My primary passion has been tropical flora and fauna, particularly avifauna, ever since my service in th Peace Corps, where I was ststioned on the Miskito Coast of Honduras. I served as a conservation/environmental educator, and my interest in education and conservation led to a career as a Biology teacher in Guatemala. I support the Nature Conservency, because I feel strongly that ownership of the land is the best course for conservation. My transition into the art field has been deeply impacted by the loss of my wife and best friend Margie, and I am only now beginning to feel inspired enough to rekindel my efforts in conservation. I am focusing more locally on supporting the efforts of a long time collegue and friend in Jardin, Colombia. HIs reserve is located near the reserve for the endemic Yellow-Eared Parrot, and promises to serve as an imrtant education ceter for conservation and corridor research.