John Hall

Immediate past president, Mountaineer Chapter, National Audubon Society

Today’s Date: July 19, 2006

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

I am a retired biologist. There are many interactions over the years--barn animals including cattle and cats, fish, aquatic insects, birds in particular, also small mammals. I have particular attachments to Mourning Doves, Nuthatches, cats, and Voles.

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

My grandfather's farm in Indiana and a camp on Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire--especially the waterfront area at that camp.

Now? Yes--a rail trail in Preston Co., WV, and my own back yard and a walk along a ridge that starts there.

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

Probably house cats and meadow and pine voles. I've always tried to live with cats, and of all the rodents I have worked with the vole group seems to have the most appeal.

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 immediate future.

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

Get involved in the environment as much as you can and remember that everying is connected, one way or another, and if the environment doesn't survive, people won't survive either.