Talking with – and about – Animals with Ranger Eric Powers

We share Long Island with many species – raccoons, deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and even an occasional fox. With the ocean and sound close by, we are acquainted with local sea life. But to appreciate and understand a wider group of animals, it helps to know someone like Ranger Eric Powers, at the Center for Environmental Education and Development (CEED).  Ranger Eric works with more than a dozen Animal Ambassadors that he introduces to visitors up close and personal.  Ranger Eric’s knowledge and connection with his animal friends helps children and adults learn more by actually meeting and interacting with animals from insects to mammals, and amphibians to reptiles!

CEED’s mission is to reconnect people to the joys of nature for restoring balance and harmony in our lives, so that we all become stewards for the earth.  With over 30 years’ experience as a wildlife biologist, Ranger Eric’s programs are dedicated to conservation, sustainability, inspiring people to engage with nature, and teaching visitors about environmentally responsible behavior. He believes that when we take care of our planet, we are caring for ourselves as well. Humans and our environment have a permanent, unbreakable bond.  

These days, we can learn about animals by searching pictures and videos on our phones and computers, but that doesn’t compare to meeting these creatures in person or being able to ask questions of someone caring and knowledgeable like Ranger Eric. His eyes light up when helping children and adults understand the creatures who share our world.

Ranger Eric can be contacted at the Center or at eric@ceedli.org, and he is available for events, school and library programs, field trips, conservation projects, and workshops – both in person and through virtual platforms – to share his knowledge. He inspires others to get outside and develop a personal relationship with the natural world, to protect and respect our precious and fragile resources and the animals who share them with us. Learn more and see some of Ranger Eric’s animal friends at ceedli.org.