Artist, Biologist, Taxidermist, Feather Expert Extraordinaire

The Kern River Preserve is a beneficiary of the extraordinary art and generosity of internationally known wildlife artist John Schmitt of Wofford Heights, Kern County, California. John specializes in scientifically accurate illustrations of birds.

His sketches of Turkey Vultures, woodpeckers, migrating birds and raptors have been specially designed for the Kern Valley Nature Festivals. His color rendition of the woodpeckers of the Kern River Watershed was the first t-shirt design that sold out before the first run.

John Schmitt's work has formed the major artistic contribution to over a dozen books. Over two hundred of his illustrations have appeared in various ornithological journals, magazines, and environmental newsletters including American Birds, Continental Birdlife, and Western Birds. His Journal's of John Schmitt were a hit for many years with readers of Birder's World magazine.

John is illustrating several books right now and his time is at a premium. We certainly appreciate the every second John devotes to nature education at the Kern River Preserve and in this unique valley.