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Don Riepe at Sterling Forest
As he hiked up a rocky hillside on a recent day-trip to Sterling Forest State Park, Don Riepe took note of something few would have given a second glance: several sheets of sheet metal strewn on the ground, seemingly at random. The group of eager birders had just seen a lovely, singing male Prairie Warbler, and so few eyes were cast earthwards. But Don Riepe is always looking, in all directions. Don enlisted our help in prying up the sheets to peer underneath -- and low and behold, there, curled under the sun-warmed metal, lay a beautiful, 3-foot long milk snake, painted in a striking checker of browns and yellows. Don gently picked up the snake so we all could see it, explaining its habits. But he didn't stop there. Later, he spoke about it with park rangers--and guided them back to the exact spot. Unbeknownst to us, sheet metal is used by snake traders to attract and capture wild snakes. Don made sure the metal was swiftly removed.
Having devoted over 30 years to conserving the Jamaica Bay ecosystem where he grew up, Don has lived a life steeped in nature--and understands how important it is to both enjoy, and actively protect, its wonders. Don worked many years for the National Park Service, and serves on JFK Airport's Bird Hazard Task Force, the board of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, and as Northeast Chapter Director of the Littoral Society. He has extensive hands-on knowledge of all the diverse flora and fauna of working ecosystems: from butterflies, to orchids, to (of course!) birds. Dons leads regular bird walks and educational programs at Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and also has long-time experience leading tours outside of New York City.
This spring and summer, Don is leading some fantastic trips--both locally and further abroad. It's not too late to join his upcoming trip to Assateague and Chincoteague Islands, a little over a week away; or to sign up for upcoming expeditions to Montauk, the South Jersey Cape, or Cape Ann. Click on the links below to learn more!
ASSATEAGUE/ CHINCOTEAGUE WEEKEND
Thursday, May 12 - Sunday, May 15
JAMAICA BAY SUNSET CRUISE, QUEENS
Saturday, May 28, 4-7pm (a second cruise is offered June 18)
MONTAUK SPRING WEEKEND, LI
Friday, June 3-Sunday, June 5
Click here for all of Don Riepe's events, as well as other NYC Audubon trips!
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Don Riepe |
Don Riepe retired from the National Park Service where he worked as a naturalist and manager of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Don is currently the Director of the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society and Jamaica Bay Guardian. Don has written many articles on natural history subjects and his photographs have been published in many journals including Scientific American, National Wildlife, Audubon, Defenders, Underwater Naturalist, Parade and The New York Times. He has an M.S. in Natural Resources Management from the University of New Hampshire and has taught a course in Wildlife Management at St. John’s University. A long-time member, he currently serves as Vice-President on the board of NYC Audubon.
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