Sony announces three new wireless microphones for their mirrorless Alpha cameras

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Sony has unveiled its latest innovations in wireless microphone technology. The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones, along with the wireless streaming microphone ECM-S1, represent a leap forward in sound quality, portability, and versatility.

Sony continues to lead the charge in technological advancements with the introduction of the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones, accompanied by the ECM-S1 wireless streaming microphone. These groundbreaking microphones promise not only exceptional audio recording but also an incredibly lightweight and compact design.

ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S: Versatility Redefined

The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S models cater to a diverse range of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re engaged in vlogging or conducting interviews, these microphones ensure pristine sound quality even when shooting away from the camera.

Sony ECM-W3

The ECM-W3 boasts a two-channel receiver and two microphones, while the ECM-W3S offers a one-channel receiver and one microphone. This versatile setup ensures that you can capture high-quality audio, irrespective of your filming environment.

ECM-S1: Elevating Professional Sound

For professional videographers and content creators who demand top-notch audio quality, the ECM-S1 wireless streaming microphone is the ultimate tool. With its compact and lightweight design, this microphone features three 14mm large-diameter capsules meticulously tuned to capture human voices naturally and deliver high-quality sound.

The ECM-S1 seamlessly connects to cameras, computers, and smartphones, making it indispensable for content creators seeking a dynamic audio-video experience. Unlike traditional setups that require syncing audio and video, the ECM-S1 ensures perfect synchronization during in-camera audio recording and live streaming.

Sony’s ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 microphones exemplify the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. These new offerings empower creators to achieve exceptional sound quality across various content creation avenues.

Pushing Boundaries for Superior Sound

Both the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed with sound quality as the top priority, delivering exceptional sound pickup with minimal noise. Equipped with advanced noise-cut and low-cut filters, these microphones effectively reduce harsh noise and unwanted low-frequency interference, resulting in clear audio recordings with minimal post-production noise removal.

Sony ECM-W3S

When connected to a Sony camera equipped with the Multi-Interface (MI) shoe, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S receivers enable direct audio signal recording, ensuring outstanding sound quality with minimal interference. With support for MI Shoe, these microphones offer battery-free and cable-free shooting.

Unparalleled Connectivity and Portability

The microphones feature versatile connectivity options, including USB Type-C® and 3.5mm mini jack audio output terminals, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, even those without an MI shoe. Additionally, the microphones can be used as external microphone input terminals, making them adaptable to various recording scenarios.

Compact and lightweight, the microphones are dustproof and moisture-proof, making them suitable for outdoor use. For added convenience, a portable charging case is included, ensuring you stay powered on the move.

ECM-S1: Where Artistry Meets Audio

The ECM-S1 microphone takes sound capture to new heights with its three large-diameter (14mm) capsules, supporting three sound pickup modes: Uni-directional, Omni-directional, and Stereo. It’s all about high-quality sound pickup with high sensitivity and wide frequency characteristics.

With Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3plus codec, this microphone offers low power consumption, low latency, and high sound quality. The receiver can be attached to a compatible camera via its MI Shoe, and USB Type-C® terminals support 48 kHz/24-bit digital audio output.

Empowering Creators with Intuitive Features

The ECM-S1 microphone is lightweight and compact, offering low latency and high sound quality. It features an independent dial for sound recording level adjustment, and real-time audio input level monitoring with indicator lamps.

With built-in batteries for extended use, both the microphone and receiver support direct power supply when connected to the camera’s MI Shoe or a USB Type-C® cable. The microphone can record continuously for up to 13 hours on a full charge.

Pricing and Availability

The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones will be available in select European countries from November 2023, with the ECM-S1 available in October 2023.

Pricing details are as follows:

  • ECM-W3: 500 EUR
  • ECM-W3S: 370 EUR
  • ECM-S1: 450 EUR

For detailed product information, please visit: 

ECM-W3 Wireless Microphone: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w3

ECM-W3S Wireless Microphone: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w3s

ECM-S1 Wireless/Streaming Microphone: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-s1

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6 Special Stargazing Events That Include October 14’s Solar Eclipse

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On Saturday, October 14 a “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse will surge across nine states in the U.S. Southwest. Everyone in the Americas will see a partial solar eclipse.

Many events being staged for the eclipse—either for the ring or merely for a small partial—are just for a few hours. However, October is a fabulous time for stargazing when many annual star parties are held.

If you’re just as interested in dark skies and stargazing as you are in the eclipse, these five star parties—some heavily themed by the eclipse and others that merely have it as a side-show—could be for you.

1. Dark Sky Festival, California (78% eclipse)

When: October 12-15

Where: Death Valley Starcamp, Indian Ranch Road, Panamint Valley, California

Held between October 12-15, the annual California Dark Sky Festival features three nights of telescopes, astronomy lectures by professional astronomers, nightscape photography workshops, afternoon demonstrations, giveaways, camping, a food truck and a 78% partial solar eclipse on October 14.

2. Heart of America Star Party, Missouri (63%)

When: October 12-15

Where: Butler, Missouri

Hosted by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City and aimed at both beginners and experienced astronomers, the annual Heart of America Star Party will feature guest speakers, a solar filter-making workshop and eclipse-viewing. It’s held south of Kansas City near on a 40-acre dark sky site near Butler, Missouri.

3. Dark Skies Star Party, Illinois (50% eclipse)

When: October 12-15

Where: 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, Illinois

Stargazers and amateur astronomers will descend on the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area for the annual Illinois Dark Skies Star Party, three days of sky-gazing with University speakers on both Friday and Saturday. A 50% partial solar eclipse will be visible on Saturday. Hosted by the Sangamon Astronomical Society, there’s lots of room for tent camping and RVs.

4. Solar Eclipse Village, Texas (‘ring of fire’)

When: October 14-16

Where: Garner State Park, Concan, Texas

Solar Eclipse Village will feature an astrophotography session and a guided stargazing tour on Saturday, October 14, but not until visitors have witnessed a “ring of fire” solar eclipse at 11:49 a.m. CDT for 4 minutes 35 seconds. Expect eclipse lectures, science experiments, activities and guided eclipse viewing, with Sunday featuring a lengthy preview of April 8’s total solar eclipse, which remarkably will occur in exactly the same place.

5. Boulder Mail Trail, Utah (‘ring of fire’)

When: October 10-14

Where: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

If you’re a more active type and want dark skies and a lonely eclipse amid incredible surroundings, consider this last-minute Boulder Mail Trail backpacking trip ($1,675 per person) through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Hosted by Wildland Trekking, this guided four-day trek through canyon country will encounter the “ring of fire” while hiking out of the lower Escalante River Canyon east of Escalante, Utah.

6. Eclipse Into Nature Star Party, Oregon (‘ring of fire’)

When: October 13-14

Where: Running Y Resort, Klamath Falls, Oregon

Held at the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls, Oregon is a one-off two-day event called “Eclipse Into Nature,” but featuring a star party on October 13. Expect an evening of stargazing with telescopes and lectures, with a “ring of fire” solar eclipse visible on Saturday. Eclipse day will start at 6:00 a.m. PDT with live music and a breakfast buffet before the event. Solar eclipses glasses will be provided.

I’m an expert on eclipses—the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024. For the very latest on the “ring of fire” solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

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10 Winning Photos Of The CEWE Photo Award 2023

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Behold the stunning visuals captured by the 10 talented winners of the CEWE Photo Award 2023, under the theme ‘Our world is beautiful.’ An astonishing 509,612 entries poured in from across the globe, each one a testament to the inherent beauty of our world.

From this vast pool of creativity, a distinguished winner emerged from each of the 10 categories, each image a unique celebration of the overarching theme, ‘Our world is beautiful’.

Photographer Ariani Dikye from Indonesia has best captured the beauty of our world with this outstanding photo “Warung kopi”. The jury came to a clear conclusion, as this shot shows how joy comes to life when people come together in their community to share the beauty of their world in a moment. The photographer has elicited something very special from the scene and brought the mood of the moment to life through the quality of the photo we see.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check their website for more information.

You can find more info CEWE Photo Award:

#1 Overall & People Category Winner By Ariani Dikye

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Warung kopi – A place where people meet and hang out in Bogor, Indonesia

#2 Landscapes Winner By Marian Kuric

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Doom – A volcano makes the perfect landscape shot in Grindavik, Iceland

#3 Sports Winner By Rainer Koefferlein

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Triathlon – Runners pass clapping spectators cheering them on in Munich, Germany

#4 Nature Winner By Christian Bovians

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Collapsing Glacier – An impressive glacier break-off witnessed during a boat tour to the Aialik Glacier in Seward, Alaska, US

#5 Cooking & Food Winner By Clerio Back

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Night workers – Cooks taking their break from night work in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

#6 Aerial Winner By Teo Chin Leong

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Crossing – A man crossing a street in Tokyo, Japan

#7 Animals Winner By Claudia Räss

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Hand – Chimpanzee hands photographed in the Kibale forest of Uganda

#8 Architecture & Technology Winner By Michael Kemter

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Crowd – People gather at Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City

#9 Travel Winner By Hans Wichmann

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

Palmenhain – Scenes on the banks of the Nile reminiscent of times 2,000 years ago in Luxor, Egypt

#10 Hobby & Leisure Winner By Karl Bordron

The CEWE Photo Award 2023

The pool – Time is suspended after this plunge in France

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Department of Physics and Astronomy makes astrophotography more accessible to students – The Ithacan

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Ithaca College purchased new astrophotography equipment — like telescopes, cameras, and light filters — in Summer 2023. Poor weather conditions have made capturing photos of the sky with the new equipment challenging, but the Department of Physics and Astronomy is working toward making the sky and the new equipment more accessible to students.

Images of space are captured by placing specialized cameras in front of a telescope, which function similarly to the human eye and a pair of glasses: the telescope makes the image accessible to the camera. However, the newly purchased equipment is much more powerful than a pair of glasses. By using different light filters, astrophotography cameras are capable of capturing light that is not part of the visual spectrum.

Sophomore Suryash Malviya, a physics and astronomy and computer science double major, worked with the new equipment extensively over the summer. The funding for the equipment — which cost $1,500 — came from a combination of alumni gifts and the Physics and Astronomy Department’s annual research budget. 

Malviya spent eight weeks doing astronomical research at the college through the Summer Scholars Program.

The Summer Scholars Program is a selective program that gives students in the School of Humanities & Sciences the opportunity to work with staff on paid research projects. Malviya worked with Matthew Price, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Malviya said astrophotography practically supplements the theoretical study of the components of the sky.

“Astrophotography is the art of visually recording what’s in the sky,” Malviya said. “We can only see a particular part of the light spectrum, so astrophotography helps us see what’s out there.”

Price and Malviya used specialized cameras in their research, including planetary cameras and deep-sky cameras. However, smoke from the Canadian wildfires polluted the sky over the summer, making research difficult.

“We didn’t get a whole lot of data,” Price said. “You can’t see through the smoke, so a big optical telescope is going to be useless in the clouds.”

High concentrations of smoke made it unsafe to go outside and use the equipment. Malviya said the observatory was inaccessible over the summer because of these weather complications.

“You don’t get to explore all of the features of the camera unless you put it into use in the real world,” Malviya said.

Price said smoke from wildfires could have been dangerous to the telescopes and cameras, which forced Malviya and Price to be cautious in their research.

However, at the end of summer, the college ordered a radio telescope that functions differently from a traditional telescope. Instead of using optics, it collects and amplifies radio waves, which eliminates the obstacle of capturing unclear images or damaging the cameras.

“It might be cloudy, but you can still use the [radio] telescope and do your work from inside, so it’s really helpful,” Malviya said.

A new optical telescope was also installed in August 2022 at the Clinton B. Ford Observatory, located in the Natural Lands, after it was forced to close following the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “[The observatory] was taken over by the nature [during the pandemic] because no one was maintaining it,” Malviya said. “A bunch of mice got inside and they chewed up a bunch of wires.”

The observatory reopened in Fall 2022. Price plans to open the observatory to students and use the new astrophotography equipment there starting Fall 2023 to make up for lost time.

“We will start having regular public viewing nights, but there are still some things we need to do,” Price said. “We truly only had the new optics and the new mount up there for just a year and we lost months of summer work because of the smoke and rain.”

Students need to be involved in independent astronomy research in order to use the new astrophotography equipment, but this equipment is not necessary to capture the sky. 

Senior Nikolaj Konieczny, a physics and astronomy major and president of the Astronomy Club, practices astrophotography using a telescope and the camera on his phone.

“I want astrophotography to be something that’s accessible to anybody,” Konieczny said. “I don’t see why you shouldn’t have a picture of Saturn on your phone. Everybody has the ability to put their phone right up to the eyepiece and snap a picture of that.”

The Astronomy Club, which is advised by Price, has access to its own equipment that can now be used by anyone, including a large telescope. The Astronomy Club plans to meet every week and will soon have access to the observatory, where they will host their own public viewing nights. 

“Previously, [the Astronomy Club] was an academic-only club, and I personally don’t see why we should gatekeep the universe from other people,” Konieczny said. “It’s beautiful. It’s something you have to share with everybody.”

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Photography school steps in for students after Art Institute of Atlanta closes

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ATLANTA – After the sudden closing of the Art Institute of Atlanta (AIA), students were left scrambling to figure out how to continue their education. One school focused on photography announced it would be stepping up to the plate to help the affected students enroll.

Sara Keith, the owner of the Atlanta School of Photography, has opened a scholarship fund to provide free classes and discounted workshops for students of AIA.

“A student’s dream of higher education should never be in jeopardy of loss,” the Atlanta School of Photography website reads. “The will and dedication to become a professional artist takes a truly unique person, and we want to do our part to support them.”

To apply for the scholarship, students must provide proof of enrollment at AIA. You can find more information here.

Keith is also still accepting donations to help more students.

AIA said it would be mailing current students up to five official copies of their transcripts at no cost to help with transfers.

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La Jolla biologist connects people to nature through photography and travel

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In the pre-dawn hours of a mid-September morning, biologist, photographer and environmental advocate Nigella Hillgarth woke up in a tent surrounded by acacia trees in the African Savanna.

Hillgarth, a La Jolla resident, is as at-home in Kenya as by the ocean. She retired to La Jolla in 2018, after having living there from 2002 to 2014, when she was executive director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She also holds a remote post as an affiliate professor and research scientist at the University of Washington.

Hillgarth spends a great deal of time traveling, with her international trips encompassing both business and pleasure.

Her recent African adventure was a photographic safari with a small group. “First light appears as I drink a cup of coffee and pack my cameras for the day,” Hillgarth said. “Early morning is my favorite part of the day, before it gets too hot and many animals are out and light for photography is good.”

They camped in the Southern Masai Mara, and were off by 6 a.m. most mornings, looking for lions, leopards and other animals.

“For a biologist like myself, African animals are fascinating. There are still so many large wild animals living free in their natural habitat, and living and interacting in the same way they have for thousands, if not millions of years,” Hillgarth said. “As a photographer, it is a great place to go to get wonderful shots and the light can be amazing.”

An image captured by Nigella Hillgarth while in the Masai Mara of Africa.

An image captured by Nigella Hillgarth while in the Masai Mara of Africa.

(Provided by Nigella Hillgarth)

She said that the groups take photos until the heat of the day, when they retire back to camp, venturing out again in the evenings for a few more hours.

Despite being retired, Hillgarth still strives to connect people to the natural world, and lets others know what can be done to protect it in the face of habitat loss, pollution and the shifting climate. She combines her photography and science background to develop shows, which help teach the public about environmental issues.

Although she had been to East Africa before, Hillgarth’s current venture is her first visit to Kenya. In January, she will travel to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, departing from the southern tip of Argentina.

“This will be my fifth trip to Antarctica and I can’t wait to go back,” she said. “Antarctica is full of color and sound and life.” She described the sunsets as “the best I have ever seen,” the penguins as “delightful” and the icebergs and glaciers as “incredible.”

In late July, Hillgarth will travel to the Arctic, to Svalbard, the Greenland Sea and Iceland. The following October she will visit the Seychelles in East Africa.

Before returning to La Jolla from Kenya, she plans to take a trip to Ireland for a few days. There, she will visit friends and stay at a small cottage she has there, in Tipperary on Lough Derg, near Nenagh, next to where she was born and grew up.

Hillgarth’s hometown nurtured her love of animals and nature during her upbringing.

So much so that when Hillgarth was 5, she went around her house saying “I am an animal lover, I am an animal lover” over and over again, and “I really haven’t changed,” she said.

An Oxford University graduate, she received her master’s degree in zoology and doctoral degree in animal behavior. She specialized in the behavior and physiology of pheasants, and conducted research in Britain, India and Thailand.

She later became the executive director of the Tracy Aviary, the nation’s largest bird park, in Salt Lake, Utah, then the president and CIO of the New England Aquarium in Boston, before landing at Birch Aquarium.

Of all the places Hillgarth has traveled, she is always happy to come back home.

“What is not to like about La Jolla? It has so much history for the area, and great institutions such as Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, the Salk Institute and several others,” she said, and praised the friendly people, great atmosphere, restaurants and stores, and the fantastic weather.

“And of course, the ocean is simply wonderful,” Hillgarth said. “What better place is there to retire?”

Hillgarth’s work can be seen at nhillgarthphotography.com.

People in Your Neighborhood shines a spotlight on notable locals we all wish we knew more about. If you know someone you’d like us to profile, send an email to [email protected]. ◆



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Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, price, specs, release date confirmed

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The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a top-flight full-frame lens designed for Z-series mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II. Its 135mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8 make it especially well-suited to portrait, fashion and nature photography.

Nikon has included ‘Plena’ in the lens name to convey that it is a ‘complete’ lens without defects or flaws. The Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is Nikon’s second lens to have a name, the Noct (Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct) being the first.

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

According to Nikon, the width of the Z mount has extended the possibilities for lens design, and the Plena takes full advantage of this for top-quality results. The new lens is said to deliver the best rendering power of any Nikon S-Line lens to date, along with the best vignette control of any S-Line lens at f/1.8. This is achieved by a prestige optical construction comprising 16 elements in 14 groups with Nikon’s SR glass, an aspherical lens element and an 11-blade iris with a round aperture. Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat are also used to counter glare and lens flare. It all adds up to a lens that is said to minimise diffraction and counter sagittal coma and spherical aberrations.

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

Nikon also claims there is no need to stop down the Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, and even when the aperture is wide open, point light sources are sharp, round, and clear, while backlit bokeh is devoid of sagittal coma and flare.

Naturally, the Plena features a fast, precise autofocus system, making it a great pairing with cameras such as the Nikon Z9 or Z8. There’s also a minimum focus distance of 0.82 mm.

The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has customisable controls, including a dedicated control ring, and it weighs just under 1Kg.

As it’s an S-Line lens, the Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena’s barrel is made from tough yet lightweight metal. It features two L-fn buttons arranged for horizontal and vertical shooting, and a large knurled ring for manual focusing. In addition, all the joints and buttons are weather-sealed, and there’s a rubber gasket around the mount. The filer mount is 82 mm, the same as S-Line f/1.2 lenses.

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena price and availability

The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena’s price is £2699 / €3,099. It will go on sale in mid-October 2023.

Specification



  • Product type: Portrait lens




  • Announced: 27th Sepetmber 2023




  • Mount: Nikon Z




  • Format: Full-frame (FX)




  • Focal length: 135mm




  • Maximum aperture: f/1.8




  • Construction: 16 elements in 14 groups (including 1 SR and 1 aspherical lens element)




  • Coatings: Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat




  • Focusing system: Internal focusing system




  • Minimum focus distance: 0.82m




  • Stabilisation: No




  • Number of diaphragm blades: 11




  • Filter size: 82mm


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Indian Creek Nature Center celebrates 50th anniversary

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Party in the Prairie Oct. 14 to honor milestone with outdoor celebration

This photo of the Penningroth Dairy Farm was taken in the late 1930s. The farm became the Indian Creek Nature Center in 1973 and the barn was its main headquarters until 2016 when a new Amazing Space building opened. (Indian Creek Nature Center)

This photo of the Penningroth Dairy Farm was taken in the late 1930s. The farm became the Indian Creek Nature Center in 1973 and the barn was its main headquarters until 2016 when a new Amazing Space building opened. The nature center will celebrate 50 years with a Party in the Prairie event held Oct. 14 at the nature center. (Indian Creek Nature Center)

In honor of five decades of creating Champions of Nature, Indian Creek Nature Center is holding its 50th celebration event, Party in the Prairie, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Amazing Space campus at 5300 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids.

Hundreds of like-minded nature lovers will gather to honor the past 50 years of providing environmental education in the Cedar Rapids area, celebrate the nature center’s bright future, and enjoy the present with good food, great music and amazing company.

If you go

What: Indian Creek Nature Center Party in the Prairie event

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 362-0664

Cost: $50 for a Celebration Ticket that grants access to the event and includes a free drink; $100 VIP gets you into event at 5 p.m. and an open bar with live music

Tickets: indiancreeknaturecenter.org/50th-celebration

Details: Food and drinks will be available from local caterers and beverages from area breweries. Auction items will be available. There will be live music. 20 child care spots will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

People arrive for the grand opening of the new "Amazing Space" building at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. The nature center has events for all ages going on throughout the weekend to celebrate the opening of the new facility. (Adam Wesley/The Gazette)

People arrive for the grand opening of the new “Amazing Space” building at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids Sept. 16, 2016. The nature center will celebrate 50 years with a Party in the Prairie event held Oct. 14 at the nature center. (The Gazette)

Guests can enjoy portable food options from local caterers and beverages from area breweries. A barbecue-inspired entree in a food boat from Blend Events, charcuterie cups from The Hangry Lady and hand pies from The White Tree Bakery allow guests to eat, mingle and explore at their leisure.

Beverages from fan-favorite breweries like Lion Bridge Brewing Co. and Big Grove Brewery will be on tap at the outdoor bar, which also will serve non-alcoholic options, including Indian Creek Nature Center’s signature honey lemonade.

Guests can bid in a live auction for one-of-a-kind items and experiences with all the proceeds going directly to support the nature center’s nonprofit mission to create a more sustainable world. Auction items include a hot-air balloon ride courtesy of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, three original tree prints, a private Farm-to-table dinner for 12 guests, an organic produce package and personal tour of Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, and an original painting of Penningroth Barn by local artist Bill Stamats, son of one of the nature center’s co-founders.

The Dandelion Stompers, named “Best Local Band” by Little Village Magazine in 2022, will get guests on the dance floor with its New Orleans-style of traditional jazz.

Cost of the event is $50 for a Celebration Ticket that grants access to the event and includes a free drink. Guests who wish to start the party early can buy a $100 VIP Ticket, that grants access to an exclusive VIP reception with an open bar and live music from Marc and Brandi Janssen beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at indiancreeknaturecenter.org/50th-celebration. Guests can save when they bring their friends. Anyone who buys nine tickets for their group will receive a 10th ticket for free.

Need child care? There are 20 child care spots available on a first-come basis. The children will spend the event in our classroom indulging in the nature-based programming area children have been enjoying at the Nature Center for the past 50 years.

The idea for a nature center started when Junior League member and conservationist Bette-Barron “B.B.” Stamats visited one in the Twin Cities and brought the idea home.

They started the nonprofit on city-owned land at Bertram and Otis roads in southeast Cedar Rapids, where the city offered to lease the 140-acre wooded site, once a dairy farm, for $1 a year. Today the nature center has nearly 500 acres of land under its management, and the nature center hosts thousands of visitors each year for nature-based programs and activities.

Its mission is to promote a sustainable future by nurturing individuals through environmental education, providing leadership in land protection and restoration, and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.



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25 Hilarious Photos of Cats That Will Make You LOL

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Felines hold a cherished spot in our hearts, enchanting us with their playful antics and endearing personalities. Their comical expressions and quirky behavior have a magical way of instantly lifting our spirits and injecting joy into our lives. If you’re a cat enthusiast, you’re well aware of the remarkable ability these furry companions possess to transform the dullest of days into moments of pure delight.

Within the pages of this article, we’ve curated a delightful collection of 25 amusing cat photographs guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, elicit a hearty chuckle, or perhaps even prompt uncontrollable laughter. Prepare to delve into the mischievous world of these lovable creatures and embark on a delightful journey of laughter and merriment!

Scroll down and enjoy yourself. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.

#1. This is so funny!

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#2. Cats will be cats.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#3. Open the freakin’ door, Susan!

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#4. Now this looks like a perfect day

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#5. What the heck is this thing?

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#6. At the end of the week when you just need to relax.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#7. So many words, yet none of them was “thank you”. Ungrateful hooman.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#8. Time for a break now? Kitty is hungry.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#9. Wow, this cat looks wise.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#10. Wisdom transfer. This is how it’s done.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#11. Get the treats, faster!

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#12. When Mom knows what you’re about to say.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#13. Kitties in the snow.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#14. And by the looks of that other cat… he’s not very talented.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#15. Me, when someone asks “who wants dessert?”

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#16. Hiding in plain sight.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#17. What are friends for?

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#18. Sunday mood

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#19. This cat has a thing for gloves.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#20. Astronaut training.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#21. “I’m bored.”

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#22. Take photos with your cat. It’s fun.

Hilarious Photos of Cats

#23. They never get my order right!!!

Hilarious Photos of Cats

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Mother Nature’s fall colors are on full display

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For many of us, fall in Utah is the perfect season with temperatures often not too hot and not too cold. Throw in bluebird skies and sunshine and Utah’s fall season becomes truly remarkable.

And with the arrival of autumn, Mother Nature is once again showing off her true beauty with spectacular colors in Utah’s mountains.

Our Deseret News photojournalists spent time up in the mountains, from East Canyon, up both Millcreek and Big Cottonwood Canyons to the Alpine Loop over the last few days capturing the stunning array of colors.

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A vehicle passes under changing leaves in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

A vehicle passes under changing leaves in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Leaves are starting to change in Millcreek Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cyclists bike up Millcreek Canyon as leaves begin to change on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cyclists bike up Millcreek Canyon as leaves begin to change on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Maria Shahata sits on top of her car to enjoy the changing of the season as the fall colors start to appear up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Maria Shahata sits on top of her car to enjoy the changing of the season as the fall colors start to appear up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A family hikes at Jordan Pines as the fall colors are starting to change up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A family hikes at Jordan Pines as the fall colors are starting to change up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The fall colors start to appear as the season changes up Big Cottonwood Canyon on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

A motorist travels on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway with a view of the fall colors on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A motorist travels on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway with a view of the fall colors on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A motorist travels on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway with a view of the fall colors on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A motorist travels on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway with a view of the fall colors on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Fall colors in East Canyon on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fall colors in East Canyon on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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