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

June 24, 2008

Tim Kasser, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology - Knox College

Today’s Date: May 30, 2008

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

I live on a small farm with (currently) a dog, cat, 7 chickens, 5 goats, 2 sheep and a donkey. We also have a 3 acre pond with lots of pond animals and birds and a few acres of woods that connect with several hundred acres of more woods, filled with the typical Illinois animals (deer, coyotes, raccoon, fox, turkey, etc.) Looking out my back window and seeing all this, interacting with the animals and learning their personalities, and the rhythm of life that comes from living in nature help to center me and keep me real.

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

No. I grew up in suburbia and had no interest in the outdoors really.

Now? I love being in my woods. I take a hike there most mornings.

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

I've had dogs almost my whole life, but for a few months here and there. I enjoy their intelligence and camaraderie. I also like how they are smarter than me with regards to certain things, and that keeps me humble. I also really appreciate my donkey, but I don't know that he 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?

For all the talk about global climate change, to me the massive extinction rates are far more scary for they have great ramifications for the environment and how niches of species can die off, etc.

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

Think what your grandchildren's world is going to be like if we continue to consume like we are.

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