Tania Bird

Independent conservation biologist

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

staring in to the eyes of a mountain gorilla and seeing him think, or seeing my first leopard at night.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Anywhere quiet and away from human footprint. The african savannah is best! Yosemite is a pretty good second.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Leopard- just so beautiful and appears intelligent. - can go from gentle majestic mother to fearsome predator instantly.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

resource use (especially fish and drinking water) and overpopulation

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

eat local produce and cut down on meat and fish consumption

Amelia

Private citizen

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The biggest long-term impact is likely the relationship I've had with my cat of 15 years. Understanding an animal as a friend can be more enlightening in some ways than understanding another human, because the social norms are different, even the morals are different, given the human has a higher level of power than the animal. And yet, every time I trick my cat into coming when I ask if she wants treats, I cannot lie to her and withhold treats, as the social and moral norms of a human can only change so much. Essentially, a person can learn their social/moral standards by what they can and cannot do (e.g. lie) to an animal. The most important natural event of my life was last summer, when I climbed a series of mountains in Snowden National Park. It was my first time climbing without ropes and away from the tourist trails. The beauty and the danger of the climb culminated in an experience of awe I've not had before. I'm terrified of heights, and climbing with ropes is such a different experience than climbing without equipment. The former is the power of man against nature, the latter is the power of nature against man. The Welsh rocks and weather nearly bested me, and I remember it as a testament to the inevitable powerlessness.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

I've always loved the woods. As a kid I used to kick about in one of our backyards atop a small mountain, jumping around rocks and examining plants and turtles (if I could find them). I used to love getting lost and exploring further and further away from the trail. Now I love Dartmoor National Park--the tors and woodland and ponies and hidden rivers. It reminds me of a tamed Peter Jackson's Rohan.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Most people would tell you my favorite animal is the cat, and I do love cats (likely because of my answer in #1). But cats are a sort of default for me, I'm constantly fascinated with different species--african elephants and foxes have been the latest. Insects are a growing interest as well.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The conflict of human economy and natural ecology is the greatest environmental challenge. I think it always has been and that it will continue to create political and environmental problems.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Understand the scientific method of thought. Learn how to find and think critically about the information available.

Gail

Zookeeper

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I have so many that as a whole they have made me very sensitive to animal and environmental abuse.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Up in the hills just, out in the desert, anywhere out in nature.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Elephants and Lions. When bonded with them you are like family.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Educating people and getting them to believe in it!

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We reap what we sow. (so think about it)

Meena Nareshwar

Centre for Environment Education (CEE) (www.ceeindia.org)

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Outdoor camping - experiencing the outdoor and yet being disciplined

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes I did, and I am based in India and visiting the tiger reserve and bird sanctuaries are still my favourite.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Butterfly - a jewel for the eye and sign of total freedom!!!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Consumerism, natural resource depletion, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching and illegal trade Future: Natural and man-made disasters

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

To follow the 3 R's and be less consumeristic!!!!! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Warren W. Aney

Senior Wildlife Ecologist - Self-employed

Jul 23, 2009 1:15:51 AM

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The time I overturned a horse truck while watching a lazuli bunting instead of the road (no one was hurt, but there was an impact).

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Childhood: The river behind our house (we lived on the banks of the lower Umatilla) Now: The Steens Mountain of southeast Oregon

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

River otter -- it's intelligent, playful, amphibious and circumpolar in distribution; just like my family.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Now: Climate change Future: Balancing human consumption so as to sustain the natural world while providing socio-economic equity.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Creation is a masterpiece, deserving our devout stewardship.

Barbara

Landscape Architect

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

grandparents in Germany lived within walking distance to the beach and a forest - we got to play in both unsupervised; father was military so we traveled overseas and I spent one year (9th grade) in a school in Germany (German school...not an Am. school); received a small zoo set (with the plastic zoo animals, cage bars, and plastic 'base' with circular path and moated cages...wanted to 'save the zoo world' because I thought it was a prison and the animals must be miserable...I was not quite 10 years old

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

then: the forest at my grandparents now: not sure....some evenings listening to the frogs and coyotes in the drainage 'creek' (ditch) behind our house

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

wolf...not sure. have always liked them and been fascinated by them...but having a cat now, I am very interested in cats...maybe my new 'favorite'

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

getting people here to 'think beyond themselves' and making steps to drive less, buy locally...okay, a lot of those things we hear a lot about. I think that there is a lot of lip service about being green and yet when construction takes place, the same type of materials and thinking goes into the development of the facilities...and although cities say they want to be 'green' often the 'higer-ups' don't help the information trickle down to the folks that work in the 'bottom' ie maintenance. Our dependence on 'easy', quick, and 'happy'.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Start thinking beyond yourself. If we are trying to tell other countries what to do, we should model it: stop deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitat, etc. Sacrifice something for your kids and grandkids!

DR. A. RAJENDRAN

LIFE CARE PHYTO REMEDIES

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

NATURE/HERBAL

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Ooty now it is slightly polluted

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Dog, good for watching

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

global warming conerting in to organic practice of cultivation

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

promotion of eco friendly concept will give better biorational tool to protect environment

Satya Prakash Mehra

Project Manager - Rajputana Society of Natural History

Jul 23, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Local/ regional extinction of the common resident birds made me to get involved in the conservation works.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes, I usually kept on exploring the world's oldest hills - the Aravallis of Rajasthan, India

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I love birds. Green Avadavat (Amandava formosa) is one of my favorite bird.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Loss of Green Cover/ Habitat alteration is the greatest challenge of present world and Climate Change is the greatest future challenge.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Save Nature, Nurture Future.

Carol Coogan

Writer/Artist
(http://members.upstateartistsguild.org/CarolCoogan)

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Presently, the daily experience of seeing, hearing or taking time to notice the natural world makes me feel connected to something larger, mysterious, miraculous and inspiring. I noticed things in nature and studied everything about it from an early age. Finding an orphaned baby raccoon while in art school in Pittsburgh, and successfully raising and returning it to it's natural lifestyle had a big impact on me. It made me want to be a person who helps and heals and protects our Earth.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

In my childhood, I lived in the city, but used to go to a part of the year where there were lilac trees, gooseberry bushes and lilies of the valley, and listen and watch for birds, or go behind the garage where I could pretend I was living in the woods or a cave. Now I greatly enjoy anywhere where that is a natural setting, but I am partial to areas where there is water: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, waterfalls, the ocean. I love the sound of water, and the wildlife it attracts.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Cats are fascinating to me. Smart. Beautiful. They are like living art... the way they move. Distinct personalities. They can be very affectionate if domesticated, yet are still wild. The raven, but that is more because of its symbolism... a totem animal thing...

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

We are destroying the earth. There is no long-term larger view when corporations are considering their immediate profit margins. We consume and consume and deplete and deplete, and its such a waste. Changing weather patterns and fluctuations in temperature will be our greatest challenge, and water. Clean, pure drinking water will be in short supply, and there will be great problems.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Stop consuming so much, live a simpler life, educate yourself about green energy options and recycling and do whatever you can to leave a lighter carbon footprint. Eat more natural less processed foods. Become an activist.

Lorca León Cayasso

Student at CATIE

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Well, I´m a forestry engineer working on the tropics. My biggest impact I had was to know: 1. An arborescent fern 2. Golfo Dulce and Península de Osa in Costa Rica

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

-In my childhood I had a lot of places!! maybe the nearest one was the beach, like 300 mts from my house in Limón City, Playa Bonita Beach in Costa Rica -Now, umm it is difficult to choose one, I have a lot. I can not choose right now, so: 1. Osa Península, Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park 2. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge 3. Manuel Antonio Park and around

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Domestic: Dogs. Because they are friendly. In the wild: maybe Whales, because they are big and peaceful

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

1. The biggest challenge I think is the fuel source. 2. In the future, forest depletion and food production

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

To be consistent with the good. Change from the consumerism to the share.

Ardeith Carter

Private citizen

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Standing in the Chesapeake Bay, up to my knees in water, with the Moon setting to my right, and the Sun rising on my left......it was magic.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Anywhere I could find a tree to climb. Now.....under the young oak tree beside my front deck.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Of the animals who are still able to roam the wilds, I think my favorite is the bear. The she-bear. Very protective of her cubs, very nurturing.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Trying to clean up the mess we've made, and for the future, trying to see that we don't make any more such messes.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We have only the one Earth, and it is up to us to choose how we live upon Her. We are the only animals that can make such conscious choices.

Carissa Wood

Student

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Fish and going for walks in the woods.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

My favorite place out doors is anywhere you can just set up a tent and camp out under the stars.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Sharks because i use to be scared of them until i studied them and learned more about them.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think the greatest challenge is the demand for gas because it's destroying nature.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Don't litter or trash anything in nature because by your actions could stop you great grand children from seeing nature.

Dave D.

Grad. student - Southern Illinois University

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

My time working at eco-resorts in the Bahamas and on the island of Dominica. It is amazing to still be able to find such beautiful stretches of nature that have been left relatively unblemished by the hands of man. Places like those keep me hopeful that we may not feed our hunger for development and expansion to every corner of the earth.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

As a child, I enjoyed camping trips throughout northern Michigan. Those trips planted the seed of environmental conservation and appreciation in me. Now, my favorite place would have to be the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, though I simply love sitting in the grass in my backyard and gazing at the sky.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Amphibians in general; more specifically, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Yellow-legged frog. Predominantly because that is what I am currently studying and because they are declining rapidly--I would be heartbroken to see them follow the paths of some of the other unfortunate species of frogs.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Water. I believe it is vastly underestimated behind climate change, energy issues, etc. Our accessibility to clean water will become the pressing issue of this century.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Respect and cherish it/them. If you don't, no one may never get the chance to again.

Susan Hendler

Lic. Outdoor Guide, Registered Nurse

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

There are many, but a significant event was hearing spring peepers for the first time on a college biology field trip in Queens, NY. Amazing!!

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

As a child I loved to climb a huge old maple tree across from my house and just sit up there alone with the 'human world' beneath me and the squirrels and birds amongst me. My favorite place now is a small pond in the woods near my home that no one goes to but me. I sit quietly near the shore and watch and listen to Life.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I love and cherish all wildlife, but I am most drawn to wild dogs (wolves, coyotes, african hunting dogs, etc) and especially the two New Guinea Singing Dogs I share my home with. I'm not sure why canids are among my favorite animals, maybe because most are social animals and I admire their natural intelligence.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Overpopulation (human)

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We are one small part of Mother Earth, no more important than any other life form on this planet, and we need to stop behaving like a lethal virus!!

Larry Schauff

Private citizen

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Being part of ensuring needs of animals as much as I can, food, water, shelter.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Anywhere 'wild'. Don't like being around people.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I don't really have a fav., I seem to like them all the same, why not?

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Ensuring clean water, now. Future, air if we don't start making major change to make it cleaner, or less dirty.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Conserve.

Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?

There are so many distractions in today's life. I hope people 'wake up' soon and realize that they are the change this world needs. Good luck Jeremy

Bill Smart

Bill Smart Consulting

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

eating hamburgers

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Childhood - playing in the cornfields Now - playing golf

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Aardvark - because the spelling of its name starts with double A's.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Now and in the future - realizing and accepting that we, as humans, do not know what is the best thing in the long-term for the environment.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Just be human and don't try to overthink and certainly do not try to control the environment or its continuing evolution, even if it seems like its going the 'wrong way'. We're just not smart enough to make that kind of determination and probably never will be. Trust Nature.

Steve West

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

30 years of banding Cave Swallows has taught me much about a single species and it's role and the intricacies of one species

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

my favorite place now are the nearby Guadalupe Mountains where there are great canyons to hike in and plenty of wilderness (33,000 acres). As a kid it was walking along the Pecos River near my home town of Loving, NM

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Picking my favorite animal is TOUGH! Cave Swallow (which I've banded 20,000 of over 30 years), White-throated Swift, Giraffe, American Swallow-tailed Kite, it's tough!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

overpopulation of people and excessive use of resources by rich countries, and I think that will continue to be the problem.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Have no more than 2 kids or better yet adopt (I have 2 daughters and 3 grandkids)

Christie

Private citizen

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I'm not sure about in my entire life, but I live in L.A. and when I was in Basalt, CO this past weekend and I looked up at night I almost pissed my pants there were so many stars.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

The beach, and the beach

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My favorite animal is a sea hare because they are slimey and beautiful and they squirt ink...and they are always out in the tide pools.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think it is now and always will be the destruction of rain-forests because it is irreversible.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think before you consume!

Thomas

Private citizen

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Volunteering over the years with the Nature Conservancy in the Honouliuli Preserve on O'ahu, Hawaii.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes, as a child the creek on my relative's farm. Now, the Wai'anai mountains on O'ahu Hawaii.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

The usual, dogs, cats, and tortoises.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Population control

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Get outdoors and stay off the pavement. Sorry, that's two. Take your choice.

Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?

Regarding religious or spiritual considerations: I feel far closer to God when in nature, than when in church.

Bill Miller

Conservation Chair - Fort Collins Audubon Society

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Birds foraging in leaves on an early morning in an eastern forest.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

A wooded area that became replaced by the municipal landfill. I have many of them now.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

The American Avocet. Gorgeous breeding colors.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global climate disruption. Global climate disruption.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Preserve it. It is your home, too, and they aren't making any more of it.

Angus Parker

WiserEarth

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Fly fishing in the Catskills

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Marin Headlands north of San Francisco

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Bilby - really into marsupials, especially rare and strange looking ones!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Invasive mammals (particularly on islands) and in the future climate change

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We depend on the environment - if we damage it as we are then it will turn around an hurt us (e.g. Katrina) - so we have to reduce our over consumption of the earth's resources - reduce our footprint and our numbers.

James

Private citizen

Jul 22, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Growing up in the country

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

yes, Berkshire, still the same.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Cat good pet.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Water shortage

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Read An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming

David Taylor

Private citizen

Jul 21, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Growing up on a small family farm I witnessed the life cycles of many animals and the important balance between man, development, and nature.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Childhood: anywhere outdoors where I could explore Now: I feel most centered when I am on the water (kayaking)

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

As a child it was whales- by age 5 I was sure I would be a marine biologist, or sail with Sea Sheppard.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Today we have manipulated the world so nature no longer has a place- moose, bears, deer in the suburbs being treated as invasive species. Man living in artificial ecosystems in the desert- Las Vegas (really the entire SW) that will not be able to support continued development without further decimating the surrounding area. The Colorado River has been reduced to a muddy tickle due to siphoning of water for wanton development.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

It is ok to hunt and eat animals- man is the alpha predator on the food chain. When you have dozens of deer eating your suburban landscaping, and see deer carcasses strewn alongside the highways how can you castigate those of us who cull the herds for consumption?

aldrin edgar b dy

Private citizen - Philippines

Jul 19, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

anything tame

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

in the mountains

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

my favorite is the tame one because they make me happy

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

global warming and swine flu

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Dont sit in your chairs do something to save mother nature

Jenny Ketterlin

Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs - FL Fish and Wildlife Commission

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Playing outside, camping, collecting snakes, fishing, all when I was a little kid shaped by my perspective on the natural world.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Childhood-playing in creeks Now-the Olympic peninsula

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Horses and cats--just animals I've always loved

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The greatest challenge for both is sustaining our environment with an ever-growing and developing population.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think about how your actions are always linked to the environment; everything you buy, use, and how you do it has an impact.

Cheryl Binstock

Creator/Webmaster - Our Enchanted Garden (http://www.ourenchantedgarden.net)

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

When I went through a major career change, twice in my life, I would be drawn to spend more time in the garden. Became inspired to watch the birds and animals more closely and then eventually got to the photography and writing and web designs I do now, though still none of it "professionally" I actually work at a low paid clerk job simply to cover the expenses of the house and keeping my site and writing, etc. growing!

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Favourite place as a child was always the woods, the trees seemed to soothe me somehow. I still love trees and sense their personalities in ways hard to describe. The trees that surround our garden are like great protectors of our personal garden experiment. Our backyard is now my favourite place, but I like visiting the great lakes, the Niagara River (hometown) and the Rocky Mountains

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Really hard to nail down... but in the past 12 years or so it's been mountain lions. Got many (psychic) nudges about those cats while traveling and camping in Colorado's 14'ers. was on a bit of a vision quest at that time and the she cat came through strong, we found fur pellets (lion hair balls? he he!) along some of our trails and even spotted one young cat slinking back into the shadows under some tumbled rocks on a hillside.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Stopping the reckless consumerism that is ravaging the wild spaces and living spaces alike. People must become intimately aware with their our natural connection with the world around them and far less focus on the world society tries to force us to fit into!

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Where-ever you are, no matter if it's the wilderness or the urban center, always remember you are a part of nature, not apart from it. We are immersed in a natural world and it's time to each take a part in helping the earth return to her natural state. Our garden has naturalized sections that belong simply to nature. The birds plant their seeds there through their droppings, squirrels and chipmunks leave things behind that grow, the wind offers up more of the same. We simply assist by removing debris and thinning from time to time. Area insects, birds and critters seem to do well in the yard now where there was little life 14 years ago! (postage stamp front yard turned meadow, is one example!) If nothing else; xeriscaping should be THE word in gardening projects, (landscaping for low, low water requirements)

Michelle McIlroy

Teacher - Coxsackie-Athens CSD

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Living and working in the Adirondacks- dealing with bears that have become too humanized, trying to work to be as green as possible to leave as little impact on the tender Adirondack area as possible...

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Early childhood: the "swamp" behind our house. Later childhood: tie between the "swamp" and the trails and lakes of the Adirondack Mts. Now: The wild areas around the ocean in Maine, the Adirondacks. I am still pretty partial to the acres behind my house.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I love them all... I really think I do. I am extremely impressed by the entire cat family for their stealth and power. I am fascinated by aquatic/marine animals- whales, especially- they are designed perfectly for their surroundings.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Overpopulation of the world by humans- either way, this will be the greatest now and in the future, because it not only triggers global climate change, but urban sprawl, pollution, loss of habitat... humans are straining the planet for resources that are not limitless.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Do everything you can. It may seem insignificant to use a washable coffee cup, for example, or to buy green/fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, but if every person of the 6 billion + on earth were behaving that way, it would add up!

Stjepan

Private citizen - Croatia

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hard to select one. Its kind of a every day symbiosis with the animals and plants around my house (i live in the country).

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes its on a field where i run every day, i see a lot of rabbits and birds there and that makes me feel ...real is the word i think

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

i like em all ..but i think i would go for dog, because my dog is very supportive and a loyal friend.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The rising of heat. getting rid of money and the capitalism way of life.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

plant a tree, it takes you only 30min and it can be your friend for life.

C. Marshall

The Ship Inn (bar staff)

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Having my cat. She is 2 years old and everyday she learns something new and endearing everyday.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes, any place where there are old, strong trees around me.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Elephants as they have a great sense of community. They can have a cheeky sense of humor but are still really strong, powerful creatures.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I feel the dwindling forests and increases in the endangered species lists is a challenge for now and the future.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Recycle and try your best to aid local ecosystems.

Anonymous

Private citizen

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

All interaction with nature has had a large impact on me. My grandmother worked voluntary for WIRES before she died and so my house and yard was always filled with animals being cared for. Particularly in the last two years, I have had a pet bird, an Indian Ringneck, who I absolutely love, his personality, innocence, and trust in me is a very special thing.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes my favourite place as a child was the beach, and particularly now, I love Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales, where the Kangaroos roam the beach in their natural habitat. The wildlife on the beach is amazing.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

All birds. I believe birds are amazing, beautiful and intelligent creatures.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The greatest challenge facing the environment I believe is simply the fact that a HUGE majority of people do not respect it. If people had a little more respect for the environment, then they would be able to contribute to a more sustainable future for the environment. Education is a major factor. As a teacher, my number one aim throughout my career is to educate children about respect for the environment and all life.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". I believe this quote is very meaningful when you think about it. People need to have a deep think about how they want to leave the planet for future generations.

Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?

I believe education about the environment is the number one issue and start to a solution. There is not enough environmental education in schools and there needs to be a further emphasis on this.

Sandra Pryor

Private citizen

Jul 18, 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

It's hard to say which had the biggest impact. I'd probably have to say having my first dog. My parents got her on my fifth birthday, and we basically grew up together. She was my best friend, she could sense when I needed her, she was very intelligent, she was more loyal than any human, and she gave unconditional love.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??

Yes, definitely. My father and I transplanted small pine trees from a forest that was being cut down for development. We had a huge back yard, actually more like two yards, and the part in the back was where we planted the trees. As they grew, we had our own pine forest in the back yard. It was a place of refuge and peace.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Probably dolphins, because they are so intelligent. Once at the beach, I swam out to where they were, and got so close to them that when I swam underwater, I could hear them sing. I could sense that they have a language, even though humans haven't deciphered it yet.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I'd have to say massive extinctions. Global warming and pollution are up there too, but I feel the greatest catastrophe is the sixth extinction. In the future, I'd say loss of biodiversity is the major challenge... but again, it's hard to say, because without pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and human overpopulation, we would not be driving so many species to extinction.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Remember, we are part of nature, we are not above nature, and nature has intrinsic value apart from human use of natural resources. Moreover, if humans do not live in a sustainable manner, and destroy the planet, then we will become extinct too.

Thian Si Ying

Private Citizen, Singapore

Today's Date: 14 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Probably earthworms, although I do not really favor them as well as others because they’re often treated as ‘not-so-likeable’ earthy creatures, under the soil. But I do really admire them. I watched Discovery Channel once in my friends’ house and there was this documentary show about earthworms. My friends shriek when they saw how worms are actually like. This documentary was actually talking about these little creatures having to munch on food composts, or maybe most may call it as trash or garbage as their daily diet. “They eat almost everything.” The lady states.

As you know, planet earth is in danger of lacking of land and places because of the rubbish and trash pouring into landfills everyday, or maybe not just landfills, just bare land like some countries which people habitat in where rubbish and trash are thrown in. Plus, gases which are released from landfills example, Methane and many others, are actually greenhouse gases which ‘cause global warming, a fatal condition whereby icecaps will melt and flood low-regions or even resulting to weather conditions which might happen uncertainty.

Yet, these ‘disgusting’ creatures actually help us to dispose our daily food waste, like example, fruit and vegetable skins or even food we throw away when we cannot finish them. They serves as our ‘rubbish bin’ in a way or two and a ‘helping hand’ to reduce the waste building up. I would really admire them because such tiny creatures, also yet treated as ‘unimportant’ animals to people, actually could really make a big difference in saving our planet unlike all of us, we are not even making any effort saving our planet, this is where we live, we have to preserve it and protect it for our the future generation, as well as they can follow our steps and continue to preserve our planet, the only planet which can withstands survival. If this planet is going to be destroyed, it’ll be finished just like that, under our hands.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Probably the beach. I like listening to the sound of the sea waves and to actually take a stroll and sense Mother Nature, it brings us closer to nature in a way or two, indeed. Riding the bicycle and enjoying the sea breeze is also a kind of pleasure, to actually relieve one’s stress and troubles.

Now? Maybe just a plain green field. Although there’s nothing unique or special about a plain green field but you can actually enjoy the silence, the serenity as well as nature’s presence. It’s a place whereby you can just lie down and gaze at the sky without any disturbance or worries. I should say that nature is Man’s best friend nowadays because people are often stressed out with work or maybe school, especially in this modern society where competing is crucial and people would probably be having a high chance of getting mental disorders like Depression. Even a plain green field like that could really help to one’s busy man’s life.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

As I say, although I used to hate earthworms, but now, I guess I’m favoring it because of its ‘special diet’.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming is the biggest threat the planet has ever faced and it’s happening now which isn’t a good omen for our future generation. As all of us now are actually not contributing any effort to save our planet, our future generation will suffer when it’s their turn to save the planet at the last minute. We should start doing our part to save the earth from now onwards so that the condition will not worsen if our future generation was to ‘take over’.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

It’s never wise to start when the condition has worsened to the undesirable state. The earth is ours and there’re no other planets which we can survive in, we’re the only ones who can save our planet. Start conserving the natural resources from now onwards or we would be left with nothing in the future, its Mother Earth’s resources; we can’t use it for just this generation of ours.

Lynne Flannery

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Today’s Date: 9 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

As a child I just loved being outdoors. The time I spent exploring the wooded areas around my home in Upstate NY definitely developed my love of nature, curiosity and desire to protect it. I had several favorite spots under various trees I would regularly visit to have conversations with them. This may make me sound a bit crazy – but trees were some of my best childhood friends. I knew when I grew up I wanted to help protect all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.

My work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras also had a tremendous impact on my career. Growing up and while in college I always envisioned myself as more of a researcher doing ground work in conservation; the hard science. My two years in Honduras drastically changed this. I realized how vital education is in the overall conservation puzzle, and that this was where I best fit in. I discovered the joy in helping others learn to care for, respect and admire nature. I knew this was something I had to be a part of.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Besides the trees I mentioned visiting in the previous questions – I loved the Thousand Islands of NY. I spent time sailing, swimming and paddling in the waters of the St. Lawrence River and could never get enough!

Now? There are so many fantastic places in the world it is hard to pick one – but I will go with one that is close to home now – Everglades National Park. I have paddled many miles in this fantastic wilderness –especially the 10,000 Islands ; and always see or experience something new. I never tire of this area, and feel very privileged to live so close to an area of worldwide ecological importance. I also have no doubt that exploring it by paddle; being at the mercy of nature and needing to listen to her and respect her have heightened my affections for the Everglades.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I find this changes depending on where I live, what animals I am currently working with and what local animals can make an impact on education in my area. Currently it is the crested caracara; very interesting and intelligent raptor. They are outstanding education animals as many people in Florida have never seen them although they are native. I always love exposing folks to a new species, especially one they have right in their own state they can not only view in the wild but help protect. It brings the conservation message so much closer to home.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming and global warming. Population growth which ties in directly with global warming is another top challenge. As human beings if we do not learn how to live in a more sustainable manner on our planet – we will eventually kill her.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Take a look at your daily life and begin to do the little things you can to help reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Don’t just recycle and think that is enough – reuse, grow a small organic garden, compost with worms, get involved with a local environmental group, buy products with less packaging. We all have to start to make changes if we want the health of our planet to improve. There are so many decisions you can make every day to help our planet. Don’t feel like you have to save the world, start right in your own home!

Sharon Stiteler

Birdchick.com

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The sandhill crane and snow goose migration in Kearney, NE in March. 40,000 sandhill cranges & 1 million snow geese. What's not to love?

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

A friend's property in Mooresville, Indiana. It was like my own private state park.

Now? A friend's property near my home where I keep my bees.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Whatever bird is in front of me at the moment.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Now: disunity. Future: apathy.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Make sure you actually understand the science before you argue or speak to the public about your issue. Using bad science (no matter how many press releases from "respected organizations") will make you look bad and people will not trust your message in the future.

Tom Funke

Director of Conservation, Otis Sanctuary Resident Manager
Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Raising farm animals and a garden for food, as we were poor.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My parent's homestead in Bangor, Michigan

Now? Michigan Audubon Otis Sanctuary

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

As a former zoo educator, I will tell you that right now it is the Cerulean Warbler since it is declining so rapidly and I've never seen such a sought after bird by birdwatchers!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Human overpopulation

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Have no more than one child...and save your money and travel the world before you do. I did, it has worked out great!

Richard Schwartz

President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) www.JewishVeg.com and Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV)
Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY (www.asacredduty.com)
Director of Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org)

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

attending boy scout camp

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The Beaches in Far Rockaway, NY

Now? High Rock Park in Staten Island

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

monkeys

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global climate change, now and in the future, since it is rapidly moving the planet to an unprecedented catastrophe.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Become a vegan and encourage others to become vegans, with an emphasis on natural, organic, local foods, because it is the most important step a person can take to help the world avoid a worldwide catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats. For more information, please see my over 140 articles and 20 podcasts at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz, and please see the documentary that I helped produce "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World" at www.ASacredDuty.com.

Jennifer

Zoo teacher – Caldwell Zoo

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.

Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Loss of habitats! Loss of Habitats!

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!

Lindsay Deering

Ohio Division of Wildlife

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I grew up visiting our local Metroparks and I enjoyed learning what everything around me was called. In high school I mentored for them and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes - the River Rd. portion of North Chagrin Metropark in Cleveland

Now? I'm seen more and I'm going to have to say the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

All herps - they're totally underappreciated

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think we need to face the differences in beliefs and understandings related to conservation, climate change, and alternative energies.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Get out there and learn about it.

Rev. Bruce Richards

Priest and mentor of the Correllian Tradition

Today’s Date: 1 July 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hard to tell, I have lived with both wild and domestic animals all of my life.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

So many, hard to think of a favorite.

Now? Pretty much the same, anywhere I can find a peaceful spot to sit.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Each animal has its own characteristics and even within the same species varies greatly in personality. I have had hawks, falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, deer, as well as other wild and more or less domestic animals. I have learned to love them all for different reasons. A squirrel just stole a cookie from my wife, while she was dipping it in milk and ran. See? I think that was funny! (Wife didn’t).

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Now - pollution. Future - over population.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

The Earth is the Mother of all that we know; she must be treated with respect. (Or she will disown your ass).

Jolene Pregent

Private Citizen

Today’s Date: 21 April 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I can't think of any one moment, I've just always felt a pull toward nature and animals since the beginning of my memories!

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

As a child I was just always in the woods near our home playing and using my imagination instead of video games and toys, and usually by myself!!

Now? In nature I find the little things bring me much joy. Viewing a new bud of a tree leaf in the spring, the sunrise, the full Moon or frozen grass in early Winter. Twilight is my favorite time of day!

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

The Mountain Lion, It's powerful, mysterious & Independent! Qualities I strive to find in myself!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Getting people to change their ways and comply with the things that help not harm our Mother Earth!

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Try to do your best to preserve our earth for future generations!

Tom Alworth

Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources – New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Today’s Date: 6 March 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I witnessed the courtship ritual of bald eagles when I was about 10 years old. The male and female clasp talons hundreds of feet in the air and then fall together letting go just above the water!

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes – The Catskill Mountains

Now? Yes – The Catskill Mountains

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Tough question for an animal lover… Turtles – so unique, move slowly, very special to me

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The human relationship with the planet – i.e., global warming as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction & fragmentation

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We rely on them for absolutely everything we have… please consider how our actions impact the source of all our resources… and spend time outdoors.

Received via postal mail

Tozan Paco Verin

Ordained, Hollow Bones/Friends of Zen

Today’s Date: 7 February 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

When my first dog was eaten to death internally by maggots. The guilt, the grotesqueness, and the reminder that death is ever-present and permanent are with me 21 years later.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Everywhere that was Nature, especially away from "civilization" and our buildings and noise. Specifically, in my hometown of Montclair, NJ, our back yard and tree house; Edgemont Park; Anderson Park; Mills Reservation. In north New Jersey, Lake Waywayanda State Park; in Clearwater, FL, a 350 wild area where we rode horses (but is now a neighborhood).

Now? The Poconos (PA), Rothrock State Forest (PA), any local state park that I hike in. Again, any nature lights me up. Our yard.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Dogs. I am an only child but grew up with two dogs, so transferred sibling connection to them. Friendly dogs know I am a dog person right away. They are all like family to me. I have not had a dog in 6 years, just because I'm too busy to care for one.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Greatest challenge, present and future: our selfish addiction to comforts that we get at the expense of Earth.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Stop building and plant trees by the billions.

June Enright

Executive Director - Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC)

Today’s Date: 4 February 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

As a child my interest began with my father allowing me to keep or chase whatever wildlife was around. We always had pets and this expanded as I got older and my husband & I owned two of Canada's largest private reptile zoos! Nothing though can compete with the opportunity to volunteer at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica where I was fortunate to see so many wild animals in their natural habitat...an experience I think most would appreciate.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay.

Now? Too many to name...

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Bats and tortoises. Both have a large variety of different sizes, shapes habitats and habits! Most interesting.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Our reliance on fossil fuels are polluting our air and soil. We are quickly making ourselves extinct and I see such apathy I'm afraid we'll succeed!

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

You must become active in some way or another. Vote... advise your politicians on what you like that they are doing and what you don't...! Your opinion counts and should be heard.

Jem Winston

Rosalie Forest Eco Lodge, Dominica

Today’s Date: 3 February 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Being with my Donkey when she gave birth

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The local beach in Leigh-on-sea, England

Now? Space mountain waterfalls, Dominica

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Dog, best friend

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming and global warming

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think before you act, reuse and recycle

Erik Hirschfeld

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 17 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Catching freshwater turtles in Wisconsin as a kid, sneaking up on them as they were sunning on logs with water up to my neck.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The lake near the arboretum in Madison.

Now? A disused lime stone mine of 100ha size on prime property in Malmö, as no one has access and several wilderness birds such as Raven and Peregrine breed in it (subject of my coming book).

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Curlew Sandpiper Calidirs ferruginea , beautiful bird, migrates long distances and finds its way so it appears in the same place at the same date on its migration, ecologically interesting. Of non-birds, gorillas.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Maintaining a chain of good habitats for those migratory birds that use different habitats depending on their life phase and making sure that those animals that are dependant on one type of habitat will not see it fragmented and preventing exchange between populations. This incorporates the big problem, the imbalance between conservation of nature and human survival in developing countries.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

No answer given

Joanna C.

University of Calgary, Dept of Biol. Sci.

Today’s Date: 13 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER. PROBABLY WORKING WITH SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS FOR MY MSC. MINE WAS THE FIRST PROJECT TO STUDY THEIR URBAN ECOLOGY, I EXAMINED THEIR USE OF NESTING HABITAT, EXPOSURE TO ORGANOCHLORINES AND BREEDING SUCCESS.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

NOT EXACTLY, BUT I PLAYED OUTSIDE A LOT, IN PARTICULAR, LOVED MAKING SNOW FORTS, AND GOING TOBOGANNING.

Now? NOW THAT I'VE TRAVELED, I LOVE SO MANY PLACES, BUT CURRENTLY I'M REALLY INTO BEING IN THE ROCKIES, GOING SKIING, HIKING, AND ANYWHERE IN THE BOW RIVER VALLEY, WHICH IS WHERE I AM CONDUCTING MY CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER TOO - I SUPPOSE CURRENTLY, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE THE HOARY BAT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE SPECIES I'M WORKING WITH. BUT I REALLY LOVE ALL WILDLIFE, AND IT'S HARD TO CHOOSE.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

DECREASING OUR RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

THE EXACT SAME PIECE OF ADVICE THAT IS MY EMAIL SIGNATURE, AND WHICH APPEARS VERY SIMILAR TO YOURS AS WELL. AN OLD FIRST NATIONS PROVERB SAYS: TREAT THE EARTH WELL, IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO YOU BY YOUR PARENTS - IT WAS LOANED TO YOU BY YOUR CHILDREN.

LadySapphire22

from www.wildlifegardeners.org

Retired Dr, Master Gardener

Today's Date: 14 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

As an adult gardener I watch bees pollinating plants as well as chatting with an older neighbor who raised bees and had an epiphany. I sudden realized just how important these marvelous insects are to our entire food chain.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Reading books in the rain in my tree house.

Now? I especially like visiting the National Arboretum in Washington, DC

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I like bears.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Helping improve the environment and helping to educate people on using more earth and people friendly ways to do so.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

What is your carbon footprint? What can you do to make it smaller?

~Sage~

from www.wildlifegardeners.org

Today's Date: 14 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I was also a passenger in a car which hit a deer that jumped out of the wooded area along the dirt road and onto the car hood. I was shaking and inconsolable for days. The deer are so vulnerable to the effects of people and development.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

During my childhood I spent from spring to fall out in the county, exploring the woods and creeks with my cousins. My grandfather studied wildflowers, trees, fungi, etc., and gave us standing assignments to learn three new ones daily, including the Latin names and have examples of bark, leaves, flowers. He provided us with ID books and taught us photography too.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Pandas because they are irresistible.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Development, chemicals and plastics.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

RESPECT NATURE

Michelle Clay

Game Artist and Designer, Turbine Inc.

Today's Date: 1/14/09

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

See below

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My favorite childhood place and the encounter with nature that had the biggest impact on me are one and the same: I used to live in a house with a wooded back yard that backed up to a large power easement. The power easement was a meadow that offered a place for everyone on our side of the street to have gardens, play sports, dig holes, investigate plants and animals, and go sledding. It offered access to the woods, creeks, and a stand of bamboo. In retrospect, I see now that the space unified our community and gave us a wide swath of nature, while also filling the function of delivering electricity. It exemplifies the permaculture value that everything must have multiple functions.

Though, to answer the first question further, I had an encounter with an elephant while visiting Ahmadabad, India. At the end of a long and uncomfortable day, I found myself in an empty lot helping to decorate floats for a religious procession. In a corner of the lot, largely ignored, was an elephant, who was to be featured in the procession. The elephant’s keeper was asleep nearby, and nothing was there to prevent people from walking right up to the animal, so I carefully approached and handed her some grass from her feed pile. Standing in front of, and touching, an animal who loomed above me and who could have easily killed me, I was overwhelmed with emotion. There she stood, majestic, and at complete odds with her surroundings. There in that dark and grubby lot, it was as if a god had been forgotten by humanity. How could we treat something so profound as if it were ordinary?

Now? Now, my favorite place in the outdoors is my own yard. In the front, it is a standard suburban lot; in the back, it is a wooded wetland backing up to an estuary of the Charles river. I love that it is both a wild and undeveloped place, in which I can observe native flora and fauna, and that it is a standard boring suburban plot that I can work at turning into something better.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

I had to stop and think about this question – and it turns out that I don’t have a favorite animal. I tend to be enthralled by whatever living thing is in front of me at the time.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The greatest challenge facing us now is the same challenge that will continue to face us for as long as humanity dominates the planet: how can we as a species prosper sustainably in harmony with the natural systems around us?

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

The one piece of advice that I would like to share with everyone is to think about the things that come into your area of influence. Where did it come from? How much energy was used to make it, and where did that energy come from? What will happen to it when you are done with it? How and when will it decompose, and what will it decompose into? Will this leave behind a mess for someone else to deal with?

doccat5

Retired/Federal Worker

Today's Date: 13 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

DH and I have use organic growing methods on fruit/nut trees and vegetables for over 20 years. Until recently we've had little problem with "pests". However, this last season both deer and squirrels were a bit of a problem. There has been some major development in the surrounding area and much of their habitat has been disturbed. I forsee having to install a deer fence at least if we are going to have a decent vegetable garden. So far using scents and bitter tasting sprays have keep the damage to a minimum.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I grew up in Nebraska. I think my cousin's 1000 acre dairy farm was one of my favorite places to go. I use to spend at least a month in the summer there with my other cousins, just roaming about and exploring the area. We would go pheasant and squirrel hunting in the cottonwoods he had planted in the fall. Lots of good memories there.

Now? Normally my own yard. But we do make an annual trip to the Blue Ridge to see the fall colors.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Siberian Tigers...I saw one at the zone in Minneapolis when I was in college. Huge male, he was so beautiful and so impressive.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Sensible use of our available resources, cleaning up the messes we've made to our water supplies, educating ourselves on how each one of us impacts our environment. I see our biggest challenge as trying to stay on track by encouraging our best and brightest to come up with best use of alternative resources, making the affordable for everyone.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Educate yourself, be you're own advocate and take responsibility for understanding how to protect yourself and others from making bad decisions.
Don't be afraid to "rock" the bureaucratic boat! Organize your friends and neighbor and fight back on bad policy and use of dangerous insecticides, pesticides in your area.

TheLorax

Private citizen

Today's Date: 12 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hitting a deer with my car. I tried to avoid hitting it and swerved but I still hit it. I cried when I watched it die in the road and nobody came along to put it out of its misery and I didn't have it in me to kill it. Horrible experience. I have never forgotten it. When the police officer finally came, it had died.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

A little fort out of boxes and old plywood in the middle of a forest.

Now? Any natural area.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

People first. I'm a people person. The bat next. They're so incredibly vulnerable.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Educating the public.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Be humble.

David Crites

Private citizen

Today's Date: 12 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

With an animal, I would have to say our first family pet "Lindbergh." He was a big Golden Retriever that lived with us for 14 years. Both my wife and I refer to him as our "first born."

In nature, it would be the area where I grew up. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest. I spent every free moment of my time hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

As mentioned above, Shawnee National Forest.

Now? Isle Royale National Park

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

The Wolf, and I am not sure why. I have spent a great deal of time studing them especially on Isle Royale.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Loss of habitat. I think in the future lack of fresh water may become a huge problem.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Get out there and experience it. I think if we can get more people to experience everything nature has to offer, there will be plenty of people that will do anything to protect it.

Mel Enright

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 7 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

my dogs, they have improved the quality of both mine and my husband’s lives

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

my family home backed onto a creek and open paddocks where I and all my friends kept our horses, it was wonderful.

Now? Double Island Point, a sand Island near Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia. Our family camped on the beach there every year when the kids were growing up, it was amazing, sunrises over the ocean watching pods of dolphins playing in the surf. In the winter we had the whole stretch of beach to our selves, its my favorite place in the world

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Orangutan, because they are so caring and sensitive to each other, their like watching little children, so innocent and beautiful.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The deforestation of the rainforests. the extinction of many rainforest species, decline in air quality, change in weather patterns and lack of rain

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Be aware of what you are putting into your shopping trolley because you could be unwittingly supporting the destruction of natural habitats/rainforests without being aware of it. consumers have power with their shopping dollars I wish they would research what their money is supporting.

John Reeves

Interpretive Park Ranger - National Park Service

Today’s Date: 23 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Had a mother black bear brush me passing by on a trail in the Yosemite NP highcountry.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Anywhere in the wild

Now? Same. Now very into caves.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Bats. Cute and misunderstood. Awesome creatures.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Maintaining biodiversity now, later, not rendering ourselves extinct (the world will recover and be fine).

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Love one another. We do not need all the shit they try to sell us, we just need each other.

Paj YoungBlood

Wellness Intuitive and coach, Naturopath

Today’s Date: 12 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Constant dreams of White Sperm Whales And Having A dog for 20 years.
Honey Bear big female mix chow. Having a beloved pet that long teaches one a lot about unconditional love.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Outside in the woods behind my parents’ house. I had mountains and creeks and four leaf clover and tall trees to climb. My father had built us kids a tree house that reached the skies on clear days.

Now? Smokey Mountains

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Growing up in Atlanta, I have to say Willie B, a gorilla, no the gorilla - was and is and always will be my only favorite animal in the zoo. Willie B went from living 24/7 in a small room with a tire swing and a little T.V. for fun - to living in one of the world's best Habitats. His home later was shared with 23 other Western lowland gorillas. Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest was one of North America’s first naturalistic gorilla habitats when it opened in 1989.

Before Willie got his new home, I recall, standing there as a mere child feeling horror and great shame, watching this awesome creature sitting in his concrete cage, looking bored and quite sad. Day in and day out for years. Years. To watch him wander outside for the first time was a joy the entire world joined in together. I realize that a real forest would have been the best place but considering where Willie B had came from-it was a true blessing.

It's terrible to think that we actually have to have places like this for the protection of these Great Gorillas.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

There is much that challenges us now. I think we might start Praying? Visualizing? For a giant evolutionary step for humankind's physical and mental status. One that allows much if not all of the assaults on ourselves to not affect us at all so they we might live. There is too much to straighten out… too many fools not caring about tomorrow.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think about our children.

Dr Peter G.H. Evans

Director - Sea Watch Foundation

Today’s Date: 10 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

No single interaction, just a composite of encounters. The ones that come t mind include: a gyr falcon hunting little auks on an island in NW Greenland, vast seabird colonies on offshore islands (Agparssuit in Upernavik District, St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, Sula Sgeir off North Scotland; Inishtearaght in SW Ireland), parrots calling over rain forest at dawn in Dominica, minke whales and a humpback lunge feeding in the Inner Hebrides, fifty humpbacks bubble netting in West Greenland, friendly gray whales with their calves in Baja California, a large school of bottlenose dolphins socialising off the Welsh coast, fin whales feeding in Pembrokeshire, SW Wales.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

1) The sandy shores of Llanddwyn Island off the coast of Anglesey, North Wales
2) The islands of Skye, Rum, Eigg and Muck from a mountain top on the west coast of Scotland

Now? 1) The coast of North West Greenland in Upernavik District
2) The mountain rain forests of the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I don't have any single favourite animal, but my favourites include Risso's dolphin, minke whale, little auk, guillemots, red-necked and imperial parrots [Note from Jeremy- the red-necked and imperial parrots of Dominica are beautiful birds- I was lucky enough to see and hear both species while on a tropical ecology course trip to the island back in 1995 while I was in college]

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Continued degradation and loss of quality habitat for wildlife species - rainforests, coastal seas, polar environments are all examples. Habitat loss can result from many different types of pressure: direct removal, pollution, disturbance, impacts of climate change, etc.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Change our philosophy from a desire for sustained economic growth and per capita increase in resource exploitation to living a more modest and sustainable life with lower demands on resources.

Mr. Jaime Bustillo, MSc.

Environmental education specialist independent consultant

Today’s Date: 10 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

All animals and nature in general, and freshwater and forest specifically.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Rivers and tropical cloud forests.

Now? Same

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

no favorite one but I work to protect beneficial bats, because they same functions in nature as bees and more, particularly in agric. production.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Powerful nations irrespect for humanity and environment, generates more pollution, poverty and overpopulation in tropical world; all of course due to lack of environmental awareness because of lack of env. education at all levels.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

In general, work with nature/environment/plants/animals not against them because you are part of them and whatever you do to them you do it to yourself, bad or good. Specifically, powerful countries, respect Kyoto Protocol and other world agreements that protect the environment.

Severus Tony Wibowo

kak Tony (that's bro in indonesian) / SMK Multistudi High School, UIB, UIB English Club, Teater Seru, Teater MHS

Today’s Date: 7 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

cat, when i still a kid, a coward brat and bully magnet, i'm not a very confidence with myself. one day, i saw a cat, wounded, but still walk tall and confidence at all time. i learn from that cat to be confidence and brave at all time. till today

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

hmm, let see, i love grassland, so if there's a big grassland, i'll do fine over there, under a tree, a breeze of wind, a small sunshine and lovely smell, plus a good book or a nap? that will be perfect day

Now? i still love grassland, but if i can smell a good air, whether it's in my cramped office or wide ocean or high plateau or even my small room, it's great already

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

cat, or her big feline groups. they are graceful, predator but a beautiful one. they are not killer, but they kill to eat and protect. hope i don't need to kill though in real life though...

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

new energy source, sources if needed. earth's fat (that's oil) is not that good for the future (like human, earth without fat = sick earth, and sick earth = very sick human). so we need to find a source that are easy to use, affordable by even 3rd world country and underdeveloped countries, no harm side effect (or tolerable) and compatible with today's machinery (that's tough)

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

i'm no adviser (still 22 years old, i still need to accumulate exp before any advices), but if you insist... i still don't give advices, my families don't give any advices, we give examples, so just do simple things like throwing organic and recycle unorganic and little things like that, it's suffice already

Chris Manos

At Work: Scientist II Chemist - Bausch & Lomb
At Home: Outdoorsman and Craftsman

Today’s Date: 6 January 2009

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I grew up in the outdoors. My father was the director of a kids camp and I spent my summers outside, amidst the trees the grass, the birds, the animals. I have always felt tied to the land.

Two of the moments that I can relate as having huge impacts on my live took place in very different places. The first was when I first climbed Mt Mansfield, in Vermont, for the first time. Reaching the summit was a great experience, seeing the view, experiencing the spirit of the mountain, the spirits of the air. Other people were scattered about the mountaintop, some taking pictures, some sitting and just looking, others, curled up with their backs against a rock, reading. This is as it should be. Humankind in its natural element, nature. Outside and in touch with the land.

The second occurred this past summer in conjunction with a series of shamanism workshops. As homework we were to go out into a remote area and perform a 4 hour 'rock grinding', a type of vision quest. My friend and I went out, in the morning rain, finding spots in the wetlands, to sit. Birds swooped and perched nearby. Mosquitoes bit and ate and soon left me alone. Colors became more vivid, sound became like thunder. The voice of a chipmunk accompanied me throughout my journey, curiously approaching and looking, coming closer, looking, saying hello. Anyone who would have been watching would have seen me talking to that small creature as a friend and an equal.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Most definitely. The camp where I grew up was filled with hidden places, trails, both worn and secret. One of my favorites was a huge willow tree on the shores of the lake, its several trunks spreading out, forming a large protected area. I would sit there for hours, tossing rocks in the lake, playing, climbing, and just sitting.

Now? I have two favorite places as an adult. One is Mount Mansfield in Vermont. I have not been there in a long time and it is time for me to make another pilgrimage.

The second place is the wetlands at the end of Irondequoit Bay here in Rochester, where the Irondequoit Creek winds up through Ellison Park. I found the trails there 2 years ago, and this year have been exploring the waterways with my kayak. I have taken others to explore and they too have learned to treasure this area as something special.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

LOL I have to laugh. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a zoo keeper.

I find beauty in all animals. I don't know if I have a favorite, as each one has a certain calling to me. Each one has a gift and its own wisdom to impart.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The greatest environmental challenge is changing people's minds about the environment. I grew up in the 70's, being taught to "Give a Hoot! Don't Pollute!", to put trash in the trash cans, that the earth was a sacred place and we were it's keepers. These days, I am disgusted by the amount of trash that people just throw out of their car. People see the world as their trash can, and they believe that the trash they throw out won't harm the environment. People believe that coal power is "CLEAN" because the guy on TV tells them it is. When I was a kid (my gods I thought I would NEVER use that phrase) we had cartoons that promoted environmentalism and social consciousness. Now they promote violence and disposability.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Act now. Don't wait. Get reusable grocery bags and use them instead of plastic. Recycle everything you possibly can and put when you can't recycle in a proper receptacle. Mulch. Become active. Participate in Earth Day cleanups. Ride your bike whenever you can, instead of driving. Carry trash bags with you when you hike, and pick up the garbage. Boycott companies that refuse to use clean energy.

Samantha Wong

Consultant

Today’s Date: 17 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, tortoise, birds, hamster, snake and monkey
They show me what love is and responsibilities

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

A small forest reserve nearby my house and backyard where i grew up.

Now? Only have time for playground now.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Wolf because they are family orientated, work together well, very independent and resourceful

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Devastation of mother earth, we need to learn how to preserve nature like our forefathers. Our challenge is change people mind set about preservation not just financial gain or political influence

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Save our world for our children.

Maiiken Bak

Bus driver

Today’s Date: 12 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Sailing, working for Maersk and my 2 cats.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The beach

Now? The beach

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Cats, because they’re funny, loving and they are their own.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think before you act!

Tracey

Ms

Today’s Date: 7 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

When I was living on the sea in a triamarren, 28’6” long. Our family was two adults my parents, me 12, sister 11, brother 8 and another sister 6. The freedom that was out there, nothing to interfere with it all. Animals roaming wild on the island (goats and others put there for ship wrecks). Learning that not all food comes from supermarkets and to respect it all for the future.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Sailing on the oceans, going where the wind took you. Visiting islands that did not have people on them. The ones where you could go up a hill and slide down not knowing this was probably destroying the place but after climbing up was fun to fall in the water. The hidden waterfalls where you could sit and what others walk by and not see you. Climbing trees and getting coconuts, spearing fish to eat. I want to go back to that easier time, stupid survey.

Now? No answer given

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

The dolphin as you can interact with then in the wild. They will let you get close and just watching them going in and out of the water so graceful.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Being able to sustain ourselves on earth without damaging it any more. Going back to our grandparents days, water tanks, reusing water, paper and other things like that. Learning bigger is not better.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Be careful do not destroy any more of it our further is here mankind has already destroyed to much of this place and it is getting harder each day, hour, minute to keep it going.

Denise Dingsdale

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 11 December 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Growing up my grandmother taught me to take care of hurt animals or strays - I personally have raised a baby squirrel to maturity and let it go. Also, a baby robin.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Cross Lake in Antioch, IL

Now? Maui, Hawaii

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Going to the zoo it was always the Lions, because they are just huge cats.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming... Global warming

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

RECYCLE, don't pollute and turn the water off when not using it. It disgusts me the amount of water that is wasted because someone turns the tap on and just lets it run...

Mary Ellen Grant

Environmental Educator / Biologist - Private contractor (Natural Considerations Consultants)

Today’s Date: 30 November 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Raised in Rossland, BC - Dad was a prospector/logger
Most early memory of nature/animal (wild?) - playing in the REAL dirt (not the cleaned up sandbox stuff) filled with REAL rocks and watching ants

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

a BIG rock in my Aunt's yard under a maple sapling - turns out the big rock was no larger than a regular sized stove.

Now? Water - there has to be water. Anywhere where there is water, puddle, pond, wetland, lake, river.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

As a previous zoo educator I have studied this as well - children in particular were very influenced by their teachers and parents. For example when asked about favourite animal and a child said "Snake" - they received negative reinforcement by the "yuks" but also by the teachers/parents saying "a snake is not an animal".

For myself, a cougar - why? I had the rare opportunity as a young child and had a father who had a friend who ran a roadside zoo in Robson, British Columbia. This zoo had an orphaned cougar (who "became" Charley the Lonesome Cougar of TV/movie fame). I got to help care for Charley - walk him, feed him, water him and MOST important talk with his KEEPER. It left an indelible impression on my life.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

"Me" generational thought process. The lack of caring for future generations. We consume and thus we waste.

Getting the "adult" generation to embrace the good youth of the world to allow them to creatively save the Earth. Volunteer Canada did a study in the early 00's that found out that if youth do not volunteer before they are 24 - they will never volunteer....
To have true sustainability, we need to work with in the area where the circles of economy, environment and SOCIETY overlap. I believe social justice and "true" education are key challenges as really determined by the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. By "true" education, I do not mean individuals with a biology background going out to "educate" about the environment. I do not mean individuals trained as teachers going out to "teach" about action. I mean the "discipline" of environmental educators who embrace community based social marketing, who use a Logic Model (or backward tasking), who are TRAINED in multiple audience techniques (eg Freeman Tilden).

Society is our biggest challenge.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

One person can make a difference, look at Rachel Carson, here in Canada - David Suzuki, - don't give up hope focus on the positive and build your own social network.

Thomas Hamilton

RSPB

Today’s Date: 30 November 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Helping out bird ringers.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes

Now? Yes

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Bee-eater-Because of their fascinating behavior, and their spectacular beauty.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming and mass extinction.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Reduce, reuse and recycle!

Martha Smith

The Hayden Law Firm, PLLC

Today’s Date: 29 November 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Watching birds. Birds. Once, my parents and I stopped in a store on the way to my grandparents house. There was a small bird trapped in the store. I caught it and took it outside and let it go. I don't know what kind it was, but I will never forget the feel of that tiny body in my hands. My grandmother had a chimney that swifts roosted in. I loved to watch them as they swooped and dived in the evenings settling down for the night. I've always loved the songs of birds. I love animals, but birds have always been special.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

My grandmother's farm in Nutbush, Tennessee. A creek across the street from my house when I was in grade school.

Now? My street. Shelby Farms Park. Middle Tennessee

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

This is difficult. I love all animals. I love birds, but I also love mammals, big and small. Big cats, elephants, tigers, rhinos. I love bears, Grizzlies and Polar. Polar bears are in great danger right now and it is hard to say what should be done.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Man has made a mess of this world. We have one and only one environmental challenge facing us and that is that mankind should realize that we are not the only species on this planet. All of the greed, malice, hate, war, etc., needs to be put aside. Until we can live together as a family, there is nothing that can be done about anything else. The rest will be but a Band-Aid.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. God made us stewards of this earth. Stewards are to care for, keep and then to turn over to the Master the charge given to them. Mankind will be judged for the poor (to put it mildly) job he has done to God's world. This is what I would say to the world. We need to use what we have - let me explain. In my city, there are blocks upon blocks upon blocks of buildings that are empty, empty lots where buildings were and have been torn down. Yet, treed lots are constantly being cleared for new structures that aren't needed. The city is becoming dead from the inside and the only thing growing is the outside. Now, it isn't totally that way. But, there is so much wasted space. I don't travel much, but I tend to think there are many cities just like this. There is too much waste. The U.S. economy is in a shambles. Recently, I learned something, and I don't recall how or where I learned it. But, it seems that at some point in time, a decision was made by OUR GOVERNMENT that we were to be a nation of consumers. Well, they managed to pull this off, if this is true. And, if it is true, we need to make a conscious decision to reverse it.

Erin Nicole Vinish

Biologist

Today’s Date: 22 November 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

It was when I was able to apply some simple concepts I learned in an ecology class to my current job. I worked in a greenhouse, and realized one day that annual plants always had so many bright flowers because they only had one season to reproduce, and consequently would want to put a tonne of energy into reproducing. Perennials never had as many flowers because they lived for many seasons, and needed to ration their energy over many years. Now it seems pretty basic, but at the time it had a big impact. That's when I started appreciating how amazing nature is.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The undeveloped area behind my dad's house. It was a large area that was mostly swampy. We could spend hours out there catching frogs and playing.

Now? A lot of areas in Kananaskis

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Well firstly it's dragons, but my favourite REAL animal is a golden eagle. I love all birds, but eagles are beautiful.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Right now I think it's making people realize that there are huge issues with our environment, and that they need to look beyond their own lives, and at the big picture. In the future I think the greatest challenge will be dealing with global warming.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We need to control human population growth. People need to realize that resources aren't infinite, that we can't keep growing. It seems like a lot of our current problems are because there are just too many people in the world now.

Les U. Knight

Editor - These EXIT Times http://vhemt.org

Today’s Date: 29 October 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Gaining an appreciation for wildlife habitat and seeing it sacrificed for human habitat.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Growing up in the high desert of Eastern Oregon, the creek intermittently running through my town provided a constantly changing, linear playground. The water was polluted by drain fields from septic tanks, so we had to be careful with cuts and couldn't lick the ice nor swim in it on the rare occasions that it got deep enough.

Now? Now my favorite place outdoors is my own backyard, where I can play without disturbing wildlife much.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Like most people, my favorite animal is the human. Some of my best friends are humans. I relate to them better than any other animal, though I'm partial to the other great apes as well. Like most animals, we get mentally unbalanced in cages, and should be running wildly in troupes, but there's not enough habitat left for reintroduction. Our captive breeding program has been all too successful.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Every environmental challenge has its roots in human activities and is exacerbated by our increase. We began causing extinctions tens of thousands of years ago and have accelerated the rate as we become more numerous. Reversing this direction is our greatest challenge now and in the future.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Before creating another of us, please consider the environmental impact a new human will have in his or her lifetime. Thank you for not breeding.

Ian Bride

Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology

Today’s Date: 17 October 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

growing up on the edge of the countryside

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

woodland

Now? anywhere with interesting wildlife

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I have no favourite

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

the effects of global warming

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

issue too complex for such trite oversimplifications

Melissa Bull

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 14 October 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I grew up in the country and have spent a great deal of time camping and hiking in the mountains of upstate NY and East Tennessee. That has been and remains one of my favorite activities. I love to be out in nature and see and experience everything around me.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I loved going to the Adirondacks when i was a kid

Now? Still love it up there, but pretty much anywhere in the woods where i can have peace and beautiful scenery.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

That’s a tough one... I love animals of all kinds.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

we are totally destroying our planet, using up all of our natural resources and soon will have nothing left for future generations to enjoy or appreciate.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

quit screwing them up!!!

Samuel

Global Energy One

Today’s Date: 16 October 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

my alsatian (german shepard), my friend and companion when i was 4 to 6 years old, it taught me to be trusting and devoted

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

no

Now? no

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

fish, it is quiet, not messy, and soothing to the mind

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

people wasting resources including their talents and abilities
people making better use of all resources including their talents and abilities

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

treat everything and every person with utmost care and concern, with out misusing any, and you and all will have a safer and more lovely place to live in and leave for the next generations.

Toni L. Rubin

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 13 October 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

See wolves on my birthday in Yellowstone, 2000.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Niagara Falls

Now? Many -- the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, Niagara Fall, the Grand Tetons, the Bitteroots, the Big Horns, the coast of Oregon, etc.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

the gray wolf - nobility, intelligence, adaptability, loyalty and for keeping other ecosystems/game healthy

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

without a doubt it's global warming

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

focus on the reality that we are one with, not separate from nature, and clean up after ourselves.

Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D.

Executive Director - Port of Los Angeles

Today’s Date: 27 September 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I was captivated by marine organisms when I first took an invertebrate zoology course as an undergraduate at Rutgers University. The colors, the shapes and textures of the animals, there are just so beautiful, I was hooked!

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The woods behind my house. When I was a kid, the world was safer and it was ok to drift far from your home and explore the woods. Also, my parents had a camp in the Adirondack Mountains in upper New York State, we had our own pond and lots of acres of woods and streams to explore.

Now? I like the desert in springtime, the rocky intertidal zone and my garden

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I don’t think I have a favorite animal. I have come to care more about elephants as we have learned more about their strong family bonds. I think about that whenever I see the elephant walk from the port to the city for the circus.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think our greatest environmental challenge is health impacts associated with air pollution and airborne particulate matter. I think climate change I our greatest challenge in the future.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Get rid of half of what you have and consume less- you probably will not miss a thing.

James H. Bush

Retired (and Jeremy’s grandfather)

Today’s Date: 12 September 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I would have to say the seasons of the year. As a former farmer & still avid gardener all depends on them.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

As a child I enjoyed exploring the woodlot on our farm [Note from Jeremy- the same farm in upstate New York where I grew up many years later]

Now? My favorite place is Schoodic Peninsula. I especially like watching the ocean waves & the many kinds of wild fowl seen there – especially in winter.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

The white-tailed deer. Not only are they quite handsome animals, they are experts at survival. I have hunted them since I was 16 and they never cease to amaze me with their ability to survive.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Overpopulation in the so called third world countries. If this trend continues we will run out of land for farming to feed them.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We should work to use the environment in a responsible was for our benefit, not merely preserve it.

Received via postal mail

Tom Cobb

Palisades Interstate Park Commission (Retired Park Manager)

Today’s Date: 23 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Managing Minnewaska State Park Preserve for 10 years

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes

Now? Yes

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Common loon – A species that I can see in the backcountry of the Adirondacks

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming/climate change now & in future

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Get out & experience nature on a 4-season basis

Received via postal mail

Mark Dowd

Operation Noah

Today’s Date: 24 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hill and mountain walking.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

We had a wild wasteland we used to call the "Brookin"....it wasn’t that big but it felt that big as a child. WE would erect swings with ropes on trees, and make mud pies!

Now? I love the English county of Shropshire and the English/Welsh borders.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Llamas. They are just weird!

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Stabilisation of the climate and keeping CO2 levels to 350ppm.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Live Simply....learn to grow vegetables and deafen your ears to the advertising industry!

Luis Cristiani

Cristiani Burkard

Today’s Date: 20 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Hunting with my father showed me to respect animals.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, A national park in El Salvador, were I first went camping with my family.

Now? Learned to enjoy every place individually

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

No particular favorite

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

All forms of pollution. Conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable industry and agriculture.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Respect the environment and do not misuse the natural resources.

Ian Campbell

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 15 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

It is difficult to say what interaction with an animal or nature has had the biggest impact on me in my life.

In my early 20s I helped my older brother on his farm dipping the sheep. This involved driving the sheep into a pool containing chemicals. I think this solution was to kill parasites on the sheep. Something like that anyway. Spillage from the pool unfortunately emptied into a small stream. A couple of days after the sheep were dipped I noticed many dead gilgies in the stream (Gilgies are a small fresh water crustacean found in streams in Western Australia).

It was obvious that the chemicals from the sheep dipping had killed the gilgies downstream. Although gilgies are not cute and cuddly I was much saddened by their deaths. I realised the harm that man could do to the natural environment in his pursuit of making a living.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

No

Now? No

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

None

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Our greatest environmental challenge is to restrain our greed for more and more energy use and to live more balanced lives in tune with nature. Human industry should be more sustainable and less exploitative.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

The capitalist system is based on forever expanding economies, marketing new products that are not needed etc. All this threatens the natural environment. We should learn to live with less, to walk gently on the earth. We should be less motivated by making profit.

I live in Melbourne, Australia which has a mild, temperate climate. In winter we have no snow and ice. In summer it gets hot for a few days. In winter people complain about the cold, but it isn't really cold like in Canada or Russia. 95% of the people have heating in their houses, but it isn't really necessary. I don't have any heating, I just wear more clothing to keep warm. In summer it gets hot, so be it. I wear less clothing but I don't need air conditioning. I contribute very little towards global warming because of my low energy usage. I don't own a car. I use public transport or walk.

There is no hardship involved. It is my choice. If I can choose a low energy lifestyle then surely other people can also.

Tim Badman

Special Advisor, World Heritage - IUCN

Today’s Date: 14 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

There has not been one "seminal" moment, but probably as an 1 year old wading up the short river Lym in Dorset from its mouth to its source (or in fact until the water reached over my wellies) was the earliest adventure in wild ... As it seemed then ...

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The Lyme Regis-Axmouth Undercliffs Nature Reserve in the UK

Now? So many places, but nothing beats the Dorset Coast although bobbing around under Golden Cap in a sea kayak is the real perfection

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Cuttlefish ... An animal you can meet while diving that reminds you that underwater there are a lot of smarter brains than you around when it comes to survival

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The biggest challenge has always been, and always will be getting the environment to be a real concern of decision takers .. And that means a real concern of the public ... So engaging people with nature is the challenge ... Everything else flows from that and nothing is sustained without it.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I am a geologist, the point that gets humanity in perspective is to remember that for >99% of the earth's history we have not been part of the picture.. So advice: remember that we have only been on this planet for a tiny number of years. Despite the damage we are doing, we are more vulnerable than it is.

Michelle

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 12 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

My dad being cruel to my favourite dog:( Loving that same dog and watching the way it would go my dad if he hit us kids :):):)

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

At the south coast area of Australia near Ulladulla

Now? Anywhere serene I have been to the south pacific islands on a cruise and they are beautiful and the water is such a beautiful colour :):):)

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I love a variety of animals unicorns, horses, dolphins and some dogs (the larger breeds) would be my favourites :):):)

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The chopping of the forest for now and the future as we and the animals need the trees for oxygen :):):)

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Don’t chop down trees :):):)

Ethan Duke

Prospecting grad student

Today’s Date: 11 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Listing to birdsong and spending countless hours in the field during all seasons and in all weather.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes

Now? Yes

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

It’s hard to name just one. I suppose birds draw my greatest interest, but I would say that my favorite animal would be the domestic dog. We have so many connections with them with such long histories. They are expressive and loving, seeming to read us better than we know ourselves. They in turn are easy to love.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

So many issues. They culminate and require a broad cultural revolution. People are lazy now-a-days and have odd value systems. The biggest challenge is convincing people that even though change may be difficult we have no other option and the rewards will be beyond our reckoning.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Take it one day at a time. The little things make a difference. (Sounds like two pieces of advice, but they are connected).

Staffan Widstrand

Wild Wonders of Europe

Today’s Date: 9 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

A close encounter with a mountain gorilla family in the Virunga NP in Zaire/Kongo. Realizing that not only do we think they look like us, but also seeing in their eyes that they think we look like them actually brought me to tears.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, a bird lake in a nature reserve, within bicycle distance from home.

Now? Yes, two: Laponia World Heritage area, in Swedish Lapland, and Lofoten islands on the Norwegian coast.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I don’t have any particular animal as my favourite!
But I tend to be specially attracted to all large predators, both mammals, reptiles, fish and birds...
And to the apes.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The biggest problem is without any doubt that there are too many of us humans in the world, and that the speed of population growth is so high. It is the no 1 factor behind most wars in the Third World, behind ethnic cleansing and massacres, behind increased food shortage, water shortage, global warming, industrial pollution, poverty, pressure on biodiversity, drinking water pollution, etc.
But almost nobody speaks about this problem.
And a terrible alliance of the Catholic church, the extreme islamists and fundamentalist protestants (like the Bush-administration) are stopping all measures that need to be taken when it comes to family planning, and the use of condoms and other birth control techniques.
There are simply too may of us, and if all these, and the billions coming around the corner, want to have western living standard, there is need for 2-3 more globes. But we just have one.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Don’t have more than two children, and in overpopulated countries, don’t have more than one. That is probably the biggest deed any single person or couple can carry out for the world.

The Rev. Warren Murphy

Wyoming Association of Churches

Today’s Date: 6 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Being chased by an agitated black bear

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, the New Jersey Pine Barrens

Now? Grand Teton National Park

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Antelope. They are sleek, fast, independent and yet tied to a herd. They also have a facial expression that "looks into the unknown"

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Drilling and making havoc in the public lands. This contributes to future climate change as well as destroying the beauty of landscape

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Care for the earth as if it were a lover. Recognize its needs, wants and desires and work to keep it safe.

Chen ErShan 陈 尔姗

Private citizen (China)

Today’s Date: 7 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

i had traveled to some places which are very cold and high or dry and hot, which are hard for humans to live in. But u can always see plants big or tiny, the point is they are there, giving birth to their offsprings and other lives which are depending on them.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I used to spend my spare time in my city’s zoo… I wish it belongs to “great outdoors”.

Now? I love the Namtso lake so far the most! It is one of the 3 holy lakes in tibet.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Giraffe! Their eyelashes are long and dense. And they appear gently and elegantly for the most time. Silence but won’t be ignored.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Climate change. Still climate change.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

New clothes are fancy, but are not necessarily to buy all the time.

Jens Brüggemann

Assistant Director Planning - Müritz National Park Authority

Today’s Date: 4 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I have had two most exciting experiences. First, scuba diving off the coast of Gorgona Island National Park, Colombia, where I felt being inmidst the most wonderful aquarium and second, the encounter with a Leopard in Nepal's Chitwan National Park (on the back of an elephant, luckily).

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Spending all summer long in the countryside has shaped my love for nature.

Now? Today I am lucky experiencing nature everyday at a lake close to my home. And I am always inspired by the beauty of landscapes.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

As a child, elephants were my favourite animals in the zoo because they were big and intelligent.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

1) Alienation from nature due to TV, Internet and lack of outdoor recreation.
2) Unequal access to basic resources and in meeting basic needs.
Both now and in the future, where the battle for clean potable water will be even more prominent.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Be a little more conscious about the impact of your doing and try to change your consumer behaviour in order to favour ecological products and services.

Juliette Dupont

Private citizen

Today’s Date: 1 August 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

When I was 11, we found a raccoon in our garden (there are no raccoons in France!) and with my parents we made a lot of investigations to know what to do (about the food, the rage, where it could be coming from…). Actually it belonged to people in the next town, who bought it in Germany, and I was really sorry to see that it was living in a small cage, eating cat’s food.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I was often playing in the forest near my village.

Now? There is a meadow near my boyfriend’s village where we go every week, with a lot of flowers and the forest all around it and I think it’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever been.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I love the cat family. I guess it’s because of my own cat but also for their attitude, the way they move.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think the global warming is a real big challenge because of all the things that it’s changing.
And it will also affect our future: some species are in real danger because of it ( polar bear…)

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I would say that there is no need to go to the jungle to save species if you don’t feel able to do it but there are simple things that anyone can do at home without stress ( save water, …).

Linet Nyabonyi

Mutumba self help group (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 25 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Stream river, it made me learn to swim

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Going to the forest to eat wild fruits. (Chinkenene)

Now? What I do is sewing, when I am free outside, it is like my leisure.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

cow, hens, in fact all domestic animals, the cow skin was used when I was young to carry me (baby coat) and also the cow dung and hens dropping are used as fertilizer and we use to plant vegetables especially our tradition vegetables called (Chinsanga) Kisii traditional vegetables. (Spider flower)

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Dumping, of waste products any where and anyhow, and air pollution which will interfere with our breathing system (Respiratory system)

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Natural resources and environment is God’s creation, we should protect and respect it the way we respect our maker.

Georges Dev MC

Missionaries of Charity (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 18 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Walking alone in a forest make me feel close to the creator.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes

Now? But now it is becoming less available

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Giraffe, it is beautiful

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

People disrespect for nature and natural things

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Respect nature and use more natural things

Charles Oloo

KCODA (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 24 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Nature has played a great role in my formation, has fed me, clothed me, and I’m nature and love nature. Sheep, goat, cows were my companions. Generally the clean air was because of trees.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

During my childhood I spent my great time in the fields beside the lake and my favorite play site beside the river under a tree.

Now? Now plainly none.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

My favorite animal is a Calf. I grew up teaching the calf how to run and their speed overtook mine in less than a few weeks. Their presence meant the presence of milk.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The environmental challenge facing us now is the dirty air we breathe, lack of trees or green vegetation in future we risk the whole environmental turning into a desert, no rains, no food, no life

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Be friendly to animals, for every tree cut plant three or more, find environmental friendlier sources of energy.

Christopher Kioko Musyimi

Chairman - Kuunganisha Youth Group (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 22 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I have an impact with an animal and it had an impact on me by making me be friendly, humble, keen, emotional and gentle.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, I used to have my favorite place which was the National park of Kenya

Now? I don’t have any more.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

My favorite animal is the hyena, because it has a lot of intelligence and cautious before it makes any move in its movement

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global warming and deforestation. Greatest challenges in future would be global warming and killing of natural environmental catastrophies resources

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

I would like to advice the people that we need to preserve and protect our environment for the sake of our future and the future to come.

Tonny Matenge

Initiative for sports & social Arts (ISSA) (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 25 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Fetching water with donkey. It has provided water for me, but it is also very troublesome.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

No answer given

Now? Yes, on the mountains where there are snakes and big lizards

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Hare, because it is very clever and also very sweet

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Now we have many people congested in small areas while animals have got tracks of land which are not utilized in the near future we might have the people population explode.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Let’s divide what we have equally otherwise tomorrow people might destroy forest.

Julius Ayoma

KIBERA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENDA (KCODA) (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 24 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Red Ants, they invaded my bed and they gave me a lot of biting.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Playing football during rain season, that was best to me, I could slide with the ball.

Now? I don’t have a specific place.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Cow, because I like milk.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Globalization and deforestation, climate change, food shortage.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Plant more trees, protect our forests.

Elizabeth Gote

Alfa Network (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 19 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Cat, I used to buy good clothes and the rats could not spare them until I kept a cat in my house, since then I have loved cats very much.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Going out with my child friends especially when I had a new clothes which my parents had bought it, I could hang out so that other children could see it.

Now? Going out in out catering parties.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Lion, because it is the king of the jungle, and very brave.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Air pollution, everybody breaths in and out, if we continue to pollute air, from various sectors, the rate of people dying will be increasing every day and night, the beautiful world will remain void.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Maximum respect to the natural resources and our environment is the key to a better world.

Douglas Namale

KIBERA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENDA (KCODA) (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 23 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The Rift valley, which has the largest number of Lakes, the lakes particularly L. Naivasha and Bogoria.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, Thomson falls in Nyahururu.

Now? No answer given

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Goat. Because it can survive anywhere with minimal care.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Deforestation, desertification (Lack of enough rainfall)

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Plant more trees, save and protect our water catchments areas

John Mwangi

Missionary of Charity Brother (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 24 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Dog by the name Brownie whom I grew up with for twelve years and the el – nino rains while I was in Kwale District.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Row Allan Camp during my primary school years as a scout.

Now? Currently I have no ready access to the outdoors

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Dogs have always been my favorite they offer Friendship and protection

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Toxic gas emission globally turning the planet green once again

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Conserve water and preserve and protect water catchments areas

Caleb Omondi

Ghetto Development Centre (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 25 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Safari Ants (Siafu), when I was young we used to sleep on the floor using cow skin, I remember one night, the safari ants pierced us during the night, thing small ants were biting us and they could die on your skin, so as you try to remove one at a time, another one could bite you in another angle.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, going on the playing field and fight using our heads, the way bulls fight.

Now? At present, I don’t have any place in mind.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Cow, it is skin was my mattress, it is milk made me grow strong. and the calf I used to climb it like a horse, so it could carry me when going to graze.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

High population growth which causes high competition of natural resources and environmental hazard, causing danger and lack of canopy which protects the ozone layer.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

protect our environmental and natural resources becoming friendly to it.

Peter Choroke

Alfa Network (Nairobi, Kenya)

Today’s Date: 17 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Sheep, My parents had a flock of sheep, I had a problem in controlling them, if one manage to pass the road, irrespective of anything they will all of them follow, one day I was taking them to the river and I had to make them cross the road, Drivers had to stop for them to pass and I was so scared.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Climbing tress to pluck fruits

Now? Going out to watch Motor Bike racing.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

Rabbit, It is beautiful and it’s meat is tender, I ate it one’s and it was so good.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Climatical changes which affect the planting cycle especially farmers, cannot predict the best time to plant, so the challenges we will be facing in future is lack of enough food which will lead to hunger and starvation resulting to death.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

We need to protect our environment with high integrity, and we should stop ignoring to take attention of our environment and natural resources. “No tool is more beneficial than intelligence; no enemy is more harmful than ignorance”