Project Implementation Officer, Institute of Marine Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago
Today's Date: July 28, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going to the beach and rural parts of Trinidad as a child. Viewing leather back turtles
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes, I run and hike
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, Any hummingbird and why? Always busy
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, Loss of habitat due to at least in Trinidad due to increase in industry/development and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future? Same, less concern for the environment as other issues draw away attention
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take your time, enjoy it while you can
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 28, 2006
Kathryn Hanratty
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one experience, I just feel better when I am in the woods. I can breath, I feel relaxed, it is a spiritual experience for me - has been since I was a child.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lake Erie shore - I could walk there every day.
Now? a small pool at the top of a waterfall in the North Cascades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The dog is my first choice - loyalty, friendship etc.. Wild animal? Wolf because they represent the truly wild places.
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 Population growth
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take PERSONAL Responsibility for your impact on the environment, think about what you do every day.
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one experience, I just feel better when I am in the woods. I can breath, I feel relaxed, it is a spiritual experience for me - has been since I was a child.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lake Erie shore - I could walk there every day.
Now? a small pool at the top of a waterfall in the North Cascades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The dog is my first choice - loyalty, friendship etc.. Wild animal? Wolf because they represent the truly wild places.
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 Population growth
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take PERSONAL Responsibility for your impact on the environment, think about what you do every day.
Richard Shucksmith
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Today's Date: 27 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Diving both temperate and coral reefs all a round the world, being out in the mountains of Scotland, watching otters, eagles and deer.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Round freshwater lakes and ponds where we used to go fishing and many were very remote so we always saw lots of wildlife.
Now? Out in the mountains and islands. I love being out round the coast and on islands hence working on the west coast of Scotland where we have the inner and outer herbridean islands. Also, I love the fjord system in Chilean Patagonia.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I do not have any particular favourite I love watching wildlife from a mouse in the garden to fish under the sea.
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 expansion, increase in population will exert more pressure on the natural systems which are already under serious pressure. Many people will say climate change although this will change many of the natural systems, if they were not under some much pressure they could cope with the change, many communities are very resistant. However if these ecosystems are so small any way they will just get degraded more. We're over populated already on global scale and it is set to rise by 2050. Can the earth really take that increase considering that all our natural resources are on the verge of being at least economically extinct if not population extinct? Its people we have to manage then conservation might stand a chance.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Every little bit helps, act locally think globally. If every body walked to work or cycled or used public transport it would help, if we all recycled or learnt to use less plastics or fuel it would help. We can all do our little bit which when your talking millions of people doing it results in a large reduction.
Today's Date: 27 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Diving both temperate and coral reefs all a round the world, being out in the mountains of Scotland, watching otters, eagles and deer.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Round freshwater lakes and ponds where we used to go fishing and many were very remote so we always saw lots of wildlife.
Now? Out in the mountains and islands. I love being out round the coast and on islands hence working on the west coast of Scotland where we have the inner and outer herbridean islands. Also, I love the fjord system in Chilean Patagonia.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I do not have any particular favourite I love watching wildlife from a mouse in the garden to fish under the sea.
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 expansion, increase in population will exert more pressure on the natural systems which are already under serious pressure. Many people will say climate change although this will change many of the natural systems, if they were not under some much pressure they could cope with the change, many communities are very resistant. However if these ecosystems are so small any way they will just get degraded more. We're over populated already on global scale and it is set to rise by 2050. Can the earth really take that increase considering that all our natural resources are on the verge of being at least economically extinct if not population extinct? Its people we have to manage then conservation might stand a chance.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Every little bit helps, act locally think globally. If every body walked to work or cycled or used public transport it would help, if we all recycled or learnt to use less plastics or fuel it would help. We can all do our little bit which when your talking millions of people doing it results in a large reduction.
Joel Trick
Wildlife Biologist/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Discovering birds and butterflies at an early age.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods across the street from our house.
Now? The area around a wild river in northern Michigan
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
In general, all species of birds.
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?
To create a widespread recognition that our current rate of resource utilization is unsustainable. In the future, it will be to retain the functionality of our natural systems, sufficient to provide for basic life needs of the inhabitants of the planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To recognize that humans are not separate from the environment, and are in fact dependant upon natural systems for our continued survival.
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Discovering birds and butterflies at an early age.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods across the street from our house.
Now? The area around a wild river in northern Michigan
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
In general, all species of birds.
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?
To create a widespread recognition that our current rate of resource utilization is unsustainable. In the future, it will be to retain the functionality of our natural systems, sufficient to provide for basic life needs of the inhabitants of the planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To recognize that humans are not separate from the environment, and are in fact dependant upon natural systems for our continued survival.
MARYANN WHITMAN
CITIZEN OF PLANET EARTH; EDITOR, WILD ONES JOURNAL
(WWW.FOR-WILD.ORG)
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I WAS PROBABLY 10 OR 11 TARGET SHOOTING WITH A 22 RIFLE (IT WAS A DIFFERENT WORLD, ON A FARM IN CANADA, IN THE FIFTIES). I SPOTTED A STARLING IN A TREE AT A 100+ METERS AND TOOK A POT SHOT, NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE MY MARK. I HIT THE STARLING, KILLING IT. I WAS DEVASTATED. ALL I COULD THINK WAS THAT A PARENT (STARLING) WOULD NOT COME BACK HOME THAT NIGHT. EMPATHY CAN BE PAINFUL.
AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME I HAD THE AURORA BOREALIS EXPLAINED TO ME AND WAS INTRODUCED TO THE CONCEPT OF THE UNIVERSE. I RECALL LOOKING AT THE LEG OF A KITCHEN TABLE AND THINKING 'THERE MIGHT BE A WHOLE UNIVERSE IN THERE'; A LITTLE CONCRETE, BUT EMPATHY AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
YES. I GREW UP ON A FARM SURROUNDED BY FOREST TO WHICH I HAD FREE ACCESS. I HAVE VIVID RECOLLECTIONS OF A NUMBER OF 'FAVORITE PLACES' THAT WERE MY OWN.
Now? ANYWHERE IN MY OWN SMALL ACREAGE BUT THE EASE OF ENJOYMENT IS NOT THE SAME. THE OLD GROWTH FORESTS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
A RIVER OTTER. I LOVE THEIR 'PLAYFUL NATURE' AND THEIR CURIOUS, INTELLIGENT EYES (YES, I KNOW THEIR VISION OUT OF WATER IS DISTORTED). BUT I HAVE MORE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS. I HAVE MADE VERY STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH TWO VERY INTELLIGENT GOLDEN RETREIVERS (AT DIFFERENT TIMES).
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; WITHOUT THIS PRESSURE OUR OTHER CRISES MIGHT BE MORE MANAGEABLE OR MIGHT NOT HAVE REACHED CRITICAL PROPORTIONS.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
READ; LEARN; THINK; BE GENTLE; PRESERVE.
(WWW.FOR-WILD.ORG)
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I WAS PROBABLY 10 OR 11 TARGET SHOOTING WITH A 22 RIFLE (IT WAS A DIFFERENT WORLD, ON A FARM IN CANADA, IN THE FIFTIES). I SPOTTED A STARLING IN A TREE AT A 100+ METERS AND TOOK A POT SHOT, NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE MY MARK. I HIT THE STARLING, KILLING IT. I WAS DEVASTATED. ALL I COULD THINK WAS THAT A PARENT (STARLING) WOULD NOT COME BACK HOME THAT NIGHT. EMPATHY CAN BE PAINFUL.
AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME I HAD THE AURORA BOREALIS EXPLAINED TO ME AND WAS INTRODUCED TO THE CONCEPT OF THE UNIVERSE. I RECALL LOOKING AT THE LEG OF A KITCHEN TABLE AND THINKING 'THERE MIGHT BE A WHOLE UNIVERSE IN THERE'; A LITTLE CONCRETE, BUT EMPATHY AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
YES. I GREW UP ON A FARM SURROUNDED BY FOREST TO WHICH I HAD FREE ACCESS. I HAVE VIVID RECOLLECTIONS OF A NUMBER OF 'FAVORITE PLACES' THAT WERE MY OWN.
Now? ANYWHERE IN MY OWN SMALL ACREAGE BUT THE EASE OF ENJOYMENT IS NOT THE SAME. THE OLD GROWTH FORESTS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
A RIVER OTTER. I LOVE THEIR 'PLAYFUL NATURE' AND THEIR CURIOUS, INTELLIGENT EYES (YES, I KNOW THEIR VISION OUT OF WATER IS DISTORTED). BUT I HAVE MORE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS. I HAVE MADE VERY STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH TWO VERY INTELLIGENT GOLDEN RETREIVERS (AT DIFFERENT TIMES).
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; WITHOUT THIS PRESSURE OUR OTHER CRISES MIGHT BE MORE MANAGEABLE OR MIGHT NOT HAVE REACHED CRITICAL PROPORTIONS.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
READ; LEARN; THINK; BE GENTLE; PRESERVE.
Todd Fearer
Graduate student, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Virginia Tech
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pinpoint one, but being an avid hunter would probably rank first. Through hunting with my father and grandfathers and continuing as an adult, I've gained a love and respect for nature, and a connection to the natural world that I don't think I would have developed otherwise. As a hunter, I'm maintaining an active role in the interactions of the natural world, and it certainly helps me remember how connected we are to nature and how much we still rely on it. I've had several 'close encounters' with deer, raccoons, grouse, weasels, a couple of bears, and various others when they have walked very close to me (sometimes close enough to reach out and touch) but not known I was there - I always love those. Any beautiful sunrise or sunset. Listening to the wind blow through white pines.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The old farm where my grandmother grew up in Preston County, WV. My family would often go camping there and it was where I did alot of my hunting. While I was a teenager, I would drive out there and go for a walk almost every Saturday, regardless of the weather or time of year.
Now? The central Appalachian Mountain region in Virginia and West Virginia. I've been to Kenya, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and other places, but I still love it here the most. Specifically, a section of Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, VA. It's a broad, high-elevation valley, so it's consistently cooler than the surrounding area. The valley is drained by a beautiful stream full of native brook trout that weaves its through old beaver meadows and hemlock stands. It's also very remote - the occasional plane overhead is usually the only unnatural sound that I hear.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That's a hard one, too. I've always loved cats. They have such personality and I've always had at least one as a 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?
Where to start? In the short term - permanent habitat loss and fragmentation. In the long term, society's increasing disconnection with the natural world around us. So many people think nature is the Discovery Channel and the local zoo. They have no real connection and understanding of the natural world or the problems facing it, and therefore can't see the steps they can take to help conserve it or even realize they need to.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Whatever your level of involvement is in the outdoors, increase it. If you don't do things outside, start taking walks and take binoculars with you. If you like to walk and hike, start camping (with a tent - not in an RV). Do things that will both increase you connection to the outdoors and your understanding and respect of the natural world. And take a child with you!! Only by teaching our children that they are a functioning part of nature will we reverse the disconnect that has become so prevalent today.
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pinpoint one, but being an avid hunter would probably rank first. Through hunting with my father and grandfathers and continuing as an adult, I've gained a love and respect for nature, and a connection to the natural world that I don't think I would have developed otherwise. As a hunter, I'm maintaining an active role in the interactions of the natural world, and it certainly helps me remember how connected we are to nature and how much we still rely on it. I've had several 'close encounters' with deer, raccoons, grouse, weasels, a couple of bears, and various others when they have walked very close to me (sometimes close enough to reach out and touch) but not known I was there - I always love those. Any beautiful sunrise or sunset. Listening to the wind blow through white pines.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The old farm where my grandmother grew up in Preston County, WV. My family would often go camping there and it was where I did alot of my hunting. While I was a teenager, I would drive out there and go for a walk almost every Saturday, regardless of the weather or time of year.
Now? The central Appalachian Mountain region in Virginia and West Virginia. I've been to Kenya, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and other places, but I still love it here the most. Specifically, a section of Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, VA. It's a broad, high-elevation valley, so it's consistently cooler than the surrounding area. The valley is drained by a beautiful stream full of native brook trout that weaves its through old beaver meadows and hemlock stands. It's also very remote - the occasional plane overhead is usually the only unnatural sound that I hear.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That's a hard one, too. I've always loved cats. They have such personality and I've always had at least one as a 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?
Where to start? In the short term - permanent habitat loss and fragmentation. In the long term, society's increasing disconnection with the natural world around us. So many people think nature is the Discovery Channel and the local zoo. They have no real connection and understanding of the natural world or the problems facing it, and therefore can't see the steps they can take to help conserve it or even realize they need to.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Whatever your level of involvement is in the outdoors, increase it. If you don't do things outside, start taking walks and take binoculars with you. If you like to walk and hike, start camping (with a tent - not in an RV). Do things that will both increase you connection to the outdoors and your understanding and respect of the natural world. And take a child with you!! Only by teaching our children that they are a functioning part of nature will we reverse the disconnect that has become so prevalent today.
Barbara Sallee
Retired DoDDS overseas teacher
Today's Date: July, 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1983 I participated in Earthwatch in Kalimantan, Indonesia to help with the orangutan project. Contact with these amazing apes and the fragility of the rainforest, changed me forever. A few years before that, I entered the world of birding and that experience has also changed my life. It's a tie!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I loved the fields and woods around my home in Annandale, VA. It is all suburban development now. My family also spent a lot of weekends camping in Westmoreland State Park, VA.
Now? I have so many places around the world that I love, but the Goksu Delta in southern Turkey is a very special place where I have spent a lot of time watching the wildlife and the battle to keep it natural.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I cannot pick one animal as I respect and find fascinating all life. I look more at the incredible adaptations of each species as well as the ecosystems and how all living things work together. From childhood I have been especially interested in reptiles and my experience in Borneo has given me a personal relationship with non-human primates.
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 find increasing destruction of habitats around the world very alarming. Our challenge as humans is to see ourselves as animals and part of nature and not the rulers of the earth. All of our efforts need consider how we impact on a healthy planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Everyone should be an "environmentalist" and work to conserve our resources as well as reverse the destruction that we are now doing to the earth. Think like a Native American and respect our natural world.
Today's Date: July, 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1983 I participated in Earthwatch in Kalimantan, Indonesia to help with the orangutan project. Contact with these amazing apes and the fragility of the rainforest, changed me forever. A few years before that, I entered the world of birding and that experience has also changed my life. It's a tie!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I loved the fields and woods around my home in Annandale, VA. It is all suburban development now. My family also spent a lot of weekends camping in Westmoreland State Park, VA.
Now? I have so many places around the world that I love, but the Goksu Delta in southern Turkey is a very special place where I have spent a lot of time watching the wildlife and the battle to keep it natural.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I cannot pick one animal as I respect and find fascinating all life. I look more at the incredible adaptations of each species as well as the ecosystems and how all living things work together. From childhood I have been especially interested in reptiles and my experience in Borneo has given me a personal relationship with non-human primates.
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 find increasing destruction of habitats around the world very alarming. Our challenge as humans is to see ourselves as animals and part of nature and not the rulers of the earth. All of our efforts need consider how we impact on a healthy planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Everyone should be an "environmentalist" and work to conserve our resources as well as reverse the destruction that we are now doing to the earth. Think like a Native American and respect our natural world.
Jessica Sprajcar
Program Analyst/ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Today's Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There were many experiences that have impacted me, but the one that has the most lasting impression was volunteering for four summers as a Zoo Teen at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Getting to work directly with small animals, educating the young visitors, and getting behind-the-scenes tours of the various animal exhibits really gave me an appreciation for environmental education and the diversity of species on the planet.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My backyard was surrounded by woods and my sister and I would play out there all the time... pretending we were archaeologists and explorers. My grandmother's farm was also a very special place. I fondly remember playing with the goats and running through the fallow fields.
Now? With so many state parks to choose from, I don't have a favorite. Anywhere I can go camping and biking is a place I will like.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a very tough question. It would be easiest to do a top ten list for me. If I did have to try and choose though I would have to say the rhino. There were 2 at the Pittsburgh Zoo that were so great. I guess one reason I like them so much is because they are threatened in the wild and this makes me want to protect them somehow.
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 now is stopping urban sprawl and all other minor human disturbance events that go along with it, like invasive species and pollution. We have to learn that big isn't necessarily better when it comes to homes and businesses. Spreading out until we cover all available land is not a smart idea. In the future our biggest challenge will be to ensure that developing countries are given the new technologies to reduce pollution as they become more industrialized.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We can choose to go along the same path we have been following for years, but eventually it will come to a dead end (i.e. when all our resources are depleted). Or we can choose to try a new path where we reduce our consumptive habits and realize the resources are there for the benefit of all species, not just humans.
Today's Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There were many experiences that have impacted me, but the one that has the most lasting impression was volunteering for four summers as a Zoo Teen at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Getting to work directly with small animals, educating the young visitors, and getting behind-the-scenes tours of the various animal exhibits really gave me an appreciation for environmental education and the diversity of species on the planet.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My backyard was surrounded by woods and my sister and I would play out there all the time... pretending we were archaeologists and explorers. My grandmother's farm was also a very special place. I fondly remember playing with the goats and running through the fallow fields.
Now? With so many state parks to choose from, I don't have a favorite. Anywhere I can go camping and biking is a place I will like.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a very tough question. It would be easiest to do a top ten list for me. If I did have to try and choose though I would have to say the rhino. There were 2 at the Pittsburgh Zoo that were so great. I guess one reason I like them so much is because they are threatened in the wild and this makes me want to protect them somehow.
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 now is stopping urban sprawl and all other minor human disturbance events that go along with it, like invasive species and pollution. We have to learn that big isn't necessarily better when it comes to homes and businesses. Spreading out until we cover all available land is not a smart idea. In the future our biggest challenge will be to ensure that developing countries are given the new technologies to reduce pollution as they become more industrialized.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We can choose to go along the same path we have been following for years, but eventually it will come to a dead end (i.e. when all our resources are depleted). Or we can choose to try a new path where we reduce our consumptive habits and realize the resources are there for the benefit of all species, not just humans.
Sergio Savoia
Director of the WWF European Alpine Programme
Today’s Date: 27th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was born in a small mountain village in the Swiss Alps. Nature was never far away. I guess the imposing beauty of the mountains did it for me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
There was this huge waterfall near my house. It was crashing down from up in the mountains to form a little mist-shrouded lake. A rickety wooden bridge crossed it. I loved to sit on the bridge, my legs swinging and feel the vaporized water on my face.
Now? There is a place in southern Italy where I regularly go on vacation. It is a country dirt road lined with rosemary bushes and this big old oak tree. I like to go there and sit in its shade.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves are my favourite. And they are slowly repopulating the Alps, which makes me (and not only me) really 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?
Unfortunately there are so many of them. If I had to single one out, I would say global warming is the worse threat
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Please change your attitude. We must stop thinking that damaging the environment is bad for animals and plants. It is actually bad, even lethal, for mankind. We do not exist outside the environment, we can't live
without Nature.
Today’s Date: 27th July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was born in a small mountain village in the Swiss Alps. Nature was never far away. I guess the imposing beauty of the mountains did it for me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
There was this huge waterfall near my house. It was crashing down from up in the mountains to form a little mist-shrouded lake. A rickety wooden bridge crossed it. I loved to sit on the bridge, my legs swinging and feel the vaporized water on my face.
Now? There is a place in southern Italy where I regularly go on vacation. It is a country dirt road lined with rosemary bushes and this big old oak tree. I like to go there and sit in its shade.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves are my favourite. And they are slowly repopulating the Alps, which makes me (and not only me) really 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?
Unfortunately there are so many of them. If I had to single one out, I would say global warming is the worse threat
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Please change your attitude. We must stop thinking that damaging the environment is bad for animals and plants. It is actually bad, even lethal, for mankind. We do not exist outside the environment, we can't live
without Nature.
Gail Ashton
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Today's Date: 270706
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Scuba Diving- it's amazing everytime I get the opportunity to breathe underwater
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Tree house at the back of my garden
Now? Tops of various hills, or sea cliffs
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Octopus- they're great, really mysterious, clever, and intuitive & you can read what they're thinking
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?
Reversing the long windy detrimental road of human dominance that we've come down- don't think we're going to get over this one!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources,
what would it be?
Sell the car, get a bike.
Today's Date: 270706
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Scuba Diving- it's amazing everytime I get the opportunity to breathe underwater
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Tree house at the back of my garden
Now? Tops of various hills, or sea cliffs
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Octopus- they're great, really mysterious, clever, and intuitive & you can read what they're thinking
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?
Reversing the long windy detrimental road of human dominance that we've come down- don't think we're going to get over this one!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources,
what would it be?
Sell the car, get a bike.
Jonathan Smith
President, Tambo Bluff Landcare Coastcare
Today's Date: 27/07/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In my later life I have had many unforgettable animal encounters, but the greatest impact was probably interaction with the plain old, but extraordinary family dog that I knew as a small child. Sailing in a 14 meter yacht to the Antarctic Peninsula gave me a new perspective on nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Fossil cliffs and sea-caves at Beaumaris, Port Philip Bay
Now? Still love marine environments, particularly estuaries.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No favourites. I work with dinoflagellates and am still captivated each time I look down the microscope. I think the leafy sea-dragon is pretty special. I became very attached to storm petrels on a long lonely sailing trip across the southern ocean - they come out to play when it gets too rough for the albatross. We were caring for an injured grey-headed flying fox recently which was very rewarding.
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?
Changing the political, economic and social ideals that are destroying our natural ecosystems on a massive scale. Providing sustainable freshwater, food and shelter for all human societies. Redefining "prosperity" for all in a truly sustainable way. Ultimately, preventing the collapse of the planet's life-support systems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't consume the future. Plant more trees. Eat more vegetables. Play more music. Sorry that's 4 pieces already.
Today's Date: 27/07/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In my later life I have had many unforgettable animal encounters, but the greatest impact was probably interaction with the plain old, but extraordinary family dog that I knew as a small child. Sailing in a 14 meter yacht to the Antarctic Peninsula gave me a new perspective on nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Fossil cliffs and sea-caves at Beaumaris, Port Philip Bay
Now? Still love marine environments, particularly estuaries.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No favourites. I work with dinoflagellates and am still captivated each time I look down the microscope. I think the leafy sea-dragon is pretty special. I became very attached to storm petrels on a long lonely sailing trip across the southern ocean - they come out to play when it gets too rough for the albatross. We were caring for an injured grey-headed flying fox recently which was very rewarding.
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?
Changing the political, economic and social ideals that are destroying our natural ecosystems on a massive scale. Providing sustainable freshwater, food and shelter for all human societies. Redefining "prosperity" for all in a truly sustainable way. Ultimately, preventing the collapse of the planet's life-support systems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't consume the future. Plant more trees. Eat more vegetables. Play more music. Sorry that's 4 pieces already.
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