Born in 1932 and raised in the hill country of north-central Pennsylvania, Norman began investigating the world of nature as soon as he could walk. He was encouraged by his parents, who guided him throughout his earliest years.

After serving two years in the Army, he married and moved to Maine for many years. He spent time in northern California, Oregon, and, later, many years in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.

During those years, he wrote short articles for newspapers, took up nature photography and produced several slide programs which he presented at various functions.