Mary Akers

The Institute for Tropical Marine Ecology (ITME, Inc.), Dominica

Today’s Date: July 24, 2006

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

Probably my childhood, spent in a remote area of the Appalachians. Our nearest neighbors were a mile away and we were surrounded by woods with a pond in our front yard.

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

Probably at the top of the tallest pine tree behind the house. Also in/around the pond.

Now? Anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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

Sea turtle. They are wise and ancient and slow and 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?

Climate change and destruction / depletion of the world's oceans.

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

Don't take water for granted and don't treat it carelessly. It all comes back around eventually.