Drawing by Thomas Cole:  Katerskill Clove

Thomas Cole made detailed drawings and sketches of the landscape in the Catskill, Adirondack, and White Mountains. 

Asher  Durand also drew landscapes but he also liked to include animals in his natural scenes. 

Cole and Durand were able to create pictures that gave a sense of reality to viewers because they studied the animals that they included in their artwork.  They were very concerned with preserving nature for themselves and for future generations.   To understand the importance of their work, you are also going to do some research about animals in your area.  As you study about the animals, you will also explore information about the endangered animals in your neighborhoods.

• List any animals that may be on the endangered list for your area.

• Find out if any animals that were endangered have been taken off the list.  Tell what helped to improve conditions for these animals.

• Bird watching is always fun.  Keep track of your summer, winter, and year round birds.  Where do they live in each season?  What do they eat? 

Helpful websites:

www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/webcams/AlbPere/albnest.html

http://wwwfws.gov/kids/

http://www.audubon.org/bird/watch/kids/

Resources Websites for teachers:

www.state.ny.us/

click on Government Agencies in

click on State Government

scroll to Environmental Conservation, Department of

www.dec.state.ny.us/website/education/edpmatls.html

http://endangered.fws.gov/kids/Heyteach.htm