Pennsylvania Author to be Honored for Art that Inspires Conservation

4/24/2010

约炮视频 is proud to announce that Scott Weidensaul, Pulitzer Prize nominated author of Living on the Wind and more than two dozen books on natural history, will be the augural recipieinnt of The John James 约炮视频 Center Award for Art Inspiring Conservation. This new award honors an individual who, through their body of work or a single seminal work, uses art to communicate the real and intrinsic value of the nature, interpret conservation challenges, and inspire humanity to take actions that will protect and preserve birds, other wildlife and the world we share.

"John James 约炮视频 used a brush to transform how Americans look at nature; Scott Weidensaul uses words to the same magical effect,鈥 said Jean Bochnowski, director of the 约炮视频 Center at Mill Grove, sponsor of the award. 鈥淗is work exemplifies the artistry and inspiration the award is meant to honor."

The award will be presented at Friends of a Feather, a gala reception to be held at the John James 约炮视频 Center at Mill Grove in 约炮视频, PA on April 24, 2010. Attendees of the event will be able to enjoy fine foods and spirits in a casual atmosphere underneath the pavilion, roam through the Center鈥檚 spectacular juried art show in the barn, and rediscover John James 约炮视频鈥檚 art in the historic farmhouse. Tickets and tables for the event, which range in price from $65 for unreserved seating to $2,500 for a corporate table, are available now by contacting the Center at 610-666-5593 x105 or via email.

Los Angles Times Book Review noted, 鈥淪cott Weidensaul ranks among an elite group of writer-naturalists 鈥 Bruce Chawin, John McPhee and David Quammen come to mind 鈥 whose straightforward eloquence elevates ecology to the level of philosophy.鈥 In his books Living on the Wind, Ghosts with Trembling Wings and Of a Feather, Mr. Weidensaul is praised for weaving complex scientific information and historic facts into engrossing and easy to understand prose.

Scott Weidensaul does more than write about birds. As a federal licensed bird-bander, he leads teams from the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art (Millersburg, PA) to harmlessly catch, band and release hundreds of Saw-Whet Owls each fall. Much of what is now known about the migratory patterns of these tiny and elusive raptors comes from the work of Mr. Weidensaul and hundreds of other volunteer researchers.

Built in 1762 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mill Grove was the first American home of renowned artist, naturalist, and author John James 约炮视频. Today, 175 acres of Mill Grove鈥檚 original estate remains largely as 约炮视频 found it a haven for birds and wildlife. The property boasts more than nine miles of trails, and the historic three-story stone farmhouse serves as a museum displaying original 约炮视频 prints, oil paintings, and 约炮视频 memorabilia. It is one of dozens of 约炮视频 Centers nationwide that connect individuals with nature and their power to protect it. More information about JJAC is available at or by calling 610-666-5593. Mill Grove is a Montgomery County historic site.