A few weeks ago I was sitting in a teacher’s lounge when I got a picture from my sister. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the picture, just a snapshot of a sidewalk and a caption. I couldn’t tell by just looking at the picture, but apparently it was snowing for the first ...

When I was a boy, my father and I hiked country roads on autumn afternoons collecting hickory nuts, a favorite snack. One memorable fall day, my dad hopped into our 57 Chevy and said, “Let’s take a ride.” It was 1959. I was seven years old. As we drove, my dad explained, “I’m ...

The space where land meets water holds a special place in our hearts and minds. Humanity instinctively understands the important connection between land and water as evidenced by highly valued lakeside properties, the history of centering communities on waterways, and the many recreational ...

It was pointed out to me that I use the word “awesome” quite a bit. At first I was kind put off, being called out on my lack of mature, diverse vocabulary. I started to think about what the word meant. What is awe? Awe is a feeling we get when we look at something vast that challenges ...

When readers ask for help selecting a bird feeder, I’m happy to oblige. I bought my first feeder in 1978 in Michigan, so I’ve had lots of experience evaluating them. I won’t presume to identify the “best” feeders, but I can name my favorites in both general and specific terms. My ...

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of kayaking with friends along the Chautauqua Lake outlet, putting in and exiting from McCrea Point Park along Jones and Gifford Avenue in Jamestown and paddling up to CWC’s 81-acre, §-mile Chautauqua Lake Outlet Wetland Greenway Preserve located on the ...