Bringing an Artist’s Eye to Nature: Volunteer Spotlight Eric Long

Eric Long’s passion for birds and the outdoors began as a child when his mom would usher him outside in the mornings to listen for bird sounds. Years later, while living with his wife and daughters in Upper Darby, he was looking for ways to connect with nature and began birdwatching. A mulberry tree outside of their home attracted different kinds of birds, and Eric would sit with his binoculars and watch and listen for hours.

Presently, as a volunteer at Tyler Arboretum in multiple capacities, Eric has found a way to continue connecting with nature. Whether he is leading the Eastern Blue Bird tour and discussing blue bird conservation, presenting at an education table at a Fireside event, or working with the Natural Areas Team every third Saturday of the month to remove invasive species from the trails, Eric is always looking for ways to volunteer at Tyler.

Sharing His Creative Talents

When Eric is not spending time outdoors, he is an artist. For more than 20 years, he has been an artist at multiple Trader Joe’s in the surrounding areas, having helped to open stores in Philadelphia, Media and King of Prussia. He shares his artistic talents at Tyler whenever he can, including a new mural he recently painted for the Pollinator Preserve — watch for its debut in 2025! He is always looking for ways to intersect his artistic abilities with his love of nature.

Seeking Outdoor Connections

A few years ago, when he was looking for opportunities to become involved with nature and the outdoors, he and his wife discovered Tyler Arboretum. They started bringing their kids, and as a family, they loved the treehouses and hiking the trails. Eric’s favorite place at Tyler is the Serpentine Barrens at Pink Hill. He is fascinated with the fact that it is a piece of history, something so rare to this area. The meadow is also one of his favorite parts and he says it is one of the best birding places to see songbirds and hawks.

Deepening His Knowledge of Nature

During his time enjoying the arboretum, he happened to find out about the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist course, for which Tyler Arboretum serves as the host for Delaware County. His wife encouraged him to participate, and he did. Through that course he became a certified naturalist. He learned so much that he wished the course had not ended.

As part of the volunteer hours needed to complete the course, Eric presented a project at an education table at one of Tyler’s first Fireside events. He wanted to do something that focused on birds and that would draw people to his table. Because the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest North American Woodpecker and a species you’ll find at Tyler Arboretum, he thought focusing on that bird would grab peoples’ attention. Using his artistic talents, he built a life-size Pileated Woodpecker out of cereal boxes and cartons, complete with flapping wings. It took him more than 70 hours to build. When presenting at the Fireside event, he discussed what people can do to help birds in our backyards. He talked about how we can help birds in light of habitat decline and how to make our backyards more friendly to birds. This project has led him to hosting an educational table at each of Tyler’s Fireside events.

Expanding His Reach as a Volunteer

And the rest is history – as a certified PA Master Naturalist, Eric is now determined to volunteer as much of his time as possible at Tyler. He even lives within walking distance of Tyler right in Ridley Creek State Park with his wife, two daughters (one a junior in college and one a junior in high school) and two cats.

Eric is always looking for ways to collaborate creatively, to figure out projects in which he can present art in nature. He would also love to do a bird walk for kids. With his passion for art, birds and the outdoors, Eric Long constantly seeks to bring creativity and nature together.