Like many of us with a few years under our belt, Dave Bauer grew up in an era before video games and cellphones, when children enthusiastically played in the great outdoors until the streetlights went on. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring his natural surroundings, leaving no stone unturned and being completely intrigued by the creepy crawlers found in the soil beneath. 

Bauer’s youthful appreciation of nature led to a successful career as a teacher of environmental science and training others in creative thinking, change leadership and living sustainability. Following his retirement from the teaching profession, he turned his attention to several projects focused on reconnecting today’s youth with nature.

Jamestown, NY – With the opportunity to celebrate nature and all things inspired by it plus fun and activities for all ages, the staff and volunteers at Audubon Community Nature Center are looking forward to being part of the inaugural Wild America Nature Festival.

The two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, is hosted by Jamestown, New York’s Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI) and Panama Rocks Scenic Park. Panama Rocks is the amazing natural wonder where Wild America is being held in Panama, New York.

The Festival will feature wild animals, a juried fine nature art and craft show and competition, a local food cook-off competition and farmers market, and classes, workshops, music, and talks by well-known speakers and artists. It is planned to raise awareness of nature and the environment, encourage sustainable enjoyment of the environment, promote conservation of our natural world, and have fun celebrating Wild America.

While the popularity of solar energy continues to grow in communities across the nation, many industry experts are coming to the conclusion that the best way for solar — and solar companies — to grow is to take a regional approach. Their reasoning is rather simple: Installation of solar panels is best left to local companies who can better serve the needs of their customers.