Nature is entering its 26 season and WGBY is proud to be one of ten public television stations around the country celebrating this achievement! From big cats of Africa to the wolves of Yellowstone, Nature has brought the beauty of the natural world right into our homes. Throughout the year, WGBY will be looking to focus on community partnerships, outreach, and activities that strengthen our ties to local nature here in western New England.

Wild About Nature Photo Exhibit

From December 2007 through February 2008, photos from all over our viewing area were entered into the Wild About Nature Photo Contest. Join us in congratulating our winners, and thanks to all who entered!

Great Falls Discovery Center
Turners Falls, MA
Friday & Saturdays, 10-4pm, through May 31

A ‘Best in Show’ exhibit, featuring photos from WGBY's Wild About Nature Photo Contest.  All award winners and honorable mentions are on display. Admission to the Discovery Center is free.  For visitor’s information, visit http://www.greatfallsma.org.  

WGBY Wild About Nature Photo Contest Winners

Youth Winner
Maryanne Magnier, Springfield, MA - “Lily Flower”

Youth Honorable Mention
Emma G. Sherrill, Leverett, MA – “Circle of Life”
Ganesh Peterson, West Hartford, CT – “Sunrise”
Hannah White, Leyden, MA – “Red Squirrel”

Jr. Photographer Winner
Diego Irizarry-Gerould, Northampton, MA – “Titmouse in winter”

Jr. Photographer Honorable Mention
Kate Buhl, Pittsfield, MA – “A Hungry Seagull”
William Warner, Leverett, MA – “Maple Gold”
Natalie Colapietro, Belchertown, MA – “Striped Leaf Hopper

Amateur Winner
Bee Emily, Whately, MA – “Great Blue Heron in Flight”

Amateur Honorable Mention
Chris Buelow, Hardwick, MA – “Spicebush Swallowtail”
Paul Hetzel, Springfield, MA – “First Snow Longmeadow Flats”
Tom Griswold, Vernon, CT – “Red –Tailed Hawk”
Mary M. Barnett, Leverett, MA – “Frosted Leaves”
Tom Griswold, Vernon, CT – “American Oyster Catcher”
Richard Busch, Bark Hamsted, CT 0 “Barred Owl”
Patty Schufreider, West Springfield, MA – “Blue-green Dragonfly”
Robert Benns, Chicopee, MA – “Mantis”
David Ross, Amherst, MA – “View from Rocky Point”
Richard Burns, Springfield, MA – “Bluebird in Flight”
Bee Emily, Whately, MA – “Bobcat Stare”

Pro Winner
Jonathan Sherrill, Leverett, MA – “Beatitude: Quiet After the Storm: Mt. Sugarloaf”

Pro Honorable Mention
Amanda Corwin , Canton, CT – “Fall in Algae”
Howard Karger, Turners Falls, MA – “Autumn Mist”
Jonathan Sherrill – “Rosy Maple Moth”

Here are some ways that you can learn more about our local nature:

• Visit Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, MA. While walking along Arcadia’s five miles of trails, look for signs of white-tailed deer, black bear, otter, beaver, and other interesting creatures.
• Check out the Berkshire Taconic Landscape, which boasts a remarkable forest plateau and globally significant wetlands, and is home to many rare plants, animals, and natural communities.
• Head up to the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls and learn about the Connecticut River Watershed's rich natural, cultural and industrial history.
• Visit the Zoo at Forest Park, whose mission is to promote public awareness and appreciation for indigenous and exotic animals, and to provide educational programming for all ages that encourages understanding and respect for the natural environment.

Do you have more nature exploration ideas to share with us? E-mail us at education@wgby.org.

To find out more about Nature’s 26th season, log on to the Nature website.

Major corporate support for Nature is provided by Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Toyota. Additional support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the nation’s public television stations.

To learn more about your world, watch Nature
Sundays at 8pm on WGBY