The festival will feature keynote speaker Clay Bolt, the award-winning naturalist and photographer who in February 2019 helped re-discover the largest bee in the world — Wallace’s Giant Bee, long thought to be extinct — and led the effort to get the Rusty Patched Bumblebee placed on the endangered species list in 2017. This is the first Native American bee protected as a federally endangered species.

Clay will discuss his work as a naturalist and photographer, and the importance of protecting insects, which form the foundation of all terrestrial ecosystems.

Lee Peterson, the younger of two sons of Roger Tory Peterson, has worked in the world of natural history his entire life and is the author/illustrator of “A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America.” As a gastronomic botanist, he has lectured throughout the United States and Canada and, as a jeweler, he has participated in art, museum and trade shows throughout the country. Lee will give a presentation on the life of his father, Roger Tory Peterson, and lead walks discussing native plants.

Jeff Musial has quickly made a name for himself in the wild world of animals over the last decade. While running his nationally recognized animal sanctuary, Musial made his national television debut on CBS’ “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet,” quickly followed by NBC’s “Today Show,” and became Jimmy Fallon’s go-to animal expert with over 30 appearances on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Jeff’s vast knowledge of exotic animals coupled with his comedic styling and personality have made him an uncontrollable force when it comes to educating people of all ages about the many different animal species that inhabit the world. Guests will join Jeff as he presents a variety of his animals at the Wild America Nature Festival.

The festival’s Nature Art and Craft Show features over 40 artists presenting paintings and illustration, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, felted animals, glass art and metal-working. Many of the festival’s artists and master crafters have won national and international awards for their art.

The festival’s Local Food Cook-Off, sponsored by Edible Western New York, features award-winning restaurants crafting unique dishes featuring locally-sourced food.

In addition to the cook-off, the festival has a farmer’s market where guests can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks and other farm products.

Also included: Sky Hunters and Wild Spirit Education will host rehabilitated and free-flying birds of prey. The Audubon Community Nature Center will host a youth area for the young and young at heart to explore nature and natural artifacts; musicians Steel Rails and Davis and Eng will play traditional and original folk music.

Dr. Twan Leenders of RTPI will give presentations highlighting the cool and surprising natural things found in our neighborhoods. Guests can participate in a number of classes and workshops on topics such as gardening, native plants, meditation, yoga, & more!

Guests to the Wild America Nature Festival will also be able to explore the Panama Rocks scenic area and try their hand axe throwing with Axcellent Adventures axe throwing.

The Wild America Nature Festival is hosted by Panama Rocks Scenic Park and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History and is sponsored by Southern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Edible Western New York, Edwards Insurance, Erie Times-News and Media One Group.