte' as well as pressed botanicals.
Adrieaansen, Mike, - West Seneca, NY - I have been an Environmental Educator at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve for the past 8 years. I earned a Masters degree in Environmental Interpretation at SUNY ESF and a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies at Binghamton University. I have a strong interest in entomology, herpetology, and primitive outdoor skills.
Alexander-Thomson, Kim – Snyder, NY – B.A. Environmental Studies, SUNY-Buffalo, member of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society, has taught at Pilgrimage over 20 years. She focuses on plants and their relationship to us whether in practical use or folklore.
Avery, Susan- Great Valley, NY - Trained in the ways of nature through years of scouting and a restless need to explore the outdoors. I am a self-trained naturalist, certified Florida Master Naturalist, volunteer naturalist/docent with NPS, native plant seed gatherer and propegator. My areas of interest are trees, old growth forests, spring ephemeral flowers, local historical geology, marine and freshwater invertebrates. My passion is sharing the wonders of nature with fellow explorers of all ages.
Bacher, Rick–Buffalo, NY – Local wildlife photographer, birder and raptor banding understudy.
Baird, Tim - Salamanca, NY - retired science teacher with degrees in biology & education; bird knowledge through formaleducation and life experience. Nature study a life-long pursuit, also interested in nature photography.
Baker, Mark – Olean, NY – Runs Eagle Dream Rehabilitation Center.
Burroughs, Andrew - Waterport, NY – Associate Degree in Sports Recreation Finger Lakes Community college; High school graduate Albion Central; Pilgrimage attendee since 1998; Salamander Walk leader since 2014; Special Olympics volunteer:
Burroughs, Susan - Waterport, NY - 5th grade Special Education educator in Medina NY; Pilgrimage attendee since 1998; Special Olympics volunteer
Carra, Mark –North Java, NY – I started as a wildlife educator in 1989, and have spoken to more than 500,000 people since then. I am the naturalist in residence for Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in North Java, NY. I have also worked as a representative and presenter for Animal Planet, National Geographic Channel, and Public Television and handled animals for many of their celebrities. My passion for learning, and obsession to communicate what I have learned has kept me going all these years and loving the entire journey.
Corrigan, Teresa and Peter - Buffalo, NY - Teresa and Peter Corrigan are avid hikers and Adirondack 46ers. They are longtime ANP attendees, Buffalo Audubon members, and are active in the local Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) chapter. Teresa is a primary school educator and a volunteer tour guide at NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. As amateur naturalists, the Corrigans relish opportunities to study and enjoy wildlife all year round
Crombe, Frank - Scottsville, NY - Frank’s extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, etc., comes from his hobby interest working outdoors and gardening, growing native plants, membership in various conservation organizations
Dalton, Alyson - Alyson was born in Australia she has a great love for nature and the great outdoors, as a family we love to spend as much time outdoors just walking through the woods, playing in the creek, or going to our local Audubon. Alyson is in the 4th grade at southwestern Elementary school, in Jamestown NY and this is her 7th year at the pilgrimage in which she has learned so much from others. Alyson wants all kids to love the nature and earth as much as she does. Her favorite talk was always Nature for kids by kids as it is very hands on introduction to nature she was very sad to see that go and someone gave her the idea maybe to lead that talk the following year. Alyson’s mother will be accompanying her on her walks.
Daniel, Steven - A lifelong naturalist, Steven teaches natural history at Monroe Community College, and has led nature outings for decades. He is a founder and popular trip leader for Nature Discoveries, a company that runs nature tours worldwide. His expertise spans all aspects of nature - plants, birds, butterflies and moths, mushrooms, aquatic organisms.
Duckett, Christopher - Jamestown, NY - From a young age I always loved being outside looking for frogs, worms, insects and any other creature that I would come across. As the years went on my love and interest for nature and animals grew as well. I began working with animals on a daily basis by getting a job at a local pet shop where I could help others learn and take care of their own animals. I then decided to start taking in animals that people no longer wanted after someone offered me a couple of aquatic turtles. And for about the past 8 years I have been rescuing exotic animals and promoting proper pet ownership and conservation through education with the help of my rescued animals!
Farrel, Liz - an avid birder since her first effort to put salt on a robin's tail as a toddler.Originally ajournalist, writer and editor by training and trade, Ms. Urbanski-Farrell holds a minor concentration in fine art from Buffalo State College and enjoys trying new ways of involving children and adults in art and the natural world, has participated in the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage with her family for 17 years. She has been aCub Scout leader and is currently a member of the parent committee for Boy Scout Troop 5 and Sea Scout Ship 1 in Buffalo, NY and is director of member services and government relations for the Western NewYorkHealthcare Association.
Gall, Wayne - Lancaster, NY - MS Entomology, Univ. Wisconsin-Madison; Ph.D. Zoology, University of Toronto; Administrator, Tifft Nature Preserve, & Curator of Entomology Buffalo Museum of Science, 1983-2001; Regional Entomologist, NYS Dept of Health, Buffalo, 2001-present. This is his 33rd year as leader at Pilgrimage
Gardner, Frank - Bedford, MA - Amateur birder for 35 years, Christmas Bird Count coordinator; breeding bird atlas projects; field trip leader at ANP for 29 years.
Jager, Nancy – Dunkirk, NY - Nature enthusiast, enjoys nature photography. Five-year participant of the ANP.Taken Jamestown Community College courses on plants and insect sketchingwith Mark Baldwin.M.S. Education State University of New York at Fredonia.NYS Certified teacherK-12. Traveled and lived in South America. Bilingual: English/Spanish.
Kerr, Tom – Tonawanda, NY - Graduate of SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, Former NYC Urban Park Ranger, and currently one of the Naturalists at Beaver Meadow and the Buffalo Audubon Society.
Lewis, Karen Lee – East Amherst, NY - Karen Lee Lewis is a Teaching Artist, poet and photographer. Karen is an arts education specialist who teaches creative writing using all the arts. Her poetry, short fiction, features, interviews and photography have been widely published. She develops programming for many non-profit organizations throughout Western New York. She also teaches creative writing to children in a variety of settings, including public, private and parochial schools. Karen offers adult writing classes through The Blue Plate Studio: A Creative Writer’s Workshop. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Audubon Society, and she serves on the Literary Advisory Council for Villa Maria College. She is a fellow of The Banff Centre, Canada’s creative leader in arts and culture, and the Western New York Writing Project. Karen participated in the first National Seminar on Teaching Artistry at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Her publications include a full-length collection of poetry entitled What I Would Not Unravel (The Writer’s Den), and a chapbook of poetry illustrated with her photography entitled Solitude.
Light, Garner - Gasport, NY - Buffalo Audubon member, former Program Coordinator Iroquois Observations nature programs @ INWR, Compiler for Wilson-Lake Plains Christmas Bird Count, Coordinator for the Clarence Bluebird Trail. See more information on Facebook.
Light, Judy - Gasport, NY - art educator in Medina NY; pilgrimage attendee/leader for many years; origami artist; stampin up demonstrator; obsessed nature tangler!
Light, Mitchell - Gasport, NY – Freshman at SUNY Cobleskill in Fisheries and Wildlife; High School Graduate-Royalton Hartland; 2 yrs. Conservation Sanborn BOCES; Beaver Meadows, Iroquois Observations volunteer; Lake Plains Christmas Bird Count volunteer; Pilgrimage attendee since age 2; Salamander Walk leader since 2014
Makeyenko, Lauren - Buffalo, NY - grew up in the village of Hamburg exploring natural areas around the Eighteen Mile Creek. She is the Director of Education for the Buffalo Audubon Society and previously held education positions with Tifft Nature Preserve and at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the natural areas of Western NY with her family throughout the year.
Malicki, Andy–Red House, NY-Lifelong affiliation with Allegany State Park and current Park Employee.
Martin, Jeremy - Lockport, NY - Jeremy has had an interest in nature for as long as he can remember. His very patient mother tolerated pans of pond water in his bedroom and encouraged his early butterfly collections by making (and then frequently repairing) a butterfly net. While that early interest in ponds and entomology never became a career, Jeremy is lucky enough to now be able to relive those early days of discovery with his two boys. Through photography he enjoys documenting nature all over western NY including wildflowers, dragonflies, moths and butterflies, and various other insects. He also participates in various citizen science projects including the New York Dragonfly and Damselfly survey where from 2005 to 2009 Jeremy volunteered as citizen scientist on discovering numerous county/species records in western New York.
Miller, Jennifer – Olean, NY - A life-long artist, Jennifer has been drawing critters, both real and imagined, since she was first handed crayons. More recently, for the last ten years, she has been following a full time professional career as a wildlife and fantasy artist. She is self-taught; learning under the vast umbrella of the natural world. While passionate about painting birds, conservation is also close to her heart, so it was with great honor that her painting of Ruddy Ducks was selected for the prestigious 2015-2016 Federal Duck Stamp. When not creating artwork, Jennifer enjoys studying and exploring natural things as well as the wild areas of Western New York.
Myers, Lon - West Chester, PA - I have had a life-long passion for nature. I have been leading hikes at the ANP for 43 years covering a variety of topics. Join me on my Night Hike, Splash Hike and Adults Only hikes.He is also a past chairman of ANP.
Nutting, Mary Lyn & Hartman, Robert– East Aurora, NY- Mary Lyn Nutting and Robert Hartman met on a backpacking trip in June of 1997. They have continued to enjoy hiking together. Mary Lyn is a teacher at the Aurora Waldorf School in West Falls, NY where she currently teaches 7th Grade. She has a Bachelor's dgree from Mount Holyoke College and an MA and MFA from SUNY at Albany, She taught papermaking at the Pilgrimage for many years. Bob is the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 627. He has degrees in landscaping and forestry. Their children, Avery, 17, and Nate, 11, are lifelong Pilgrimage attendees.
Ordiway, Linda – Bradford PA - Dr. Ordiway is Mid-Atlantic/Appalachian Regional Biologist with theRuffed Grouse Society. She has also worked as a wildlife biologist for the US Forest Service and has taught environmental and biological sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford PA.
Podet, Dr. Allen - Williamsville, NY - Ph.D. & DHL & DD; learned about ferns through classes, clinics & experience. Has been leading field trips at Pilgrimage for 20+ years
Podet, ValerieJill - Williamsville, NY - Holds a Master’s degree in zoology and is almost (all but dissertation) a geologist. Has been leading field trips at Pilgrimage for 20+ years.
Rosenburg, Chuck - Elma, NY – Chuck has a B.S. degree in wildlife management from Purdue University and an M.S. degree in biology from the College of William and Mary. His master’s thesis focused on barn owl habitat use, as determined using radio-telemetry. For the first 15 years of his professional career, Chuck worked as a private environmental consultant completing a broad variety of ecological studies. Since 2006, he has served as a wetlands ecologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, where he also leads the NYS DEC’s winter raptor study in Region 9. Chuck is an avid birder and has led numerous Owl Prowls for Buffalo Audubon Society and other groups.
Rosenburg, Kristen - Elma, NY – M.S. -SUNY-ESF, field research on beavers, NYSDEC Environmental Educator at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve for past 10 years
Ruth, Carolyn – Erie, PA – Master Gardener – Penn State, Volunteers for the tree history museum.
Sly, John – Long time tour leader at Beaver Meadow for school groups & tree identification hikes
Sokolic, Anthony – Orchard Park, NY - Jared, Liam, Krissy, and AJ Sokolik have been involved carnivorous plants for many years and have been active in the Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club since its creation in 2011. The Sokoliks have been very active in the WNY Carnivorous Plant Club and have presented many times at monthly meetings. Besides the Venus Fly Traps that everyone normally thinks of, the Sokoliks have kept many species of pitcher plants and sundews as well.
Sorci, Sara – Buffalo, NY- Community Herbalist, Sarah Sorci, is a native of Buffalo, NY, and a 2014 graduate of the Holistic Herbalism program at the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine. For Sarah, herbalism is the perfect combination of natural gardening and permaculture, forest ecology, counseling skills, anatomy/physiology, nutrition, world culture and history, botany and chemistry, art, writing, and connecting with nature. She has been offering consultations since 2014, and was excited to incorporate the CSA model (Community Supported Agriculture) into her work in 2015. She also has a certificate in horticultural therapy, and loves using gardening as a venue to support healing and wellness.
Stock, Harold - Fairport, NY - Harold has worked in three museums in the past 12 years. Avid Fly Fisher
Taylor, Garret – Ellicottville, NY – Self-taught through Mushrooms of Northeastern North America, but I now have a full library and am a member of the North American Mycological Association, the Rochester Area Mycological Association, and most recently the Mycological Society of Toronto.
Tome, Jeff– Warren PA – He has been a professional naturalist since 1994 when he started working & volunteering at nature centers. He has been a naturalist for the Jamestown Audubon Society since 1996. He loves all aspects of nature and knows a ton about wildflowers and herps and a little about a lot of things.
Tome, Rachel– Warren PA –Rachel Tome is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher. She has been leading people in yoga, meditation and other practices for over ten years. As a former Environmental Educator, she loves the outdoors and helping people experience nature in new ways.
Wellman, Adele - Salamanca, NY - BS Biology, minor in Horticulture, Tennessee Tech Univ; I am happiest in the woods, on skis or my bike or on foot. I have a BS in Biology and minored in Horticulture. I started working as a naturalist for Allegany State Park in 2000.During the winter I teach skiing and snowboarding at HoliMont ski area. ” Every season her students teach her something new about edibles. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with others
Winner, Barbara – Lakewood NY – Has an AA in Biology & lifelong herbal studies. Owns “Love Your Weeds” a center for teaching healthy life and forgotten skills to help people live a more self-sufficient life.
Winner, David – Lakewood NY – A former Penn State Master Gardener. Owns “Love Your Weeds” with his wife (see above)
Wopperer, Jay - Williamsville NY - Graduate of Intermediate Birding, Buffalo Museum of Science.Longtime member of Buffalo Audubon and East Aurora Birding Club & has led many field trips for both
Wymer, Dave – Portville, NY - Has been involved in astronomy for over 20 years; astrophotography became a way to really explore the dark skies we can still find in this part of the country. I tell people that actually doing the photography is only half of the experience; the rest is simply being outside in a dark remote quiet place.