Jim Lockyer

 

Jim, a native Californian, graduated from California State University at Fullerton with a degree in

Biological Sciences, and a minor in Art. Jim’s life-long interest in the natural sciences stems from

his youth. As a teenager, he spent his summers in the high countrywilderness on the eastern slope

of the High Sierras in California. When not in the mountains, Jim could be found exploring tidal

pools or snorkeling along the coast of  Southern California. These experiences directed Jim’s

interests and education towards a career in the natural sciences.

 

Jim was employed by the US Forest Service in the capacity of Biologist, Scientific Illustrator,

and Creative Services Director. The last five years of Jim’s Forest Service career was in the

capacity as Artist-in-Residence at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA during its

renovation. Grey Towers was the home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service and

was restored to reflect the period when Gifford Pinchot lived in the residence. Jim retired from the

US Forest Service in 2006 after 38 years service.

An avid birder and hawk watcher, Jim was intrumental in establishing the Rose Tree Park

HawkWatch in Media, PA where he was the principle coordinator and compiler from 1999-2009.

 

Jim. a natural teacher, has taught classes in bird identification, field ecology, nature journaling,

and nature painting for the National Wildlife Federation in the Adirondacks-NY, Maine, Colorado,

and Montana. Jim has also conducted nature journaling workshops for adults and children. Most

recently at the Community Arts Center (CAC) in Wallingford, PA, The Delaware Nature Society, and

a residency at the School in Rose Valley, Rose Valley, PA coaching 26 kindergartners in nature

observation and journaling during the Spring of 2009.

Jim’s scientific curiosity led to his writing and illustrating numerous articles for both popular and

scientific publications. Jim contributes his art work and photography regularly to natural history

organizations.

 

Jim has won numerous awards and honors for his fine art watercolors, acrylics, pen and inks and

drawings through the years. He has illustrated several books and numerous publications.

Jim and his wife Judy relocated to California in late 2009, after nearly a 40 year absence from

California and are now residing at the base of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve (SRP)

in Wildomar, CA. Jim through his exploration of the SRP became a Docent there and is helping

 provide visiting 3rd-grade students with a positive nature experience at the SRP.

 

revised - October 30, 2011