Jane Anne Jeffries

Wetlands Action Network

Today’s Date: February 19, 2008

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

My father was a boat builder, so frequently the family would go deep sea fishing. We would leave the harbor very early in the morning, bound for Catalina or San Clemente Island where the fishing would be excellent. As we traveled west toward the islands, the sun would rise in the east [the earth was turning, of course] and I would see night become day on a huge dome, much like being in the planetarium at the observatory.

I have a golden retriever and a husky. My interaction with them daily is through mental telepathy. They can read my mind.

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

Any and every place outdoors was my favorite. I much preferred being outside. When I was in college at The Principia, I studied in wind caves on the bluffs of the Mississippi.

Now? I love La Ballona Wetlands. I also love my backyard with its orange and avocado trees.

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

My favorite animal is the Arabian horse, though my experience with horses has been limited because I have allergies.

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'm teaching third graders. The children I teach are not outside the way I was when I was their age. At recess, they eat and drink sugary drinks instead of playing sports. Instead of using nature in their play, they prefer electronic devices. They don't know nature is our source as well as being 'them!' They are disconnected from their source and themselves.

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

Learn to live in nature as nature. Study the lives of indigenous peoples.