beverly hazen
At 6:30 p.m. today, Dr. Anton “Twan” Leenders will present “Life in Two Worlds: The Biology of Local Amphibians” for the Bird, Tree & Garden Club’s Lake Walk.
Those interested in the Lake Walk should meet at the covered porch of the Heinz Fitness Center, located at the corner of South Lake Drive and South Avenue (below the Youth Activities Center).
Leenders is a conservation biologist specializing in amphibians and reptiles and an avid nature photographer who writes and illustrates field guides. In May 2012, Leenders was named the fifth president and CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, N.Y.
The Lake Walk will begin with an introduction to the life history of reptiles and amphibians. Leenders said he’ll discuss some of the different amphibian breeding strategies, such as some species that began living in the aquatic world and, over the years, adapted to become land-based.
Leenders said that during the Lake Walk, he will take the group to the South End Ravine, to “find things and explore.” He said he also plans to show images on his mobile device.
Leenders will be glad to answer any questions during the walk, and he is looking forward to spending time on the grounds.
Originally from the Netherlands, Leenders has actively pursued conservation research, education, field projects and program management in the U.S., Costa Rica, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea and the Netherlands.
He was involved with research and collection management for the vertebrate zoology collections at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. As a conservation biologist for the Connecticut Audubon Society, Leenders developed innovative conservation and habitat management projects in conjunction with landowners.
The BTG sponsors this event in cooperation with the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. A portable sound system will be used for amplification.
The Chautauquan Daily 
