Danae Werthmann

Administrative Assistant, Algalita Marine Research Foundation (and full-time student at CSULB)

Today's Date: February 21, 2007

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

Not really sure about this one, but seeing butterflies and learning about their existence as a little girl made me appreciate the value of nature, animals and their habitat. Or learning from the Bible how God created the Earth and humans were suppose to be stewards of the earth and care for all the other living things.

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

a tree, really any tree that I was able to climb up into and trying to always reach for the top, so I could see what was around

Now? the beach, anywhere that I can hike

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

I would have to say a dog, I've always wanted one and when I actually have a home of my own and going to finally own one.

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: carbon emissions and global warming, in the future (if the first can be resolved): plastic debris/pollution (that is pretty persistent now and causing huge problems)

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

First be aware of what is around you and try to do NO harm as best you know how, and then learn more about your local environment and how to protect, maintain, restore it, etc. so you could do your part.