Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!

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

March 06, 2007

Fernando Simal

Manager, Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Today's Date: 28 02 07

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

There are too many, can’t pick one in particular.

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

No, too many can’t pick one.

Now? No, too many, can’t pick one.

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

No one in particular, I enjoy the set up of how the ecosystems work and truly enjoy all animals and plants. As a rock climber I envy the geckos, that’s it.

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?

People. Educating people, changing people perceptions. Improving social conditions, I can’t expect a person to understand and accept environmental issues if the person is hungry and can’t provide properly for his / her family. On the developed countries change the perception of the more I have the happier I will be.

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

Stop overpopulating and stop over consuming.

Steve West

biology teacher, Carlsbad High School and president, Chihuahuan Desert Conservation Alliance

Today's Date: 1 March 2007

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

These questions are difficult because there are so many possible answers. This is one of the tough ones. Cave Swallow. I started a banding program on this species in 1978 and have continued it to this year. We have banded over 18,000 individuals and have learned so much about this largely forgotten species. Seen some great country, caves and worked with over 5000 people in the project since its inception.

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

Rattlesnake Springs, a small piece of National Park Service property that was purchased to provide water for the park but has turned into a great spot for neotropical migrants, T/E species and a small slice of good riparian area in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Now? Each summer I leave the country and explore a new area and have loved every place I visited. 2006-Australia, 2005-Ecuadore, 2004-Brasil, 2003-Mexico, 2002- arctic Canada, etc.

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

Hard to say. When I made my first trip to Africa in 1997, someone asked me what my favorite bird was. I answered Giraffe without hesitation. I know it's not a bird but it was the neatest thing I saw on the trip. I guess everything I see is my favorite.

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?

Overpopulation, which is fueling the threats of climate change and habitat destruction.

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

Every day, do something, however small, that helps the planet and all of its inhabitants.