Twan Leenders presents at Audubon First Friday

Biologist Twan Leenders will share some of his backyards when he presents "Meet Your Neighbors – Getting Up Close and Personal With Nature in Your Backyard" at Audubon Community Nature Center's First Friday from 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, Sept. 4.

Leenders has lived and explored in some pretty exotic places. In this program he invites those attending to join him on a journey through the many "backyards" he has encountered along the way, all seen through the lens of his camera.

From tropical birds, frogs, snakes, and spectacular plants to the fascinating wildlife found locally, each photograph reveals a story of natural wonder.

Leenders is a biologist from the Netherlands with a doctoral degree in animal ecology and a lifelong commitment to conservation management. After moving to Western New York in 2012, he worked at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown and now serves as director of conservation for Everwild Land Trust, formerly the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. In this role, Leenders applies his expertise to the region, working to identify and protect critical natural areas and species while developing collaborative, landscape-level conservation efforts. He is also an avid photographer and published author and loves putting his photography to work in support of his professional interests.

Those attending are welcome to bring a packed lunch and visit with Leenders and attendees after the program.

Fee is $8 or $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 9 to 15. Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling 716-569-2345 or online at AudubonCNC.org/September-First-Friday. Walk-ins are welcome.