Ken J. Weber (November 28, 1943 – August 2, 2007), born in Ottoville, Ohio, was a Rhode Islandjournalist and nature writer.[1] He worked for the Providence Journal from 1971 until 1996, when he retired as section editor. He continued to write a weekly nature article until his death.
He has written many books about hiking, including bird-watching trails.[2] His book, Weekend Walks in Rhode Island, is in its fourth edition, and is a popular guide for day hikes in the state.[3] He wrote the text for the guide through the Mowry Conservation Area, used to guide visitors through the seven scenic walks in Smithfield, Rhode Island.[4] Ken held a staff position at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and offered occasional nature talks.[5]
Weber was posthumously inducted into the 2008 Hall of Fame, by the Rhode Island Press Association.[6] He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Betti J. (Hoorman) Weber, and four children.[1]
Bibliography
Wanderings, co-authored with Providence Journal Company, Dutch Island Press, 1989.[7]
More Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island, Backcountry Publications, 1992.[8]
Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island: A Guide to the Natural and Historic Wonders of the Ocean State, Backcountry Publications, 1993.[9]
Canoeing Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, Backcountry Publications, 1995.[10]
A century of dedication: The first 100 years of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, 1997.[11]
Paddling Southern New England: 30 Canoe Trips in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, W.W. Norton Inc., 2001.[12]
Weekend Walks in Rhode Island: 40 Trails for Hiking, Birding & Nature Viewing, W.W. Norton Inc., 2005.[3]
In December 2016, the book, Rhode Island Birding Trails: Over 60 Places to Watch Birds in the Ocean State, was published and dedicated to Weber. His close friend Jeff Hall had co-authored the book with Weber, however, after Weber's death in 2007, the book sat unfinished and unpublished until Hall and a colleague, rechecked the work, beginning in 2013.[13][14]