Section officer, Ministry of Environment, Pakistan
Today's Date: July 26, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Love to the nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Green mountains and clean river water.
Now? Same but in dream.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Leopard, because of its beautiful walk.
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?
low forest cover, loss of habitat, climate change, Ozone depletion, water quality.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Care the nature .
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 26, 2006
Maurice Burns
Secretary, Friends of the Gippsland Lakes
Today's Date:27/07/2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fishing has led me to admire nature
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The banks of the Murray River, Mildura, Australia
Now? Not really, the more unspoilt the better
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No favourite, no special affinity just respect for their right to be in the environment that suits 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?
Reining in and undoing the damage of unsustainable consumption
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop thinking of ourselves as the master species entitled to destroy the environment beyond our genuine needs
Today's Date:27/07/2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fishing has led me to admire nature
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The banks of the Murray River, Mildura, Australia
Now? Not really, the more unspoilt the better
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No favourite, no special affinity just respect for their right to be in the environment that suits 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?
Reining in and undoing the damage of unsustainable consumption
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop thinking of ourselves as the master species entitled to destroy the environment beyond our genuine needs
Doug Heiken
Restoration Coordinator, Oregon Natural Resources Council
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?
Old-growth forests and wildflower meadows.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the woods and creek behind my house in Clackamas County, Oregon and the Crooked River Canyon in central Oregon. And the beaches of the Oregon Coast.
Now? Not currently. Too busy! (Must change that.)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
At any given time, my favorite animal is the one I mostly recently learned something fascinating about.
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 growth, climate change, native habitat destruction. Compounded by the fact that appropriate management of nature requires complex and adaptive mechanisms while our human minds and institutions tend to latch onto simple concepts that don't mesh well with nature.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
1) Immerse yourself in far from equilibrium thermodynamics and complex dynamical systems science then apply that to what you already know about nature.
2) Don't forget that it's the uncharismatic microfauna that really make the world go 'round.
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?
Old-growth forests and wildflower meadows.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the woods and creek behind my house in Clackamas County, Oregon and the Crooked River Canyon in central Oregon. And the beaches of the Oregon Coast.
Now? Not currently. Too busy! (Must change that.)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
At any given time, my favorite animal is the one I mostly recently learned something fascinating about.
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 growth, climate change, native habitat destruction. Compounded by the fact that appropriate management of nature requires complex and adaptive mechanisms while our human minds and institutions tend to latch onto simple concepts that don't mesh well with nature.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
1) Immerse yourself in far from equilibrium thermodynamics and complex dynamical systems science then apply that to what you already know about nature.
2) Don't forget that it's the uncharismatic microfauna that really make the world go 'round.
Claudine Sierra
Consultant at University for International Cooperation, Principal Researcher in a TNC Program and audit for Rainforest Alliance and Ecological Flag, Costa Rica
Today's Date: July 26th 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Underwater encounter with a Humpback Whale in the Caribbean, Encounter with wild elephants in India
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, The Delta of Tigre in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Now? Yes, tropical forest, tropical beaches and Cocos Island, Costa Rica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Impossible to answer, almost all of 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?
Restrain from indiscriminate use, respect nature for what it is, change the standards of comfort and urban life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy by watching, smelling, feeling, listening, thinking, praying (however you pray and caring). Enjoy by being. Don't have more than what you really really really need and use, don't throw in the garbage unless you are sure about where it will end and how, plant a native tree ..... every month and multiply your good actions.
Today's Date: July 26th 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Underwater encounter with a Humpback Whale in the Caribbean, Encounter with wild elephants in India
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, The Delta of Tigre in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Now? Yes, tropical forest, tropical beaches and Cocos Island, Costa Rica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Impossible to answer, almost all of 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?
Restrain from indiscriminate use, respect nature for what it is, change the standards of comfort and urban life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy by watching, smelling, feeling, listening, thinking, praying (however you pray and caring). Enjoy by being. Don't have more than what you really really really need and use, don't throw in the garbage unless you are sure about where it will end and how, plant a native tree ..... every month and multiply your good actions.
Anne F. Bellenger
Ph.D., retired teacher, Miami/Dade County FL Public Schools
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?
The biggest impact on me was probably the time I photographed a family of 3 whooping cranes. These huge birds allowed me to approach them and photograph them from a distance of about 25 ft. It was a thrill of a lifetime because they are so rare.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Highlands, North Carolina
Now? Everglades National Park
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Ivory billed woodpecker, if they ever locate it. It's my favorite because of the mystery associated with it, and the fact that it was supposed to be extinct. I believe it still exists.
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?
Habitat destruction is the greatest environmental challenge now and global warming in the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't believe anything the government says.
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?
The biggest impact on me was probably the time I photographed a family of 3 whooping cranes. These huge birds allowed me to approach them and photograph them from a distance of about 25 ft. It was a thrill of a lifetime because they are so rare.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Highlands, North Carolina
Now? Everglades National Park
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Ivory billed woodpecker, if they ever locate it. It's my favorite because of the mystery associated with it, and the fact that it was supposed to be extinct. I believe it still exists.
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?
Habitat destruction is the greatest environmental challenge now and global warming in the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't believe anything the government says.
Tim Riding
MSc student, University of Auckland
Today’s Date: 27/7/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing on the open ocean with all manner of cetaceans and fish, and diving amongst them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, up a tree!
Now? On the open ocean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sharks and rays. That’s what I study and that's what fascinates 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?
Human over-population and the consequences that has.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Breed sensibly. The less people in this world the less pressure on the environment and our natural resources. Seems obvious really, doesn't it??
Today’s Date: 27/7/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing on the open ocean with all manner of cetaceans and fish, and diving amongst them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, up a tree!
Now? On the open ocean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sharks and rays. That’s what I study and that's what fascinates 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?
Human over-population and the consequences that has.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Breed sensibly. The less people in this world the less pressure on the environment and our natural resources. Seems obvious really, doesn't it??
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)
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)
Steve K. Sherrod, PhD
Executive Director, Sutton Avian Research Center
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?
As a child (I am 58 now) at a time when nobody cared nor did laws regulate, I raised all kinds of wild animals from coyotes to squirrels, from snakes to lizards, and from mourning doves to red-tailed hawks. While I was always interested in everything, raptors and other predators really captured my obsessions, and I became a falconer. I am still a falconer today, a passion that has kept me in the field and taken me all over the world, but my interest in raptors and their declines due to DDT during the 60's led to my interest in wildlife conservation, and consequently, habitat conservation, and then to human population concerns, and finally to the problem of a world economy based on a U.S. economy ultimately failing the world's ecology due to the need for continued growth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
During my childhood, I loved spending time in the Wichita Mountains of southwest OK, and also the mountains and streams around Red River, N.M.
Now? I love the arctic most of all; followed by the high plains, scrub deserts, and grasslands.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Although least suited for life in a zoo, after raptors, I really love the cheetah (with what you might find to be an odd description), but what I will call all the grace and beauty of predatory swan.
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?
As already stated, a U.S. economy based on continual growth, one that dominates and drives a world economy based on same.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Vote for environmental candidates and help educate those candidates regarding what reasonable steps can be taken to conserve habitat geographically, temporarily, quantitatively, and qualitatively. (and encourage your friends to do likewise).
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?
As a child (I am 58 now) at a time when nobody cared nor did laws regulate, I raised all kinds of wild animals from coyotes to squirrels, from snakes to lizards, and from mourning doves to red-tailed hawks. While I was always interested in everything, raptors and other predators really captured my obsessions, and I became a falconer. I am still a falconer today, a passion that has kept me in the field and taken me all over the world, but my interest in raptors and their declines due to DDT during the 60's led to my interest in wildlife conservation, and consequently, habitat conservation, and then to human population concerns, and finally to the problem of a world economy based on a U.S. economy ultimately failing the world's ecology due to the need for continued growth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
During my childhood, I loved spending time in the Wichita Mountains of southwest OK, and also the mountains and streams around Red River, N.M.
Now? I love the arctic most of all; followed by the high plains, scrub deserts, and grasslands.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Although least suited for life in a zoo, after raptors, I really love the cheetah (with what you might find to be an odd description), but what I will call all the grace and beauty of predatory swan.
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?
As already stated, a U.S. economy based on continual growth, one that dominates and drives a world economy based on same.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Vote for environmental candidates and help educate those candidates regarding what reasonable steps can be taken to conserve habitat geographically, temporarily, quantitatively, and qualitatively. (and encourage your friends to do likewise).
Steve Sosensky
SoCA Bird Guides
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?
Seeing a Magnificent Frigatebird fly over my head about 20 feet up spurred the decision to take up birdwatching enthusiastically. I now work in the industry.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My neighborhood had several patches of woods and a pond and marsh that froze over for ice skating in the winter.
Now? I can't count that high. Some examples are Yosemite NP, East Mojave Preserve, Salton Sea, any rocky shoreline in California.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't really have one. I like Empidonax flycatchers for the challenge of identifying them (but any bird I see for the first time), most mammals, but especially cetaceans, and butterflies.
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?
Republicans. The greatest environmental challenge is people who care more about overuse for economic gain than about the quality of the environment and the legacy we will be leaving for future generations.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We need to ensure that renewable resources stay renewable and that non-renewable resources are used sparingly until alternatives are discovered and developed.
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?
Seeing a Magnificent Frigatebird fly over my head about 20 feet up spurred the decision to take up birdwatching enthusiastically. I now work in the industry.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My neighborhood had several patches of woods and a pond and marsh that froze over for ice skating in the winter.
Now? I can't count that high. Some examples are Yosemite NP, East Mojave Preserve, Salton Sea, any rocky shoreline in California.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't really have one. I like Empidonax flycatchers for the challenge of identifying them (but any bird I see for the first time), most mammals, but especially cetaceans, and butterflies.
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?
Republicans. The greatest environmental challenge is people who care more about overuse for economic gain than about the quality of the environment and the legacy we will be leaving for future generations.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We need to ensure that renewable resources stay renewable and that non-renewable resources are used sparingly until alternatives are discovered and developed.
Firefly
Volunteers for Tawo
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?
Visiting an Ihanktonwan Sioux reservation in SD by the banks of the Missouri River.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the beach.
Now? Still the beach.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagle. Because it can fly and see well at great distances.
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?
FYI-- young man---Humanity is now facing the tipping point of total planetary destruction.
Your blind survey seems utterly ridiculous to indigenous old folks (61) like me---but since you are obviously young and naive--with painfully naive Q's--- I am doing you this favor---plus giving you a present to read. [A Critical Review of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth by Catherine Austin Fitts, Solari, Inc.]
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
STOP DRIVING.
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?
Visiting an Ihanktonwan Sioux reservation in SD by the banks of the Missouri River.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the beach.
Now? Still the beach.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagle. Because it can fly and see well at great distances.
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?
FYI-- young man---Humanity is now facing the tipping point of total planetary destruction.
Your blind survey seems utterly ridiculous to indigenous old folks (61) like me---but since you are obviously young and naive--with painfully naive Q's--- I am doing you this favor---plus giving you a present to read. [A Critical Review of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth by Catherine Austin Fitts, Solari, Inc.]
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
STOP DRIVING.
Pat Rydquist
Naturalist, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County - Ohio
Today's Date: July 26, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was doing an owl survey in the wee hours on a very cold February night. After hearing an Eastern Screech Owl respond to the call, a coyote howled. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and I turned to see the coyote leaping in the starlight not more than 5 feet in front of me. Then the coyote looked at me with such joy that I felt like leaping myself.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Backyard
Now? Costa Rica's cloud forest
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Giraffe because it is awkward, yet adorable at the same time. I love to see the parents lick their young.
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 now and over-population consuming all the world's resources in the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and use moderation in all our resources. There is only so much to last forever! If you can find an environmentally friendly (green) way of living, share it with others as if it's the only natural thing to do.
Today's Date: July 26, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was doing an owl survey in the wee hours on a very cold February night. After hearing an Eastern Screech Owl respond to the call, a coyote howled. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and I turned to see the coyote leaping in the starlight not more than 5 feet in front of me. Then the coyote looked at me with such joy that I felt like leaping myself.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Backyard
Now? Costa Rica's cloud forest
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Giraffe because it is awkward, yet adorable at the same time. I love to see the parents lick their young.
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 now and over-population consuming all the world's resources in the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and use moderation in all our resources. There is only so much to last forever! If you can find an environmentally friendly (green) way of living, share it with others as if it's the only natural thing to do.
Ruth Millsaps
US Army Corps of Engineers
Today’s Date: 26Jul2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I lived in Yellowstone National Park during the summer of 1988.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Sitting in a tree reading a book.
Now? The Oaks Picnic Area on the Wallisville Lake Project
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
House cat, because I think I’m part cat.
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?
Renewable/sustainable energy sources. Ditto.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I have a quote hanging on my wall, sorry I don’t know who said it, but it’s this: “Wars have in common that everyone loses. Wars against Nature are the worst because all humanity of all generations loses.” Humans were meant to be stewards of the environment, not rapists. Stewardship, in part, means to make sure something good is left for the next folks to come along.
Today’s Date: 26Jul2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I lived in Yellowstone National Park during the summer of 1988.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Sitting in a tree reading a book.
Now? The Oaks Picnic Area on the Wallisville Lake Project
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
House cat, because I think I’m part cat.
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?
Renewable/sustainable energy sources. Ditto.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I have a quote hanging on my wall, sorry I don’t know who said it, but it’s this: “Wars have in common that everyone loses. Wars against Nature are the worst because all humanity of all generations loses.” Humans were meant to be stewards of the environment, not rapists. Stewardship, in part, means to make sure something good is left for the next folks to come along.
David Hartgrove
Conservation Chair, Halifax River Audubon
Today's Date: July 26, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1977, while at work one afternoon, I watched as a Loggerhead Shrike killed a House Sparrow and the proceeded to feed it to her 3 nestlings. I bought my first Petersen Field Guide the next day.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The top of a 45' longleaf pine in a vacant lot down the street from my house.
Now? The observation tower at the "Rose Bay Project", a part of Spruce Creek Park. This is a Volusia County park on the north side of Spruce Creek, in eastern Volusia County.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Raccoon. They are relentless predators on wild bird populations and on sea turtle nests. Both should be reasons for me to dislike them. But their intelligence and creativity has to be admired.
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, what ever you want to call it. The billions spent on Everglades restoration will be for nothing it they're sitting under 3 feet of salt water. In the future, as now, population expansion is the biggest bomb on the horizon. The expanding populations in South America aren't burning the rain forest because they want to get rich. They're doing do because they're hungry, as all humans get on a regular schedule. If we were straining the earth's capacity at a population of 3 billion, what are we doing to it at 6 billion?
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Actions and decisions have consequences. Think before you throw that old battery away. Think before you sign the sales form for that Hummer. Think before you decide to have 5 kids instead of 2.
Today's Date: July 26, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1977, while at work one afternoon, I watched as a Loggerhead Shrike killed a House Sparrow and the proceeded to feed it to her 3 nestlings. I bought my first Petersen Field Guide the next day.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The top of a 45' longleaf pine in a vacant lot down the street from my house.
Now? The observation tower at the "Rose Bay Project", a part of Spruce Creek Park. This is a Volusia County park on the north side of Spruce Creek, in eastern Volusia County.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Raccoon. They are relentless predators on wild bird populations and on sea turtle nests. Both should be reasons for me to dislike them. But their intelligence and creativity has to be admired.
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, what ever you want to call it. The billions spent on Everglades restoration will be for nothing it they're sitting under 3 feet of salt water. In the future, as now, population expansion is the biggest bomb on the horizon. The expanding populations in South America aren't burning the rain forest because they want to get rich. They're doing do because they're hungry, as all humans get on a regular schedule. If we were straining the earth's capacity at a population of 3 billion, what are we doing to it at 6 billion?
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Actions and decisions have consequences. Think before you throw that old battery away. Think before you sign the sales form for that Hummer. Think before you decide to have 5 kids instead of 2.
Wayne E. Thogmartin
Statistician (Biology), US Geological Survey
Today’s Date: 07/26/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably my cat while growing up.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Not particularly.
Now? Either the San Juan Islands, WA, or the Great Plains of North America during the Pleistocene.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
This is a tough one. Not sure that I can elevate one over another. How about a Mammoth?
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: Habitat loss and degradation.
Future: The failure of people to realize the extent of what they've lost. A depauperate normalcy that prevents one from even imagining how grand and incredible nature was only a couple decades earlier.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think 7 generations hence and what the effect would be on those who succeed us.
Today’s Date: 07/26/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably my cat while growing up.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Not particularly.
Now? Either the San Juan Islands, WA, or the Great Plains of North America during the Pleistocene.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
This is a tough one. Not sure that I can elevate one over another. How about a Mammoth?
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: Habitat loss and degradation.
Future: The failure of people to realize the extent of what they've lost. A depauperate normalcy that prevents one from even imagining how grand and incredible nature was only a couple decades earlier.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think 7 generations hence and what the effect would be on those who succeed us.
Steven J. Saffier
Science Associate, National Audubon Society
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?
Having birds come to my feeder, identifying them with a field guide and recording their visits. Finding salamanders under logs. Watching a spider weave a web and catch prey...that one is Zen.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods behind my house, and the nearby preserve, Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia.
Now? Pennypack, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, Cold Creek Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, Shawangunk Mountains in the Catskills, Moab Utah, just about any deep deciduous forest in the east, and the million places I have yet to see.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
American Crows. True thinkers, clowns, strong, graceful, clever, agile, vulnerable. I think I may have been one in a previous 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?
Land use, development, paving paradise...and how we view our needs (i.e. the new mall) as equally important to preservation of natural resources. The mindset that leveling a forest, desert, or prairie is the best way to build a structure has to be challenged. Green buildings and ecologically-minded development must be considered. Everyone, especially children, must have encounters with nature daily...and so it must be preserved or re-created around homes, schools, and commercial properties. Development will continue, there's no getting around that...but how it's practiced will have profound effects on the environment and how "we" view it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
If you ask me tomorrow, I might have a different answer. But today I say support your local (and national) land trust organization. These are the people who buy up tracts of land, postage stamps in some cases, so that others can have some green in their lives. All of these postage stamps add up and do contribute to the sustainability of birds and other wildlife.
Another would be to GET OUTSIDE! Enjoy the natural world. Observe silence, even for a minute or so, in nature. Inhale what it has to offer.
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?
Having birds come to my feeder, identifying them with a field guide and recording their visits. Finding salamanders under logs. Watching a spider weave a web and catch prey...that one is Zen.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods behind my house, and the nearby preserve, Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia.
Now? Pennypack, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, Cold Creek Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, Shawangunk Mountains in the Catskills, Moab Utah, just about any deep deciduous forest in the east, and the million places I have yet to see.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
American Crows. True thinkers, clowns, strong, graceful, clever, agile, vulnerable. I think I may have been one in a previous 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?
Land use, development, paving paradise...and how we view our needs (i.e. the new mall) as equally important to preservation of natural resources. The mindset that leveling a forest, desert, or prairie is the best way to build a structure has to be challenged. Green buildings and ecologically-minded development must be considered. Everyone, especially children, must have encounters with nature daily...and so it must be preserved or re-created around homes, schools, and commercial properties. Development will continue, there's no getting around that...but how it's practiced will have profound effects on the environment and how "we" view it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
If you ask me tomorrow, I might have a different answer. But today I say support your local (and national) land trust organization. These are the people who buy up tracts of land, postage stamps in some cases, so that others can have some green in their lives. All of these postage stamps add up and do contribute to the sustainability of birds and other wildlife.
Another would be to GET OUTSIDE! Enjoy the natural world. Observe silence, even for a minute or so, in nature. Inhale what it has to offer.
Rev. Robert Lee (Skip) Ellison
Archdruid - Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF)
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?
They have been many examples, but I think my all time favorite has to be stalking up close enough to a deer to touch it.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Again, many. Probably the Moose River Plains in the Adirondacks overall though.
Now? Still the same.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I enjoy being around all animals but would have to say the whitetail deer because I see it the most. For zoo animals, it would be the snow leopard because of its power and 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?
Right now I would have to say Global Warming. We will be going through such weather swings that it will cause the destruction of many areas and the extinction of many species. This will remain the greatest challenge for many years to come in my opinion.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take advantage of the time we have left to visit as many of the great places as possible. They are likely to be very different in the future.
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?
They have been many examples, but I think my all time favorite has to be stalking up close enough to a deer to touch it.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Again, many. Probably the Moose River Plains in the Adirondacks overall though.
Now? Still the same.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I enjoy being around all animals but would have to say the whitetail deer because I see it the most. For zoo animals, it would be the snow leopard because of its power and 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?
Right now I would have to say Global Warming. We will be going through such weather swings that it will cause the destruction of many areas and the extinction of many species. This will remain the greatest challenge for many years to come in my opinion.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take advantage of the time we have left to visit as many of the great places as possible. They are likely to be very different in the future.
Dr. Keith Leggett
Namibian Elephant and Giraffe Trust
Today's Date: 26th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As an elephant researcher just about every day of interaction with elephants is very high on the list, even after nearly 17 years of interaction with elephants (last 9 years as a principal research animal) I still get a rush when studying them. However, I would have to say my favourite experience to-date where I actually felt at one with wildlife was one morning when I was out running, two large Kudu for some reason came, joined me and ran with me for about 400m before they had enough and ran off into the bush.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Anywhere outside of 4 walls. Though growing up in Australia, my favourite place was the north coast of NSW on the ocean, anywhere.
Now? Kaokoland, northwest Namibia, closely followed by the lowveld of Zimbabwe around Gona-re-zhou National Park and Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants, fascinating life styles and interactions, also amazingly tolerant and gentle for such a large mammal.
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?
Not enough time or energy to answer this question fully, the greatest risk, put simply, is human population expansion and our constant need for land and resources to support ourselves at the expense of the environment and the animals that inhabit the land. Greedy and stupid politicians don’t help of course…..
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop breeding and be more aware of the environmental consequences of your actions…. Impossible I know but that would be the best thing. In addition the western world should seriously look at alternative energy sources and fuels, they exist but are not given credence nor research and development due to the influence of multinational oil companies and their associated industries. The third world is a whole other story and there have been thousands of pages written on the subject… better men than I are already discussing this point.
Today's Date: 26th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As an elephant researcher just about every day of interaction with elephants is very high on the list, even after nearly 17 years of interaction with elephants (last 9 years as a principal research animal) I still get a rush when studying them. However, I would have to say my favourite experience to-date where I actually felt at one with wildlife was one morning when I was out running, two large Kudu for some reason came, joined me and ran with me for about 400m before they had enough and ran off into the bush.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Anywhere outside of 4 walls. Though growing up in Australia, my favourite place was the north coast of NSW on the ocean, anywhere.
Now? Kaokoland, northwest Namibia, closely followed by the lowveld of Zimbabwe around Gona-re-zhou National Park and Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants, fascinating life styles and interactions, also amazingly tolerant and gentle for such a large mammal.
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?
Not enough time or energy to answer this question fully, the greatest risk, put simply, is human population expansion and our constant need for land and resources to support ourselves at the expense of the environment and the animals that inhabit the land. Greedy and stupid politicians don’t help of course…..
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop breeding and be more aware of the environmental consequences of your actions…. Impossible I know but that would be the best thing. In addition the western world should seriously look at alternative energy sources and fuels, they exist but are not given credence nor research and development due to the influence of multinational oil companies and their associated industries. The third world is a whole other story and there have been thousands of pages written on the subject… better men than I are already discussing this point.
Damh the Bard
Order of Bards Ovates and Druids
Today’s Date: 25th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
That's a hard one to start with! It would probably be seeing the deer rut.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A small woods down the road from where I used to live, sadly now under a housing estate.
Now? I've bought 5 acres of woodland and that is my favourite natural place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Too many, Deer for their power and prowess, otters for their attitude and playfulness, and dogs, for being constant companions.
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 ignorance and human ignorance. I could say global warming, melting ice caps, the fur trade, whaling etc, but I think it can just be summed up as - The greatest threat to the environment is humans, and the greatest threat in the future will be humans, because we just don't seem to learn.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are not separate from it, you are a part of it, and it is a part of you. What you do to the environment, you do to yourself.
Today’s Date: 25th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
That's a hard one to start with! It would probably be seeing the deer rut.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A small woods down the road from where I used to live, sadly now under a housing estate.
Now? I've bought 5 acres of woodland and that is my favourite natural place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Too many, Deer for their power and prowess, otters for their attitude and playfulness, and dogs, for being constant companions.
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 ignorance and human ignorance. I could say global warming, melting ice caps, the fur trade, whaling etc, but I think it can just be summed up as - The greatest threat to the environment is humans, and the greatest threat in the future will be humans, because we just don't seem to learn.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are not separate from it, you are a part of it, and it is a part of you. What you do to the environment, you do to yourself.
RUFUS EBEGBA
MR/FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, NIGERIA
Today’s Date: 25/07/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
visit to a park
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
yes, zoo
Now? no
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Lion, BECAUSE OF ITS STRENGTH
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 THE FUTURE IS BIODIVERSITY DEPLETION
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
SUSTAINSBLE UTILISATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Today’s Date: 25/07/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
visit to a park
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
yes, zoo
Now? no
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Lion, BECAUSE OF ITS STRENGTH
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 THE FUTURE IS BIODIVERSITY DEPLETION
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
SUSTAINSBLE UTILISATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Seth Cook
China Program Coordinator, IUCN-World Conservation Union
Today's Date: July 25, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably with dogs and cats, as these are the animals that I grew up with.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Not particularly; I loved just about every natural area I visited.
Now? I still feel the same way.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
It's hard to say, as I like so many animals. Probably cats (including big cats), because they can be great companions and yet are independent.
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 are so many monumental environmental challenges today. The greatest may be climate change, because it is already so far advanced and requires concerted international efforts to address.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Tread lightly on the earth - always be conscious of your impact on the planet.
Today's Date: July 25, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably with dogs and cats, as these are the animals that I grew up with.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Not particularly; I loved just about every natural area I visited.
Now? I still feel the same way.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
It's hard to say, as I like so many animals. Probably cats (including big cats), because they can be great companions and yet are independent.
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 are so many monumental environmental challenges today. The greatest may be climate change, because it is already so far advanced and requires concerted international efforts to address.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Tread lightly on the earth - always be conscious of your impact on the planet.
Brian A. Rutledge
Executive Director, Audubon Wyoming
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?
Fifty years of living with and in nature. From a childhood in the wilderness of Canada and the US to travel and study in Sub-Saharan Africa
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Our cabin on a northern lake.
Now? The foothills of the Rockies.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a former zoo Director my love is for individuals of many species, though elephants, apes and big cats have held special esteem.
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 population growth and global climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
At least hesitate to reproduce!
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?
Fifty years of living with and in nature. From a childhood in the wilderness of Canada and the US to travel and study in Sub-Saharan Africa
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Our cabin on a northern lake.
Now? The foothills of the Rockies.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a former zoo Director my love is for individuals of many species, though elephants, apes and big cats have held special esteem.
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 population growth and global climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
At least hesitate to reproduce!
John Bates
The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago
Today’s Date: 23 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Birdwatching as a child
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Kino Springs, Arizona
Now? Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Scale-backed Antbird because it has been a wonderful species to study and it is a species that illustrates the complexity of biodiversity in the tropics.
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 scientists throughout the world that can communicate with the public about the need to study and conserve biodiversity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Support educational programs at all levels as much as possible so that we have the scientific community necessary to make the best possible decisions about our world.
Today’s Date: 23 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Birdwatching as a child
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Kino Springs, Arizona
Now? Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Scale-backed Antbird because it has been a wonderful species to study and it is a species that illustrates the complexity of biodiversity in the tropics.
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 scientists throughout the world that can communicate with the public about the need to study and conserve biodiversity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Support educational programs at all levels as much as possible so that we have the scientific community necessary to make the best possible decisions about our world.
John Bothwell
Research Officer, Cayman Islands
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going fishing with my father.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Near, on or in the sea, usually fishing or snorkeling and with friends.
Now? The same, except add SCUBA Diving to the fishing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Fish. From deep sea to shallow, from predators to grazers, they are wondrously amazing creatures, fun to watch and tasty to eat.
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?
Adapting to climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Use Less
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going fishing with my father.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Near, on or in the sea, usually fishing or snorkeling and with friends.
Now? The same, except add SCUBA Diving to the fishing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Fish. From deep sea to shallow, from predators to grazers, they are wondrously amazing creatures, fun to watch and tasty to eat.
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?
Adapting to climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Use Less
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.
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.
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