. . . a passion for nature, exceptional skills, a relentless pursuit of answers to questions about the natural world.
Steve Reinert is the embodiment of a naturalist, with distinction. His expertise, gained over more than 35 years, spans from estuarine and coastal bird ecology to land bird migration. He has authored several scientific papers, monographs and book chapters on the region’s avifauna. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Rhode Island in 1975, and his Master’s Degree in wildlife biology from URI in 1978. He has worked as an ornithologist for the University of Rhode Island and the Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies in South Dartmouth, MA. He partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency on studies of saltmarsh sparrow ecology, and has served on the boards of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the Barrington Land Conservation Trust. He is a Master Bird-Bander, and has served as the volunteer data manager for the Block Island Banding Station since 1996.
However, Steve is more that the sum of his impressive credentials. His commitment to including children in the wonders of the natural world is expressed with humor and enthusiasm. Children from all socio-economic backgrounds have been handed a bird to gently release back into the wild, after developing a new—and often awestruck—appreciation. He encourages people across the lifespan to ask questions about avian ecology, and masterfully provides answers that match their levels of experience and understanding of the natural world. Mentoring young people has been a priority for Steve. Pardon the idiom, but Steve is legendary for taking young naturalists under his wing. He fosters critical thinking skills in young children as well as serving as an advisor for undergraduates studying Biology.
More than a dozen Rhode Islanders have contributed their comments in support of Steve’s nomination for the RI Natural History Survey’s 2016 Distinguished Naturalist Award. From a diverse group of people, common themes emerge that describe Steve as “scholarly, but humble; an exquisitely careful record-keeper; an awesome role model; incredibly kind, considerate and unselfish, the ‘naturalists’ naturalist’; the go-to guy for anything Natural History in the upper Narragansett Bay, especially salt marsh habitats.” In summary, many enthusiastic voices are raised in support of Steve Reinert as a most deserving candidate for the 2016 Distinguished Naturalist Award.
Compiled comments of many by Deirdra Robinson.