Earth Survey: Aug 17, 2006

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

August 17, 2006

Desiree Sorenson-Groves

National Wildlife Refuge Association

Today's Date: Aug. 17, 2006

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

Watching the 2001 Fall migration of white pelicans (and other species) on the Upper Miss days after 9/11 — peaceful, serene and the knowledge that nature is our greatest way to heal and rejuvenate.

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

Drainage ditch near my house – lots of critters even if it was runoff from ag fields.

Now? George Washington National Forest adjacent to a cabin we have in western Virginia – bears, bobcats, mt. lions – lot’s of critters every day

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

some species of big cat — any would do, lions, tigers, pumas, cheetahs: majestic, smart, regal, opportunistic (survivors) at least they try in the face of pretty large human obstacles (elephants are a close second, hippos third)

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 the impending shift for all species on the planet – not sure if we CAN stop it now even if Mr. Gore says we can — what’s more, not sure if anything but cockroaches, gators and sea gulls will make it, and perhaps one of my previous bosses. Equal to that is human growth – we simply cannot sustain the level of human population growth we have and the level of consumption. These 2 issues will be our future challenges as well.

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

Think globally, act locally – that simple.