Publication: Cornwall Standard-Freeholder
Date: Saturday May 7th, 2011
Source: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3112859
Summary
CORNWALL — Michael Runtz has been into nature since his first birdwatching experience at the age of five.
It’s no wonder that he is able to speak proudly of his experiences with nature, which is precisely what he did at the 18th annual Conference on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Ecosystems.
Runtz offered up his uplifting, funny and interesting presentation about wetlands called “Life in the Wetlands”.
“My soul is the happiest when I’m fully emersed in nature,” said Runtz.
Among many other titles, Runtz is an author of nine books (with three on the way), professor at Carleton University, TV personality on the show “Wild by Nature”, and winner of various prestigious awards, including an Outstanding Service Award from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Runtz began his presentation emphasizing that he does not like to be labeled a photographer.
Though he does take photographs of nature, Runtz wants those staring at the photographs to know that the beauty is the nature and not the photograph.
He explained it as though he was taking a picture of a painting.
“You don’t say ‘that’s a beautiful photograph’, you say, ‘that’s a beautiful painting'”, said Runtz in his lecture.
He than continued his presentation, explaining the difference between bogs and wetlands, marshes and swamps, all while keeping the room interested with his political and celebrity satire and photographs of the funny, sweet and beautiful moments captured in nature.
He talked about the plants and animals that can be found in various areas, quizzing the audience as he presented the information.
To explore some of the work by Michael Runtz, visit http://http-server.carleton.ca/~mruntz