Susan Phelon

former president of the Urner Ornithological Club

Today’s Date: 7-26-06

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

In the mid eighties, I was on the West Coast and hoped to see 3 things, a sea lion, a whale, and an eagle. While on the San Juan Island ferry a Bald Eagle flew right by the ferry at eye level at about the same speed as the boat. I blurted out, "Wow! It's just like the Post Office commercial! That statement made me realize how far away from nature I had drifted. My adult experience was sadly limited to TV. As soon as I returned to New Jersey, I signed up for NJ Audubon birding trip and now travel all over the world birding.

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

As a child my favorite place to be in all the world was the forest behind our house which is now part of a Monmouth County Park. I couldn't wait until I was home from school, so I could change clothes, snack, and then stay in the woods until dinner or dark, whichever came first. I was always alone, just enjoying nature. Once I even saw a White-tailed Deer. Of course, now New Jersey is inundated with deer, but in the 1950's that was a great sighting.

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

I love giraffes and hope to someday visit the Rothschild Giraffe Research Center in Kenya. My love affair with giraffes began at age 3 when I was given a stuffed giraffe. He became my best friend (as any only child will tell you it's very important to have a resident best friend). Giraffee went everywhere with me and I still have him (or what's left of him - no eyes, nose bitten off, no tail). Whenever I'm really upset, he still gets a teary hug.

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 without a doubt. Also the growing demands on natural resources by China and India.

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

My advice, vote Democratic. George Bush is a disaster. (I'm a life long Republican)