Cheryl Kraynak
I have been a writer/editor in some capacity my whole life, from enthusiast, to volunteer, to paid positions in commercial and nonprofit organizations, as well as on a freelance basis. I learned to appreciate a love for words from mentors in the publications office at Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, while I was earning my B.A. in Business Management / Marketing there.
My natural interest in plants and animals grew immensely while I was working as Communications Director at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic, Connecticut, in the late 1990s. I developed my skills at writing press releases, natural history articles for local publications, and material for the Center’s “Chickadee” newsletter. I also wrote copy for brochures, advertisements, and a new web site created under my direction.
For a time I was also a technical writer in the Data Management department of a major pharmaceutical company, and I have been a writer/ editor/ designer of marketing materials for small business owners, as well. I am currently involved with project management at a boutique publishing company.
I have found the most satisfaction when I combine my innate interest in the natural world with my creative work. The area in which I live is picturesque, ecologically diverse, and rich in the history of early America. It is these topics that inspire me to be an active observer and to use my natural writing ability to communicate what interests me.
When I’m not writing, I focus on arts and crafts. I started drawing and painting at an early age, but most passionately I have been a serious amateur photographer since 1984. Besides having some of my photos used locally for promotional purposes, other photo accomplishments include placing second in a monthly contest for Petersen’s Photographic magazine, and having a photograph published in a coffee table book entitled The Mystic Coast: A Photographic Portrait.
Latest Articles
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The Porcupine Caribou Herd
One of the largest caribou herds in North America travels up to 3,000 miles each year in a journey to its ancient calving grounds and then back south to its winter range.
Feb 1, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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Clams of the Atlantic and Pacific
There are several common varieties of clams that live on the Atlantic and Pacific shores of the U.S., and the shells of one kind, the quahog, were once used as money.
Feb 1, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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The Bison is Not a Buffalo
The shaggy, brown animal that symbolizes the American West is actually a bison, and is remotely related to the Asian and African animal called the buffalo.
Jan 30, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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How Manatees are Different from Dugongs
Manatees and dugongs have a few differences in physical characteristics and habitat that help people tell them apart.
Jan 28, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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What is a Dugong?
The manatee-like aquatic mammal called the dugong is a shy herbivore that inhabits the coastal areas of the continents surrounding the Indian Ocean.
Jan 27, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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Elk in North America
While elk used to roam all throughout North America, a few varieties survive today in the Rocky Mountain chain, Canadian prairies and coastal areas of the Northwest.
Jan 25, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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How the Sea Otter Differs From the River Otter
Sea otters and river otters look quite similar, but their habitats, physical traits, and lifestyle vary in small ways.
Jan 23, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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Where to See Snowy Owls in Southern New England
There are a number of accessible locations in coastal Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut where birdwatchers can spot a snowy owl in the winter.
Jan 22, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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Hunting Habits of the Snowy Owl
The snowy owl has specific adaptations and a relationship with its prey that enables it to survive the harsh climate of the arctic tundra.
Jan 22, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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The Red Fox as a Cunning Opportunist
The red fox has behaviors and traits that explain why this animal has a reputation for outwitting predators and prey.
Jan 19, 2010
- Cheryl Kraynak
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