Independent conservation biologist
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
staring in to the eyes of a mountain gorilla and seeing him think, or seeing my first leopard at night.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Anywhere quiet and away from human footprint. The african savannah is best! Yosemite is a pretty good second.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Leopard- just so beautiful and appears intelligent. - can go from gentle majestic mother to fearsome predator instantly.
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?
resource use (especially fish and drinking water) and overpopulation
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
eat local produce and cut down on meat and fish consumption
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
November 11, 2009
Amelia
Private citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest long-term impact is likely the relationship I've had with my cat of 15 years. Understanding an animal as a friend can be more enlightening in some ways than understanding another human, because the social norms are different, even the morals are different, given the human has a higher level of power than the animal. And yet, every time I trick my cat into coming when I ask if she wants treats, I cannot lie to her and withhold treats, as the social and moral norms of a human can only change so much. Essentially, a person can learn their social/moral standards by what they can and cannot do (e.g. lie) to an animal. The most important natural event of my life was last summer, when I climbed a series of mountains in Snowden National Park. It was my first time climbing without ropes and away from the tourist trails. The beauty and the danger of the climb culminated in an experience of awe I've not had before. I'm terrified of heights, and climbing with ropes is such a different experience than climbing without equipment. The former is the power of man against nature, the latter is the power of nature against man. The Welsh rocks and weather nearly bested me, and I remember it as a testament to the inevitable powerlessness.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I've always loved the woods. As a kid I used to kick about in one of our backyards atop a small mountain, jumping around rocks and examining plants and turtles (if I could find them). I used to love getting lost and exploring further and further away from the trail. Now I love Dartmoor National Park--the tors and woodland and ponies and hidden rivers. It reminds me of a tamed Peter Jackson's Rohan.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Most people would tell you my favorite animal is the cat, and I do love cats (likely because of my answer in #1). But cats are a sort of default for me, I'm constantly fascinated with different species--african elephants and foxes have been the latest. Insects are a growing interest as well.
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?
The conflict of human economy and natural ecology is the greatest environmental challenge. I think it always has been and that it will continue to create political and environmental problems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Understand the scientific method of thought. Learn how to find and think critically about the information available.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest long-term impact is likely the relationship I've had with my cat of 15 years. Understanding an animal as a friend can be more enlightening in some ways than understanding another human, because the social norms are different, even the morals are different, given the human has a higher level of power than the animal. And yet, every time I trick my cat into coming when I ask if she wants treats, I cannot lie to her and withhold treats, as the social and moral norms of a human can only change so much. Essentially, a person can learn their social/moral standards by what they can and cannot do (e.g. lie) to an animal. The most important natural event of my life was last summer, when I climbed a series of mountains in Snowden National Park. It was my first time climbing without ropes and away from the tourist trails. The beauty and the danger of the climb culminated in an experience of awe I've not had before. I'm terrified of heights, and climbing with ropes is such a different experience than climbing without equipment. The former is the power of man against nature, the latter is the power of nature against man. The Welsh rocks and weather nearly bested me, and I remember it as a testament to the inevitable powerlessness.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I've always loved the woods. As a kid I used to kick about in one of our backyards atop a small mountain, jumping around rocks and examining plants and turtles (if I could find them). I used to love getting lost and exploring further and further away from the trail. Now I love Dartmoor National Park--the tors and woodland and ponies and hidden rivers. It reminds me of a tamed Peter Jackson's Rohan.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Most people would tell you my favorite animal is the cat, and I do love cats (likely because of my answer in #1). But cats are a sort of default for me, I'm constantly fascinated with different species--african elephants and foxes have been the latest. Insects are a growing interest as well.
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?
The conflict of human economy and natural ecology is the greatest environmental challenge. I think it always has been and that it will continue to create political and environmental problems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Understand the scientific method of thought. Learn how to find and think critically about the information available.
Gail
Zookeeper
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have so many that as a whole they have made me very sensitive to animal and environmental abuse.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Up in the hills just, out in the desert, anywhere out in nature.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants and Lions. When bonded with them you are like family.
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?
Educating people and getting them to believe in it!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We reap what we sow. (so think about it)
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have so many that as a whole they have made me very sensitive to animal and environmental abuse.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Up in the hills just, out in the desert, anywhere out in nature.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants and Lions. When bonded with them you are like family.
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?
Educating people and getting them to believe in it!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We reap what we sow. (so think about it)
Meena Nareshwar
Centre for Environment Education (CEE) (www.ceeindia.org)
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Outdoor camping - experiencing the outdoor and yet being disciplined
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes I did, and I am based in India and visiting the tiger reserve and bird sanctuaries are still my favourite.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Butterfly - a jewel for the eye and sign of total freedom!!!
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?
Consumerism, natural resource depletion, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching and illegal trade Future: Natural and man-made disasters
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To follow the 3 R's and be less consumeristic!!!!! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Outdoor camping - experiencing the outdoor and yet being disciplined
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes I did, and I am based in India and visiting the tiger reserve and bird sanctuaries are still my favourite.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Butterfly - a jewel for the eye and sign of total freedom!!!
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?
Consumerism, natural resource depletion, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching and illegal trade Future: Natural and man-made disasters
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To follow the 3 R's and be less consumeristic!!!!! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Warren W. Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist - Self-employed
Jul 23, 2009 1:15:51 AM
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The time I overturned a horse truck while watching a lazuli bunting instead of the road (no one was hurt, but there was an impact).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: The river behind our house (we lived on the banks of the lower Umatilla) Now: The Steens Mountain of southeast Oregon
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
River otter -- it's intelligent, playful, amphibious and circumpolar in distribution; just like my family.
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?
Now: Climate change Future: Balancing human consumption so as to sustain the natural world while providing socio-economic equity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Creation is a masterpiece, deserving our devout stewardship.
Jul 23, 2009 1:15:51 AM
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The time I overturned a horse truck while watching a lazuli bunting instead of the road (no one was hurt, but there was an impact).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: The river behind our house (we lived on the banks of the lower Umatilla) Now: The Steens Mountain of southeast Oregon
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
River otter -- it's intelligent, playful, amphibious and circumpolar in distribution; just like my family.
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?
Now: Climate change Future: Balancing human consumption so as to sustain the natural world while providing socio-economic equity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Creation is a masterpiece, deserving our devout stewardship.
Barbara
Landscape Architect
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
grandparents in Germany lived within walking distance to the beach and a forest - we got to play in both unsupervised; father was military so we traveled overseas and I spent one year (9th grade) in a school in Germany (German school...not an Am. school); received a small zoo set (with the plastic zoo animals, cage bars, and plastic 'base' with circular path and moated cages...wanted to 'save the zoo world' because I thought it was a prison and the animals must be miserable...I was not quite 10 years old
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
then: the forest at my grandparents now: not sure....some evenings listening to the frogs and coyotes in the drainage 'creek' (ditch) behind our house
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
wolf...not sure. have always liked them and been fascinated by them...but having a cat now, I am very interested in cats...maybe my new '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?
getting people here to 'think beyond themselves' and making steps to drive less, buy locally...okay, a lot of those things we hear a lot about. I think that there is a lot of lip service about being green and yet when construction takes place, the same type of materials and thinking goes into the development of the facilities...and although cities say they want to be 'green' often the 'higer-ups' don't help the information trickle down to the folks that work in the 'bottom' ie maintenance. Our dependence on 'easy', quick, and 'happy'.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Start thinking beyond yourself. If we are trying to tell other countries what to do, we should model it: stop deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitat, etc. Sacrifice something for your kids and grandkids!
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
grandparents in Germany lived within walking distance to the beach and a forest - we got to play in both unsupervised; father was military so we traveled overseas and I spent one year (9th grade) in a school in Germany (German school...not an Am. school); received a small zoo set (with the plastic zoo animals, cage bars, and plastic 'base' with circular path and moated cages...wanted to 'save the zoo world' because I thought it was a prison and the animals must be miserable...I was not quite 10 years old
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
then: the forest at my grandparents now: not sure....some evenings listening to the frogs and coyotes in the drainage 'creek' (ditch) behind our house
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
wolf...not sure. have always liked them and been fascinated by them...but having a cat now, I am very interested in cats...maybe my new '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?
getting people here to 'think beyond themselves' and making steps to drive less, buy locally...okay, a lot of those things we hear a lot about. I think that there is a lot of lip service about being green and yet when construction takes place, the same type of materials and thinking goes into the development of the facilities...and although cities say they want to be 'green' often the 'higer-ups' don't help the information trickle down to the folks that work in the 'bottom' ie maintenance. Our dependence on 'easy', quick, and 'happy'.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Start thinking beyond yourself. If we are trying to tell other countries what to do, we should model it: stop deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitat, etc. Sacrifice something for your kids and grandkids!
DR. A. RAJENDRAN
LIFE CARE PHYTO REMEDIES
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
NATURE/HERBAL
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Ooty now it is slightly polluted
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Dog, good for watching
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 conerting in to organic practice of cultivation
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
promotion of eco friendly concept will give better biorational tool to protect environment
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
NATURE/HERBAL
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Ooty now it is slightly polluted
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Dog, good for watching
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 conerting in to organic practice of cultivation
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
promotion of eco friendly concept will give better biorational tool to protect environment
Satya Prakash Mehra
Project Manager - Rajputana Society of Natural History
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Local/ regional extinction of the common resident birds made me to get involved in the conservation works.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I usually kept on exploring the world's oldest hills - the Aravallis of Rajasthan, India
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love birds. Green Avadavat (Amandava formosa) is one of my favorite bird.
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?
Loss of Green Cover/ Habitat alteration is the greatest challenge of present world and Climate Change is the greatest future challenge.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save Nature, Nurture Future.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Local/ regional extinction of the common resident birds made me to get involved in the conservation works.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I usually kept on exploring the world's oldest hills - the Aravallis of Rajasthan, India
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love birds. Green Avadavat (Amandava formosa) is one of my favorite bird.
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?
Loss of Green Cover/ Habitat alteration is the greatest challenge of present world and Climate Change is the greatest future challenge.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save Nature, Nurture Future.
Carol Coogan
Writer/Artist
(http://members.upstateartistsguild.org/CarolCoogan)
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Presently, the daily experience of seeing, hearing or taking time to notice the natural world makes me feel connected to something larger, mysterious, miraculous and inspiring. I noticed things in nature and studied everything about it from an early age. Finding an orphaned baby raccoon while in art school in Pittsburgh, and successfully raising and returning it to it's natural lifestyle had a big impact on me. It made me want to be a person who helps and heals and protects our Earth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
In my childhood, I lived in the city, but used to go to a part of the year where there were lilac trees, gooseberry bushes and lilies of the valley, and listen and watch for birds, or go behind the garage where I could pretend I was living in the woods or a cave. Now I greatly enjoy anywhere where that is a natural setting, but I am partial to areas where there is water: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, waterfalls, the ocean. I love the sound of water, and the wildlife it attracts.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cats are fascinating to me. Smart. Beautiful. They are like living art... the way they move. Distinct personalities. They can be very affectionate if domesticated, yet are still wild. The raven, but that is more because of its symbolism... a totem animal thing...
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?
We are destroying the earth. There is no long-term larger view when corporations are considering their immediate profit margins. We consume and consume and deplete and deplete, and its such a waste. Changing weather patterns and fluctuations in temperature will be our greatest challenge, and water. Clean, pure drinking water will be in short supply, and there will be great problems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop consuming so much, live a simpler life, educate yourself about green energy options and recycling and do whatever you can to leave a lighter carbon footprint. Eat more natural less processed foods. Become an activist.
(http://members.upstateartistsguild.org/CarolCoogan)
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Presently, the daily experience of seeing, hearing or taking time to notice the natural world makes me feel connected to something larger, mysterious, miraculous and inspiring. I noticed things in nature and studied everything about it from an early age. Finding an orphaned baby raccoon while in art school in Pittsburgh, and successfully raising and returning it to it's natural lifestyle had a big impact on me. It made me want to be a person who helps and heals and protects our Earth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
In my childhood, I lived in the city, but used to go to a part of the year where there were lilac trees, gooseberry bushes and lilies of the valley, and listen and watch for birds, or go behind the garage where I could pretend I was living in the woods or a cave. Now I greatly enjoy anywhere where that is a natural setting, but I am partial to areas where there is water: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, waterfalls, the ocean. I love the sound of water, and the wildlife it attracts.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cats are fascinating to me. Smart. Beautiful. They are like living art... the way they move. Distinct personalities. They can be very affectionate if domesticated, yet are still wild. The raven, but that is more because of its symbolism... a totem animal thing...
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?
We are destroying the earth. There is no long-term larger view when corporations are considering their immediate profit margins. We consume and consume and deplete and deplete, and its such a waste. Changing weather patterns and fluctuations in temperature will be our greatest challenge, and water. Clean, pure drinking water will be in short supply, and there will be great problems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop consuming so much, live a simpler life, educate yourself about green energy options and recycling and do whatever you can to leave a lighter carbon footprint. Eat more natural less processed foods. Become an activist.
Lorca León Cayasso
Student at CATIE
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Well, I´m a forestry engineer working on the tropics. My biggest impact I had was to know: 1. An arborescent fern 2. Golfo Dulce and PenÃnsula de Osa in Costa Rica
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
-In my childhood I had a lot of places!! maybe the nearest one was the beach, like 300 mts from my house in Limón City, Playa Bonita Beach in Costa Rica -Now, umm it is difficult to choose one, I have a lot. I can not choose right now, so: 1. Osa PenÃnsula, Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park 2. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge 3. Manuel Antonio Park and around
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Domestic: Dogs. Because they are friendly. In the wild: maybe Whales, because they are big and peaceful
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?
1. The biggest challenge I think is the fuel source. 2. In the future, forest depletion and food production
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To be consistent with the good. Change from the consumerism to the share.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Well, I´m a forestry engineer working on the tropics. My biggest impact I had was to know: 1. An arborescent fern 2. Golfo Dulce and PenÃnsula de Osa in Costa Rica
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
-In my childhood I had a lot of places!! maybe the nearest one was the beach, like 300 mts from my house in Limón City, Playa Bonita Beach in Costa Rica -Now, umm it is difficult to choose one, I have a lot. I can not choose right now, so: 1. Osa PenÃnsula, Golfo Dulce and Corcovado National Park 2. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge 3. Manuel Antonio Park and around
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Domestic: Dogs. Because they are friendly. In the wild: maybe Whales, because they are big and peaceful
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?
1. The biggest challenge I think is the fuel source. 2. In the future, forest depletion and food production
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To be consistent with the good. Change from the consumerism to the share.
Ardeith Carter
Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Standing in the Chesapeake Bay, up to my knees in water, with the Moon setting to my right, and the Sun rising on my left......it was magic.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Anywhere I could find a tree to climb. Now.....under the young oak tree beside my front deck.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Of the animals who are still able to roam the wilds, I think my favorite is the bear. The she-bear. Very protective of her cubs, very nurturing.
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?
Trying to clean up the mess we've made, and for the future, trying to see that we don't make any more such messes.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We have only the one Earth, and it is up to us to choose how we live upon Her. We are the only animals that can make such conscious choices.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Standing in the Chesapeake Bay, up to my knees in water, with the Moon setting to my right, and the Sun rising on my left......it was magic.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Anywhere I could find a tree to climb. Now.....under the young oak tree beside my front deck.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Of the animals who are still able to roam the wilds, I think my favorite is the bear. The she-bear. Very protective of her cubs, very nurturing.
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?
Trying to clean up the mess we've made, and for the future, trying to see that we don't make any more such messes.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We have only the one Earth, and it is up to us to choose how we live upon Her. We are the only animals that can make such conscious choices.
Carissa Wood
Student
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fish and going for walks in the woods.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My favorite place out doors is anywhere you can just set up a tent and camp out under the stars.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sharks because i use to be scared of them until i studied them and learned more about them.
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 think the greatest challenge is the demand for gas because it's destroying nature.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't litter or trash anything in nature because by your actions could stop you great grand children from seeing nature.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fish and going for walks in the woods.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My favorite place out doors is anywhere you can just set up a tent and camp out under the stars.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sharks because i use to be scared of them until i studied them and learned more about them.
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 think the greatest challenge is the demand for gas because it's destroying nature.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't litter or trash anything in nature because by your actions could stop you great grand children from seeing nature.
Dave D.
Grad. student - Southern Illinois University
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My time working at eco-resorts in the Bahamas and on the island of Dominica. It is amazing to still be able to find such beautiful stretches of nature that have been left relatively unblemished by the hands of man. Places like those keep me hopeful that we may not feed our hunger for development and expansion to every corner of the earth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child, I enjoyed camping trips throughout northern Michigan. Those trips planted the seed of environmental conservation and appreciation in me. Now, my favorite place would have to be the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, though I simply love sitting in the grass in my backyard and gazing at the sky.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Amphibians in general; more specifically, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Yellow-legged frog. Predominantly because that is what I am currently studying and because they are declining rapidly--I would be heartbroken to see them follow the paths of some of the other unfortunate species of frogs.
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?
Water. I believe it is vastly underestimated behind climate change, energy issues, etc. Our accessibility to clean water will become the pressing issue of this century.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and cherish it/them. If you don't, no one may never get the chance to again.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My time working at eco-resorts in the Bahamas and on the island of Dominica. It is amazing to still be able to find such beautiful stretches of nature that have been left relatively unblemished by the hands of man. Places like those keep me hopeful that we may not feed our hunger for development and expansion to every corner of the earth.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child, I enjoyed camping trips throughout northern Michigan. Those trips planted the seed of environmental conservation and appreciation in me. Now, my favorite place would have to be the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, though I simply love sitting in the grass in my backyard and gazing at the sky.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Amphibians in general; more specifically, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Yellow-legged frog. Predominantly because that is what I am currently studying and because they are declining rapidly--I would be heartbroken to see them follow the paths of some of the other unfortunate species of frogs.
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?
Water. I believe it is vastly underestimated behind climate change, energy issues, etc. Our accessibility to clean water will become the pressing issue of this century.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and cherish it/them. If you don't, no one may never get the chance to again.
Susan Hendler
Lic. Outdoor Guide, Registered Nurse
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There are many, but a significant event was hearing spring peepers for the first time on a college biology field trip in Queens, NY. Amazing!!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child I loved to climb a huge old maple tree across from my house and just sit up there alone with the 'human world' beneath me and the squirrels and birds amongst me. My favorite place now is a small pond in the woods near my home that no one goes to but me. I sit quietly near the shore and watch and listen to Life.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love and cherish all wildlife, but I am most drawn to wild dogs (wolves, coyotes, african hunting dogs, etc) and especially the two New Guinea Singing Dogs I share my home with. I'm not sure why canids are among my favorite animals, maybe because most are social animals and I admire their natural intelligence.
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 (human)
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We are one small part of Mother Earth, no more important than any other life form on this planet, and we need to stop behaving like a lethal virus!!
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There are many, but a significant event was hearing spring peepers for the first time on a college biology field trip in Queens, NY. Amazing!!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child I loved to climb a huge old maple tree across from my house and just sit up there alone with the 'human world' beneath me and the squirrels and birds amongst me. My favorite place now is a small pond in the woods near my home that no one goes to but me. I sit quietly near the shore and watch and listen to Life.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love and cherish all wildlife, but I am most drawn to wild dogs (wolves, coyotes, african hunting dogs, etc) and especially the two New Guinea Singing Dogs I share my home with. I'm not sure why canids are among my favorite animals, maybe because most are social animals and I admire their natural intelligence.
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 (human)
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We are one small part of Mother Earth, no more important than any other life form on this planet, and we need to stop behaving like a lethal virus!!
Larry Schauff
Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being part of ensuring needs of animals as much as I can, food, water, shelter.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Anywhere 'wild'. Don't like being around people.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't really have a fav., I seem to like them all the same, why not?
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?
Ensuring clean water, now. Future, air if we don't start making major change to make it cleaner, or less dirty.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Conserve.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
There are so many distractions in today's life. I hope people 'wake up' soon and realize that they are the change this world needs. Good luck Jeremy
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being part of ensuring needs of animals as much as I can, food, water, shelter.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Anywhere 'wild'. Don't like being around people.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't really have a fav., I seem to like them all the same, why not?
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?
Ensuring clean water, now. Future, air if we don't start making major change to make it cleaner, or less dirty.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Conserve.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
There are so many distractions in today's life. I hope people 'wake up' soon and realize that they are the change this world needs. Good luck Jeremy
Bill Smart
Bill Smart Consulting
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
eating hamburgers
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood - playing in the cornfields Now - playing golf
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Aardvark - because the spelling of its name starts with double A's.
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?
Now and in the future - realizing and accepting that we, as humans, do not know what is the best thing in the long-term for the environment.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Just be human and don't try to overthink and certainly do not try to control the environment or its continuing evolution, even if it seems like its going the 'wrong way'. We're just not smart enough to make that kind of determination and probably never will be. Trust Nature.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
eating hamburgers
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood - playing in the cornfields Now - playing golf
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Aardvark - because the spelling of its name starts with double A's.
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?
Now and in the future - realizing and accepting that we, as humans, do not know what is the best thing in the long-term for the environment.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Just be human and don't try to overthink and certainly do not try to control the environment or its continuing evolution, even if it seems like its going the 'wrong way'. We're just not smart enough to make that kind of determination and probably never will be. Trust Nature.
Steve West
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
30 years of banding Cave Swallows has taught me much about a single species and it's role and the intricacies of one species
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
my favorite place now are the nearby Guadalupe Mountains where there are great canyons to hike in and plenty of wilderness (33,000 acres). As a kid it was walking along the Pecos River near my home town of Loving, NM
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Picking my favorite animal is TOUGH! Cave Swallow (which I've banded 20,000 of over 30 years), White-throated Swift, Giraffe, American Swallow-tailed Kite, it's tough!
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 of people and excessive use of resources by rich countries, and I think that will continue to be the problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Have no more than 2 kids or better yet adopt (I have 2 daughters and 3 grandkids)
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
30 years of banding Cave Swallows has taught me much about a single species and it's role and the intricacies of one species
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
my favorite place now are the nearby Guadalupe Mountains where there are great canyons to hike in and plenty of wilderness (33,000 acres). As a kid it was walking along the Pecos River near my home town of Loving, NM
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Picking my favorite animal is TOUGH! Cave Swallow (which I've banded 20,000 of over 30 years), White-throated Swift, Giraffe, American Swallow-tailed Kite, it's tough!
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 of people and excessive use of resources by rich countries, and I think that will continue to be the problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Have no more than 2 kids or better yet adopt (I have 2 daughters and 3 grandkids)
Christie
Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I'm not sure about in my entire life, but I live in L.A. and when I was in Basalt, CO this past weekend and I looked up at night I almost pissed my pants there were so many stars.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The beach, and the beach
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is a sea hare because they are slimey and beautiful and they squirt ink...and they are always out in the tide pools.
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 think it is now and always will be the destruction of rain-forests because it is irreversible.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you consume!
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I'm not sure about in my entire life, but I live in L.A. and when I was in Basalt, CO this past weekend and I looked up at night I almost pissed my pants there were so many stars.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The beach, and the beach
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is a sea hare because they are slimey and beautiful and they squirt ink...and they are always out in the tide pools.
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 think it is now and always will be the destruction of rain-forests because it is irreversible.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you consume!
Thomas
Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Volunteering over the years with the Nature Conservancy in the Honouliuli Preserve on O'ahu, Hawaii.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, as a child the creek on my relative's farm. Now, the Wai'anai mountains on O'ahu Hawaii.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The usual, dogs, cats, and tortoises.
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?
Population control
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get outdoors and stay off the pavement. Sorry, that's two. Take your choice.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
Regarding religious or spiritual considerations: I feel far closer to God when in nature, than when in church.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Volunteering over the years with the Nature Conservancy in the Honouliuli Preserve on O'ahu, Hawaii.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, as a child the creek on my relative's farm. Now, the Wai'anai mountains on O'ahu Hawaii.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The usual, dogs, cats, and tortoises.
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?
Population control
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get outdoors and stay off the pavement. Sorry, that's two. Take your choice.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
Regarding religious or spiritual considerations: I feel far closer to God when in nature, than when in church.
Bill Miller
Conservation Chair - Fort Collins Audubon Society
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Birds foraging in leaves on an early morning in an eastern forest.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
A wooded area that became replaced by the municipal landfill. I have many of them now.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The American Avocet. Gorgeous breeding colors.
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 climate disruption. Global climate disruption.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Preserve it. It is your home, too, and they aren't making any more of it.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Birds foraging in leaves on an early morning in an eastern forest.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
A wooded area that became replaced by the municipal landfill. I have many of them now.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The American Avocet. Gorgeous breeding colors.
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 climate disruption. Global climate disruption.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Preserve it. It is your home, too, and they aren't making any more of it.
Angus Parker
WiserEarth
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fly fishing in the Catskills
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marin Headlands north of San Francisco
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Bilby - really into marsupials, especially rare and strange looking ones!
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?
Invasive mammals (particularly on islands) and in the future climate change
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We depend on the environment - if we damage it as we are then it will turn around an hurt us (e.g. Katrina) - so we have to reduce our over consumption of the earth's resources - reduce our footprint and our numbers.
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Fly fishing in the Catskills
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marin Headlands north of San Francisco
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Bilby - really into marsupials, especially rare and strange looking ones!
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?
Invasive mammals (particularly on islands) and in the future climate change
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We depend on the environment - if we damage it as we are then it will turn around an hurt us (e.g. Katrina) - so we have to reduce our over consumption of the earth's resources - reduce our footprint and our numbers.
James
Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in the country
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
yes, Berkshire, still the same.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cat good pet.
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?
Water shortage
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Read An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in the country
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
yes, Berkshire, still the same.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cat good pet.
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?
Water shortage
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Read An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming
David Taylor
Private citizen
Jul 21, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on a small family farm I witnessed the life cycles of many animals and the important balance between man, development, and nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: anywhere outdoors where I could explore Now: I feel most centered when I am on the water (kayaking)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a child it was whales- by age 5 I was sure I would be a marine biologist, or sail with Sea Sheppard.
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?
Today we have manipulated the world so nature no longer has a place- moose, bears, deer in the suburbs being treated as invasive species. Man living in artificial ecosystems in the desert- Las Vegas (really the entire SW) that will not be able to support continued development without further decimating the surrounding area. The Colorado River has been reduced to a muddy tickle due to siphoning of water for wanton development.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It is ok to hunt and eat animals- man is the alpha predator on the food chain. When you have dozens of deer eating your suburban landscaping, and see deer carcasses strewn alongside the highways how can you castigate those of us who cull the herds for consumption?
Jul 21, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on a small family farm I witnessed the life cycles of many animals and the important balance between man, development, and nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: anywhere outdoors where I could explore Now: I feel most centered when I am on the water (kayaking)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a child it was whales- by age 5 I was sure I would be a marine biologist, or sail with Sea Sheppard.
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?
Today we have manipulated the world so nature no longer has a place- moose, bears, deer in the suburbs being treated as invasive species. Man living in artificial ecosystems in the desert- Las Vegas (really the entire SW) that will not be able to support continued development without further decimating the surrounding area. The Colorado River has been reduced to a muddy tickle due to siphoning of water for wanton development.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It is ok to hunt and eat animals- man is the alpha predator on the food chain. When you have dozens of deer eating your suburban landscaping, and see deer carcasses strewn alongside the highways how can you castigate those of us who cull the herds for consumption?
aldrin edgar b dy
Private citizen - Philippines
Jul 19, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
anything tame
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
in the mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my favorite is the tame one because they make me happy
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 swine flu
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Dont sit in your chairs do something to save mother nature
Jul 19, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
anything tame
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
in the mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my favorite is the tame one because they make me happy
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 swine flu
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Dont sit in your chairs do something to save mother nature
Jenny Ketterlin
Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs - FL Fish and Wildlife Commission
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Playing outside, camping, collecting snakes, fishing, all when I was a little kid shaped by my perspective on the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood-playing in creeks Now-the Olympic peninsula
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Horses and cats--just animals I've always loved
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?
The greatest challenge for both is sustaining our environment with an ever-growing and developing population.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about how your actions are always linked to the environment; everything you buy, use, and how you do it has an impact.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Playing outside, camping, collecting snakes, fishing, all when I was a little kid shaped by my perspective on the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood-playing in creeks Now-the Olympic peninsula
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Horses and cats--just animals I've always loved
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?
The greatest challenge for both is sustaining our environment with an ever-growing and developing population.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about how your actions are always linked to the environment; everything you buy, use, and how you do it has an impact.
Cheryl Binstock
Creator/Webmaster - Our Enchanted Garden (http://www.ourenchantedgarden.net)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I went through a major career change, twice in my life, I would be drawn to spend more time in the garden. Became inspired to watch the birds and animals more closely and then eventually got to the photography and writing and web designs I do now, though still none of it "professionally" I actually work at a low paid clerk job simply to cover the expenses of the house and keeping my site and writing, etc. growing!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Favourite place as a child was always the woods, the trees seemed to soothe me somehow. I still love trees and sense their personalities in ways hard to describe. The trees that surround our garden are like great protectors of our personal garden experiment. Our backyard is now my favourite place, but I like visiting the great lakes, the Niagara River (hometown) and the Rocky Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Really hard to nail down... but in the past 12 years or so it's been mountain lions. Got many (psychic) nudges about those cats while traveling and camping in Colorado's 14'ers. was on a bit of a vision quest at that time and the she cat came through strong, we found fur pellets (lion hair balls? he he!) along some of our trails and even spotted one young cat slinking back into the shadows under some tumbled rocks on a hillside.
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?
Stopping the reckless consumerism that is ravaging the wild spaces and living spaces alike. People must become intimately aware with their our natural connection with the world around them and far less focus on the world society tries to force us to fit into!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Where-ever you are, no matter if it's the wilderness or the urban center, always remember you are a part of nature, not apart from it. We are immersed in a natural world and it's time to each take a part in helping the earth return to her natural state. Our garden has naturalized sections that belong simply to nature. The birds plant their seeds there through their droppings, squirrels and chipmunks leave things behind that grow, the wind offers up more of the same. We simply assist by removing debris and thinning from time to time. Area insects, birds and critters seem to do well in the yard now where there was little life 14 years ago! (postage stamp front yard turned meadow, is one example!) If nothing else; xeriscaping should be THE word in gardening projects, (landscaping for low, low water requirements)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I went through a major career change, twice in my life, I would be drawn to spend more time in the garden. Became inspired to watch the birds and animals more closely and then eventually got to the photography and writing and web designs I do now, though still none of it "professionally" I actually work at a low paid clerk job simply to cover the expenses of the house and keeping my site and writing, etc. growing!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Favourite place as a child was always the woods, the trees seemed to soothe me somehow. I still love trees and sense their personalities in ways hard to describe. The trees that surround our garden are like great protectors of our personal garden experiment. Our backyard is now my favourite place, but I like visiting the great lakes, the Niagara River (hometown) and the Rocky Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Really hard to nail down... but in the past 12 years or so it's been mountain lions. Got many (psychic) nudges about those cats while traveling and camping in Colorado's 14'ers. was on a bit of a vision quest at that time and the she cat came through strong, we found fur pellets (lion hair balls? he he!) along some of our trails and even spotted one young cat slinking back into the shadows under some tumbled rocks on a hillside.
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?
Stopping the reckless consumerism that is ravaging the wild spaces and living spaces alike. People must become intimately aware with their our natural connection with the world around them and far less focus on the world society tries to force us to fit into!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Where-ever you are, no matter if it's the wilderness or the urban center, always remember you are a part of nature, not apart from it. We are immersed in a natural world and it's time to each take a part in helping the earth return to her natural state. Our garden has naturalized sections that belong simply to nature. The birds plant their seeds there through their droppings, squirrels and chipmunks leave things behind that grow, the wind offers up more of the same. We simply assist by removing debris and thinning from time to time. Area insects, birds and critters seem to do well in the yard now where there was little life 14 years ago! (postage stamp front yard turned meadow, is one example!) If nothing else; xeriscaping should be THE word in gardening projects, (landscaping for low, low water requirements)
Michelle McIlroy
Teacher - Coxsackie-Athens CSD
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Living and working in the Adirondacks- dealing with bears that have become too humanized, trying to work to be as green as possible to leave as little impact on the tender Adirondack area as possible...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Early childhood: the "swamp" behind our house. Later childhood: tie between the "swamp" and the trails and lakes of the Adirondack Mts. Now: The wild areas around the ocean in Maine, the Adirondacks. I am still pretty partial to the acres behind my house.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love them all... I really think I do. I am extremely impressed by the entire cat family for their stealth and power. I am fascinated by aquatic/marine animals- whales, especially- they are designed perfectly for their surroundings.
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 of the world by humans- either way, this will be the greatest now and in the future, because it not only triggers global climate change, but urban sprawl, pollution, loss of habitat... humans are straining the planet for resources that are not limitless.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Do everything you can. It may seem insignificant to use a washable coffee cup, for example, or to buy green/fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, but if every person of the 6 billion + on earth were behaving that way, it would add up!
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Living and working in the Adirondacks- dealing with bears that have become too humanized, trying to work to be as green as possible to leave as little impact on the tender Adirondack area as possible...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Early childhood: the "swamp" behind our house. Later childhood: tie between the "swamp" and the trails and lakes of the Adirondack Mts. Now: The wild areas around the ocean in Maine, the Adirondacks. I am still pretty partial to the acres behind my house.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love them all... I really think I do. I am extremely impressed by the entire cat family for their stealth and power. I am fascinated by aquatic/marine animals- whales, especially- they are designed perfectly for their surroundings.
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 of the world by humans- either way, this will be the greatest now and in the future, because it not only triggers global climate change, but urban sprawl, pollution, loss of habitat... humans are straining the planet for resources that are not limitless.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Do everything you can. It may seem insignificant to use a washable coffee cup, for example, or to buy green/fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, but if every person of the 6 billion + on earth were behaving that way, it would add up!
Stjepan
Private citizen - Croatia
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to select one. Its kind of a every day symbiosis with the animals and plants around my house (i live in the country).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes its on a field where i run every day, i see a lot of rabbits and birds there and that makes me feel ...real is the word i think
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
i like em all ..but i think i would go for dog, because my dog is very supportive and a loyal friend.
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?
The rising of heat. getting rid of money and the capitalism way of life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
plant a tree, it takes you only 30min and it can be your friend for life.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to select one. Its kind of a every day symbiosis with the animals and plants around my house (i live in the country).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes its on a field where i run every day, i see a lot of rabbits and birds there and that makes me feel ...real is the word i think
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
i like em all ..but i think i would go for dog, because my dog is very supportive and a loyal friend.
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?
The rising of heat. getting rid of money and the capitalism way of life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
plant a tree, it takes you only 30min and it can be your friend for life.
C. Marshall
The Ship Inn (bar staff)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having my cat. She is 2 years old and everyday she learns something new and endearing everyday.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, any place where there are old, strong trees around me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants as they have a great sense of community. They can have a cheeky sense of humor but are still really strong, powerful creatures.
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 feel the dwindling forests and increases in the endangered species lists is a challenge for now and the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Recycle and try your best to aid local ecosystems.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having my cat. She is 2 years old and everyday she learns something new and endearing everyday.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, any place where there are old, strong trees around me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants as they have a great sense of community. They can have a cheeky sense of humor but are still really strong, powerful creatures.
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 feel the dwindling forests and increases in the endangered species lists is a challenge for now and the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Recycle and try your best to aid local ecosystems.
Anonymous
Private citizen
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All interaction with nature has had a large impact on me. My grandmother worked voluntary for WIRES before she died and so my house and yard was always filled with animals being cared for. Particularly in the last two years, I have had a pet bird, an Indian Ringneck, who I absolutely love, his personality, innocence, and trust in me is a very special thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes my favourite place as a child was the beach, and particularly now, I love Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales, where the Kangaroos roam the beach in their natural habitat. The wildlife on the beach is amazing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
All birds. I believe birds are amazing, beautiful and intelligent creatures.
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?
The greatest challenge facing the environment I believe is simply the fact that a HUGE majority of people do not respect it. If people had a little more respect for the environment, then they would be able to contribute to a more sustainable future for the environment. Education is a major factor. As a teacher, my number one aim throughout my career is to educate children about respect for the environment and all life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". I believe this quote is very meaningful when you think about it. People need to have a deep think about how they want to leave the planet for future generations.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I believe education about the environment is the number one issue and start to a solution. There is not enough environmental education in schools and there needs to be a further emphasis on this.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All interaction with nature has had a large impact on me. My grandmother worked voluntary for WIRES before she died and so my house and yard was always filled with animals being cared for. Particularly in the last two years, I have had a pet bird, an Indian Ringneck, who I absolutely love, his personality, innocence, and trust in me is a very special thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes my favourite place as a child was the beach, and particularly now, I love Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales, where the Kangaroos roam the beach in their natural habitat. The wildlife on the beach is amazing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
All birds. I believe birds are amazing, beautiful and intelligent creatures.
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?
The greatest challenge facing the environment I believe is simply the fact that a HUGE majority of people do not respect it. If people had a little more respect for the environment, then they would be able to contribute to a more sustainable future for the environment. Education is a major factor. As a teacher, my number one aim throughout my career is to educate children about respect for the environment and all life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". I believe this quote is very meaningful when you think about it. People need to have a deep think about how they want to leave the planet for future generations.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I believe education about the environment is the number one issue and start to a solution. There is not enough environmental education in schools and there needs to be a further emphasis on this.
Sandra Pryor
Private citizen
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It's hard to say which had the biggest impact. I'd probably have to say having my first dog. My parents got her on my fifth birthday, and we basically grew up together. She was my best friend, she could sense when I needed her, she was very intelligent, she was more loyal than any human, and she gave unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, definitely. My father and I transplanted small pine trees from a forest that was being cut down for development. We had a huge back yard, actually more like two yards, and the part in the back was where we planted the trees. As they grew, we had our own pine forest in the back yard. It was a place of refuge and peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably dolphins, because they are so intelligent. Once at the beach, I swam out to where they were, and got so close to them that when I swam underwater, I could hear them sing. I could sense that they have a language, even though humans haven't deciphered it yet.
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'd have to say massive extinctions. Global warming and pollution are up there too, but I feel the greatest catastrophe is the sixth extinction. In the future, I'd say loss of biodiversity is the major challenge... but again, it's hard to say, because without pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and human overpopulation, we would not be driving so many species to extinction.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Remember, we are part of nature, we are not above nature, and nature has intrinsic value apart from human use of natural resources. Moreover, if humans do not live in a sustainable manner, and destroy the planet, then we will become extinct too.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It's hard to say which had the biggest impact. I'd probably have to say having my first dog. My parents got her on my fifth birthday, and we basically grew up together. She was my best friend, she could sense when I needed her, she was very intelligent, she was more loyal than any human, and she gave unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, definitely. My father and I transplanted small pine trees from a forest that was being cut down for development. We had a huge back yard, actually more like two yards, and the part in the back was where we planted the trees. As they grew, we had our own pine forest in the back yard. It was a place of refuge and peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably dolphins, because they are so intelligent. Once at the beach, I swam out to where they were, and got so close to them that when I swam underwater, I could hear them sing. I could sense that they have a language, even though humans haven't deciphered it yet.
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'd have to say massive extinctions. Global warming and pollution are up there too, but I feel the greatest catastrophe is the sixth extinction. In the future, I'd say loss of biodiversity is the major challenge... but again, it's hard to say, because without pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and human overpopulation, we would not be driving so many species to extinction.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Remember, we are part of nature, we are not above nature, and nature has intrinsic value apart from human use of natural resources. Moreover, if humans do not live in a sustainable manner, and destroy the planet, then we will become extinct too.
July 15, 2009
Thian Si Ying
Private Citizen, Singapore
Today's Date: 14 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably earthworms, although I do not really favor them as well as others because they’re often treated as ‘not-so-likeable’ earthy creatures, under the soil. But I do really admire them. I watched Discovery Channel once in my friends’ house and there was this documentary show about earthworms. My friends shriek when they saw how worms are actually like. This documentary was actually talking about these little creatures having to munch on food composts, or maybe most may call it as trash or garbage as their daily diet. “They eat almost everything.” The lady states.
As you know, planet earth is in danger of lacking of land and places because of the rubbish and trash pouring into landfills everyday, or maybe not just landfills, just bare land like some countries which people habitat in where rubbish and trash are thrown in. Plus, gases which are released from landfills example, Methane and many others, are actually greenhouse gases which ‘cause global warming, a fatal condition whereby icecaps will melt and flood low-regions or even resulting to weather conditions which might happen uncertainty.
Yet, these ‘disgusting’ creatures actually help us to dispose our daily food waste, like example, fruit and vegetable skins or even food we throw away when we cannot finish them. They serves as our ‘rubbish bin’ in a way or two and a ‘helping hand’ to reduce the waste building up. I would really admire them because such tiny creatures, also yet treated as ‘unimportant’ animals to people, actually could really make a big difference in saving our planet unlike all of us, we are not even making any effort saving our planet, this is where we live, we have to preserve it and protect it for our the future generation, as well as they can follow our steps and continue to preserve our planet, the only planet which can withstands survival. If this planet is going to be destroyed, it’ll be finished just like that, under our hands.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably the beach. I like listening to the sound of the sea waves and to actually take a stroll and sense Mother Nature, it brings us closer to nature in a way or two, indeed. Riding the bicycle and enjoying the sea breeze is also a kind of pleasure, to actually relieve one’s stress and troubles.
Now? Maybe just a plain green field. Although there’s nothing unique or special about a plain green field but you can actually enjoy the silence, the serenity as well as nature’s presence. It’s a place whereby you can just lie down and gaze at the sky without any disturbance or worries. I should say that nature is Man’s best friend nowadays because people are often stressed out with work or maybe school, especially in this modern society where competing is crucial and people would probably be having a high chance of getting mental disorders like Depression. Even a plain green field like that could really help to one’s busy man’s life.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As I say, although I used to hate earthworms, but now, I guess I’m favoring it because of its ‘special diet’.
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 is the biggest threat the planet has ever faced and it’s happening now which isn’t a good omen for our future generation. As all of us now are actually not contributing any effort to save our planet, our future generation will suffer when it’s their turn to save the planet at the last minute. We should start doing our part to save the earth from now onwards so that the condition will not worsen if our future generation was to ‘take over’.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It’s never wise to start when the condition has worsened to the undesirable state. The earth is ours and there’re no other planets which we can survive in, we’re the only ones who can save our planet. Start conserving the natural resources from now onwards or we would be left with nothing in the future, its Mother Earth’s resources; we can’t use it for just this generation of ours.
Today's Date: 14 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably earthworms, although I do not really favor them as well as others because they’re often treated as ‘not-so-likeable’ earthy creatures, under the soil. But I do really admire them. I watched Discovery Channel once in my friends’ house and there was this documentary show about earthworms. My friends shriek when they saw how worms are actually like. This documentary was actually talking about these little creatures having to munch on food composts, or maybe most may call it as trash or garbage as their daily diet. “They eat almost everything.” The lady states.
As you know, planet earth is in danger of lacking of land and places because of the rubbish and trash pouring into landfills everyday, or maybe not just landfills, just bare land like some countries which people habitat in where rubbish and trash are thrown in. Plus, gases which are released from landfills example, Methane and many others, are actually greenhouse gases which ‘cause global warming, a fatal condition whereby icecaps will melt and flood low-regions or even resulting to weather conditions which might happen uncertainty.
Yet, these ‘disgusting’ creatures actually help us to dispose our daily food waste, like example, fruit and vegetable skins or even food we throw away when we cannot finish them. They serves as our ‘rubbish bin’ in a way or two and a ‘helping hand’ to reduce the waste building up. I would really admire them because such tiny creatures, also yet treated as ‘unimportant’ animals to people, actually could really make a big difference in saving our planet unlike all of us, we are not even making any effort saving our planet, this is where we live, we have to preserve it and protect it for our the future generation, as well as they can follow our steps and continue to preserve our planet, the only planet which can withstands survival. If this planet is going to be destroyed, it’ll be finished just like that, under our hands.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably the beach. I like listening to the sound of the sea waves and to actually take a stroll and sense Mother Nature, it brings us closer to nature in a way or two, indeed. Riding the bicycle and enjoying the sea breeze is also a kind of pleasure, to actually relieve one’s stress and troubles.
Now? Maybe just a plain green field. Although there’s nothing unique or special about a plain green field but you can actually enjoy the silence, the serenity as well as nature’s presence. It’s a place whereby you can just lie down and gaze at the sky without any disturbance or worries. I should say that nature is Man’s best friend nowadays because people are often stressed out with work or maybe school, especially in this modern society where competing is crucial and people would probably be having a high chance of getting mental disorders like Depression. Even a plain green field like that could really help to one’s busy man’s life.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As I say, although I used to hate earthworms, but now, I guess I’m favoring it because of its ‘special diet’.
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 is the biggest threat the planet has ever faced and it’s happening now which isn’t a good omen for our future generation. As all of us now are actually not contributing any effort to save our planet, our future generation will suffer when it’s their turn to save the planet at the last minute. We should start doing our part to save the earth from now onwards so that the condition will not worsen if our future generation was to ‘take over’.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It’s never wise to start when the condition has worsened to the undesirable state. The earth is ours and there’re no other planets which we can survive in, we’re the only ones who can save our planet. Start conserving the natural resources from now onwards or we would be left with nothing in the future, its Mother Earth’s resources; we can’t use it for just this generation of ours.
Lynne Flannery
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Today’s Date: 9 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child I just loved being outdoors. The time I spent exploring the wooded areas around my home in Upstate NY definitely developed my love of nature, curiosity and desire to protect it. I had several favorite spots under various trees I would regularly visit to have conversations with them. This may make me sound a bit crazy – but trees were some of my best childhood friends. I knew when I grew up I wanted to help protect all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.
My work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras also had a tremendous impact on my career. Growing up and while in college I always envisioned myself as more of a researcher doing ground work in conservation; the hard science. My two years in Honduras drastically changed this. I realized how vital education is in the overall conservation puzzle, and that this was where I best fit in. I discovered the joy in helping others learn to care for, respect and admire nature. I knew this was something I had to be a part of.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Besides the trees I mentioned visiting in the previous questions – I loved the Thousand Islands of NY. I spent time sailing, swimming and paddling in the waters of the St. Lawrence River and could never get enough!
Now? There are so many fantastic places in the world it is hard to pick one – but I will go with one that is close to home now – Everglades National Park. I have paddled many miles in this fantastic wilderness –especially the 10,000 Islands ; and always see or experience something new. I never tire of this area, and feel very privileged to live so close to an area of worldwide ecological importance. I also have no doubt that exploring it by paddle; being at the mercy of nature and needing to listen to her and respect her have heightened my affections for the Everglades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I find this changes depending on where I live, what animals I am currently working with and what local animals can make an impact on education in my area. Currently it is the crested caracara; very interesting and intelligent raptor. They are outstanding education animals as many people in Florida have never seen them although they are native. I always love exposing folks to a new species, especially one they have right in their own state they can not only view in the wild but help protect. It brings the conservation message so much closer to home.
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 global warming. Population growth which ties in directly with global warming is another top challenge. As human beings if we do not learn how to live in a more sustainable manner on our planet – we will eventually kill her.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take a look at your daily life and begin to do the little things you can to help reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Don’t just recycle and think that is enough – reuse, grow a small organic garden, compost with worms, get involved with a local environmental group, buy products with less packaging. We all have to start to make changes if we want the health of our planet to improve. There are so many decisions you can make every day to help our planet. Don’t feel like you have to save the world, start right in your own home!
Today’s Date: 9 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child I just loved being outdoors. The time I spent exploring the wooded areas around my home in Upstate NY definitely developed my love of nature, curiosity and desire to protect it. I had several favorite spots under various trees I would regularly visit to have conversations with them. This may make me sound a bit crazy – but trees were some of my best childhood friends. I knew when I grew up I wanted to help protect all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.
My work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras also had a tremendous impact on my career. Growing up and while in college I always envisioned myself as more of a researcher doing ground work in conservation; the hard science. My two years in Honduras drastically changed this. I realized how vital education is in the overall conservation puzzle, and that this was where I best fit in. I discovered the joy in helping others learn to care for, respect and admire nature. I knew this was something I had to be a part of.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Besides the trees I mentioned visiting in the previous questions – I loved the Thousand Islands of NY. I spent time sailing, swimming and paddling in the waters of the St. Lawrence River and could never get enough!
Now? There are so many fantastic places in the world it is hard to pick one – but I will go with one that is close to home now – Everglades National Park. I have paddled many miles in this fantastic wilderness –especially the 10,000 Islands ; and always see or experience something new. I never tire of this area, and feel very privileged to live so close to an area of worldwide ecological importance. I also have no doubt that exploring it by paddle; being at the mercy of nature and needing to listen to her and respect her have heightened my affections for the Everglades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I find this changes depending on where I live, what animals I am currently working with and what local animals can make an impact on education in my area. Currently it is the crested caracara; very interesting and intelligent raptor. They are outstanding education animals as many people in Florida have never seen them although they are native. I always love exposing folks to a new species, especially one they have right in their own state they can not only view in the wild but help protect. It brings the conservation message so much closer to home.
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 global warming. Population growth which ties in directly with global warming is another top challenge. As human beings if we do not learn how to live in a more sustainable manner on our planet – we will eventually kill her.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take a look at your daily life and begin to do the little things you can to help reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Don’t just recycle and think that is enough – reuse, grow a small organic garden, compost with worms, get involved with a local environmental group, buy products with less packaging. We all have to start to make changes if we want the health of our planet to improve. There are so many decisions you can make every day to help our planet. Don’t feel like you have to save the world, start right in your own home!
Sharon Stiteler
Birdchick.com
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The sandhill crane and snow goose migration in Kearney, NE in March. 40,000 sandhill cranges & 1 million snow geese. What's not to love?
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A friend's property in Mooresville, Indiana. It was like my own private state park.
Now? A friend's property near my home where I keep my bees.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Whatever bird is in front of me at the moment.
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?
Now: disunity. Future: apathy.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Make sure you actually understand the science before you argue or speak to the public about your issue. Using bad science (no matter how many press releases from "respected organizations") will make you look bad and people will not trust your message in the future.
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The sandhill crane and snow goose migration in Kearney, NE in March. 40,000 sandhill cranges & 1 million snow geese. What's not to love?
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A friend's property in Mooresville, Indiana. It was like my own private state park.
Now? A friend's property near my home where I keep my bees.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Whatever bird is in front of me at the moment.
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?
Now: disunity. Future: apathy.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Make sure you actually understand the science before you argue or speak to the public about your issue. Using bad science (no matter how many press releases from "respected organizations") will make you look bad and people will not trust your message in the future.
Tom Funke
Director of Conservation, Otis Sanctuary Resident Manager
Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising farm animals and a garden for food, as we were poor.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My parent's homestead in Bangor, Michigan
Now? Michigan Audubon Otis Sanctuary
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a former zoo educator, I will tell you that right now it is the Cerulean Warbler since it is declining so rapidly and I've never seen such a sought after bird by birdwatchers!
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?
Human overpopulation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Have no more than one child...and save your money and travel the world before you do. I did, it has worked out great!
Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising farm animals and a garden for food, as we were poor.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My parent's homestead in Bangor, Michigan
Now? Michigan Audubon Otis Sanctuary
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a former zoo educator, I will tell you that right now it is the Cerulean Warbler since it is declining so rapidly and I've never seen such a sought after bird by birdwatchers!
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?
Human overpopulation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Have no more than one child...and save your money and travel the world before you do. I did, it has worked out great!
Richard Schwartz
President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) www.JewishVeg.com and Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV)
Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY (www.asacredduty.com)
Director of Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org)
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
attending boy scout camp
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Beaches in Far Rockaway, NY
Now? High Rock Park in Staten Island
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
monkeys
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 climate change, now and in the future, since it is rapidly moving the planet to an unprecedented catastrophe.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Become a vegan and encourage others to become vegans, with an emphasis on natural, organic, local foods, because it is the most important step a person can take to help the world avoid a worldwide catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats. For more information, please see my over 140 articles and 20 podcasts at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz, and please see the documentary that I helped produce "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World" at www.ASacredDuty.com.
Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY (www.asacredduty.com)
Director of Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org)
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
attending boy scout camp
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Beaches in Far Rockaway, NY
Now? High Rock Park in Staten Island
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
monkeys
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 climate change, now and in the future, since it is rapidly moving the planet to an unprecedented catastrophe.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Become a vegan and encourage others to become vegans, with an emphasis on natural, organic, local foods, because it is the most important step a person can take to help the world avoid a worldwide catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats. For more information, please see my over 140 articles and 20 podcasts at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz, and please see the documentary that I helped produce "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World" at www.ASacredDuty.com.
Jennifer
Zoo teacher – Caldwell Zoo
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.
Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?
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?
Loss of habitats! Loss of Habitats!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.
Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?
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?
Loss of habitats! Loss of Habitats!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!
Lindsay Deering
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up visiting our local Metroparks and I enjoyed learning what everything around me was called. In high school I mentored for them and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the River Rd. portion of North Chagrin Metropark in Cleveland
Now? I'm seen more and I'm going to have to say the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
All herps - they're totally underappreciated
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 think we need to face the differences in beliefs and understandings related to conservation, climate change, and alternative energies.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and learn about it.
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up visiting our local Metroparks and I enjoyed learning what everything around me was called. In high school I mentored for them and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the River Rd. portion of North Chagrin Metropark in Cleveland
Now? I'm seen more and I'm going to have to say the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
All herps - they're totally underappreciated
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 think we need to face the differences in beliefs and understandings related to conservation, climate change, and alternative energies.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and learn about it.
Rev. Bruce Richards
Priest and mentor of the Correllian Tradition
Today’s Date: 1 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to tell, I have lived with both wild and domestic animals all of my life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
So many, hard to think of a favorite.
Now? Pretty much the same, anywhere I can find a peaceful spot to sit.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Each animal has its own characteristics and even within the same species varies greatly in personality. I have had hawks, falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, deer, as well as other wild and more or less domestic animals. I have learned to love them all for different reasons. A squirrel just stole a cookie from my wife, while she was dipping it in milk and ran. See? I think that was funny! (Wife didn’t).
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?
Now - pollution. Future - over population.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The Earth is the Mother of all that we know; she must be treated with respect. (Or she will disown your ass).
Today’s Date: 1 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to tell, I have lived with both wild and domestic animals all of my life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
So many, hard to think of a favorite.
Now? Pretty much the same, anywhere I can find a peaceful spot to sit.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Each animal has its own characteristics and even within the same species varies greatly in personality. I have had hawks, falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, deer, as well as other wild and more or less domestic animals. I have learned to love them all for different reasons. A squirrel just stole a cookie from my wife, while she was dipping it in milk and ran. See? I think that was funny! (Wife didn’t).
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?
Now - pollution. Future - over population.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The Earth is the Mother of all that we know; she must be treated with respect. (Or she will disown your ass).
Jolene Pregent
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 21 April 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I can't think of any one moment, I've just always felt a pull toward nature and animals since the beginning of my memories!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As a child I was just always in the woods near our home playing and using my imagination instead of video games and toys, and usually by myself!!
Now? In nature I find the little things bring me much joy. Viewing a new bud of a tree leaf in the spring, the sunrise, the full Moon or frozen grass in early Winter. Twilight is my favorite time of day!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The Mountain Lion, It's powerful, mysterious & Independent! Qualities I strive to find in myself!
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?
Getting people to change their ways and comply with the things that help not harm our Mother Earth!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try to do your best to preserve our earth for future generations!
Today’s Date: 21 April 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I can't think of any one moment, I've just always felt a pull toward nature and animals since the beginning of my memories!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As a child I was just always in the woods near our home playing and using my imagination instead of video games and toys, and usually by myself!!
Now? In nature I find the little things bring me much joy. Viewing a new bud of a tree leaf in the spring, the sunrise, the full Moon or frozen grass in early Winter. Twilight is my favorite time of day!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The Mountain Lion, It's powerful, mysterious & Independent! Qualities I strive to find in myself!
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?
Getting people to change their ways and comply with the things that help not harm our Mother Earth!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try to do your best to preserve our earth for future generations!
Tom Alworth
Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources – New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Today’s Date: 6 March 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I witnessed the courtship ritual of bald eagles when I was about 10 years old. The male and female clasp talons hundreds of feet in the air and then fall together letting go just above the water!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes – The Catskill Mountains
Now? Yes – The Catskill Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Tough question for an animal lover… Turtles – so unique, move slowly, very special to me
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?
The human relationship with the planet – i.e., global warming as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction & fragmentation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We rely on them for absolutely everything we have… please consider how our actions impact the source of all our resources… and spend time outdoors.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 6 March 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I witnessed the courtship ritual of bald eagles when I was about 10 years old. The male and female clasp talons hundreds of feet in the air and then fall together letting go just above the water!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes – The Catskill Mountains
Now? Yes – The Catskill Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Tough question for an animal lover… Turtles – so unique, move slowly, very special to me
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?
The human relationship with the planet – i.e., global warming as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction & fragmentation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We rely on them for absolutely everything we have… please consider how our actions impact the source of all our resources… and spend time outdoors.
Received via postal mail
Tozan Paco Verin
Ordained, Hollow Bones/Friends of Zen
Today’s Date: 7 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When my first dog was eaten to death internally by maggots. The guilt, the grotesqueness, and the reminder that death is ever-present and permanent are with me 21 years later.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Everywhere that was Nature, especially away from "civilization" and our buildings and noise. Specifically, in my hometown of Montclair, NJ, our back yard and tree house; Edgemont Park; Anderson Park; Mills Reservation. In north New Jersey, Lake Waywayanda State Park; in Clearwater, FL, a 350 wild area where we rode horses (but is now a neighborhood).
Now? The Poconos (PA), Rothrock State Forest (PA), any local state park that I hike in. Again, any nature lights me up. Our yard.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs. I am an only child but grew up with two dogs, so transferred sibling connection to them. Friendly dogs know I am a dog person right away. They are all like family to me. I have not had a dog in 6 years, just because I'm too busy to care for 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?
Greatest challenge, present and future: our selfish addiction to comforts that we get at the expense of Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building and plant trees by the billions.
Today’s Date: 7 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When my first dog was eaten to death internally by maggots. The guilt, the grotesqueness, and the reminder that death is ever-present and permanent are with me 21 years later.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Everywhere that was Nature, especially away from "civilization" and our buildings and noise. Specifically, in my hometown of Montclair, NJ, our back yard and tree house; Edgemont Park; Anderson Park; Mills Reservation. In north New Jersey, Lake Waywayanda State Park; in Clearwater, FL, a 350 wild area where we rode horses (but is now a neighborhood).
Now? The Poconos (PA), Rothrock State Forest (PA), any local state park that I hike in. Again, any nature lights me up. Our yard.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs. I am an only child but grew up with two dogs, so transferred sibling connection to them. Friendly dogs know I am a dog person right away. They are all like family to me. I have not had a dog in 6 years, just because I'm too busy to care for 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?
Greatest challenge, present and future: our selfish addiction to comforts that we get at the expense of Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building and plant trees by the billions.
June Enright
Executive Director - Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC)
Today’s Date: 4 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child my interest began with my father allowing me to keep or chase whatever wildlife was around. We always had pets and this expanded as I got older and my husband & I owned two of Canada's largest private reptile zoos! Nothing though can compete with the opportunity to volunteer at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica where I was fortunate to see so many wild animals in their natural habitat...an experience I think most would appreciate.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay.
Now? Too many to name...
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats and tortoises. Both have a large variety of different sizes, shapes habitats and habits! Most interesting.
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?
Our reliance on fossil fuels are polluting our air and soil. We are quickly making ourselves extinct and I see such apathy I'm afraid we'll succeed!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You must become active in some way or another. Vote... advise your politicians on what you like that they are doing and what you don't...! Your opinion counts and should be heard.
Today’s Date: 4 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child my interest began with my father allowing me to keep or chase whatever wildlife was around. We always had pets and this expanded as I got older and my husband & I owned two of Canada's largest private reptile zoos! Nothing though can compete with the opportunity to volunteer at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica where I was fortunate to see so many wild animals in their natural habitat...an experience I think most would appreciate.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay.
Now? Too many to name...
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats and tortoises. Both have a large variety of different sizes, shapes habitats and habits! Most interesting.
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?
Our reliance on fossil fuels are polluting our air and soil. We are quickly making ourselves extinct and I see such apathy I'm afraid we'll succeed!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You must become active in some way or another. Vote... advise your politicians on what you like that they are doing and what you don't...! Your opinion counts and should be heard.
Jem Winston
Rosalie Forest Eco Lodge, Dominica
Today’s Date: 3 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being with my Donkey when she gave birth
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The local beach in Leigh-on-sea, England
Now? Space mountain waterfalls, Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dog, best friend
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 global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act, reuse and recycle
Today’s Date: 3 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being with my Donkey when she gave birth
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The local beach in Leigh-on-sea, England
Now? Space mountain waterfalls, Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dog, best friend
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 global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act, reuse and recycle
January 21, 2009
Erik Hirschfeld
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 17 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Catching freshwater turtles in Wisconsin as a kid, sneaking up on them as they were sunning on logs with water up to my neck.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The lake near the arboretum in Madison.
Now? A disused lime stone mine of 100ha size on prime property in Malmö, as no one has access and several wilderness birds such as Raven and Peregrine breed in it (subject of my coming book).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Curlew Sandpiper Calidirs ferruginea , beautiful bird, migrates long distances and finds its way so it appears in the same place at the same date on its migration, ecologically interesting. Of non-birds, gorillas.
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?
Maintaining a chain of good habitats for those migratory birds that use different habitats depending on their life phase and making sure that those animals that are dependant on one type of habitat will not see it fragmented and preventing exchange between populations. This incorporates the big problem, the imbalance between conservation of nature and human survival in developing countries.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
Today’s Date: 17 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Catching freshwater turtles in Wisconsin as a kid, sneaking up on them as they were sunning on logs with water up to my neck.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The lake near the arboretum in Madison.
Now? A disused lime stone mine of 100ha size on prime property in Malmö, as no one has access and several wilderness birds such as Raven and Peregrine breed in it (subject of my coming book).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Curlew Sandpiper Calidirs ferruginea , beautiful bird, migrates long distances and finds its way so it appears in the same place at the same date on its migration, ecologically interesting. Of non-birds, gorillas.
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?
Maintaining a chain of good habitats for those migratory birds that use different habitats depending on their life phase and making sure that those animals that are dependant on one type of habitat will not see it fragmented and preventing exchange between populations. This incorporates the big problem, the imbalance between conservation of nature and human survival in developing countries.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
January 14, 2009
Joanna C.
University of Calgary, Dept of Biol. Sci.
Today’s Date: 13 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER. PROBABLY WORKING WITH SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS FOR MY MSC. MINE WAS THE FIRST PROJECT TO STUDY THEIR URBAN ECOLOGY, I EXAMINED THEIR USE OF NESTING HABITAT, EXPOSURE TO ORGANOCHLORINES AND BREEDING SUCCESS.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
NOT EXACTLY, BUT I PLAYED OUTSIDE A LOT, IN PARTICULAR, LOVED MAKING SNOW FORTS, AND GOING TOBOGANNING.
Now? NOW THAT I'VE TRAVELED, I LOVE SO MANY PLACES, BUT CURRENTLY I'M REALLY INTO BEING IN THE ROCKIES, GOING SKIING, HIKING, AND ANYWHERE IN THE BOW RIVER VALLEY, WHICH IS WHERE I AM CONDUCTING MY CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER TOO - I SUPPOSE CURRENTLY, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE THE HOARY BAT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE SPECIES I'M WORKING WITH. BUT I REALLY LOVE ALL WILDLIFE, AND IT'S HARD TO CHOOSE.
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?
DECREASING OUR RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
THE EXACT SAME PIECE OF ADVICE THAT IS MY EMAIL SIGNATURE, AND WHICH APPEARS VERY SIMILAR TO YOURS AS WELL. AN OLD FIRST NATIONS PROVERB SAYS: TREAT THE EARTH WELL, IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO YOU BY YOUR PARENTS - IT WAS LOANED TO YOU BY YOUR CHILDREN.
Today’s Date: 13 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER. PROBABLY WORKING WITH SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS FOR MY MSC. MINE WAS THE FIRST PROJECT TO STUDY THEIR URBAN ECOLOGY, I EXAMINED THEIR USE OF NESTING HABITAT, EXPOSURE TO ORGANOCHLORINES AND BREEDING SUCCESS.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
NOT EXACTLY, BUT I PLAYED OUTSIDE A LOT, IN PARTICULAR, LOVED MAKING SNOW FORTS, AND GOING TOBOGANNING.
Now? NOW THAT I'VE TRAVELED, I LOVE SO MANY PLACES, BUT CURRENTLY I'M REALLY INTO BEING IN THE ROCKIES, GOING SKIING, HIKING, AND ANYWHERE IN THE BOW RIVER VALLEY, WHICH IS WHERE I AM CONDUCTING MY CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
TOUGH ONE TO ANSWER TOO - I SUPPOSE CURRENTLY, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE THE HOARY BAT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE SPECIES I'M WORKING WITH. BUT I REALLY LOVE ALL WILDLIFE, AND IT'S HARD TO CHOOSE.
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?
DECREASING OUR RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
THE EXACT SAME PIECE OF ADVICE THAT IS MY EMAIL SIGNATURE, AND WHICH APPEARS VERY SIMILAR TO YOURS AS WELL. AN OLD FIRST NATIONS PROVERB SAYS: TREAT THE EARTH WELL, IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO YOU BY YOUR PARENTS - IT WAS LOANED TO YOU BY YOUR CHILDREN.
LadySapphire22
from www.wildlifegardeners.org
Retired Dr, Master Gardener
Today's Date: 14 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As an adult gardener I watch bees pollinating plants as well as chatting with an older neighbor who raised bees and had an epiphany. I sudden realized just how important these marvelous insects are to our entire food chain.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Reading books in the rain in my tree house.
Now? I especially like visiting the National Arboretum in Washington, DC
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I like bears.
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?
Helping improve the environment and helping to educate people on using more earth and people friendly ways to do so.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
What is your carbon footprint? What can you do to make it smaller?
Retired Dr, Master Gardener
Today's Date: 14 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As an adult gardener I watch bees pollinating plants as well as chatting with an older neighbor who raised bees and had an epiphany. I sudden realized just how important these marvelous insects are to our entire food chain.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Reading books in the rain in my tree house.
Now? I especially like visiting the National Arboretum in Washington, DC
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I like bears.
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?
Helping improve the environment and helping to educate people on using more earth and people friendly ways to do so.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
What is your carbon footprint? What can you do to make it smaller?
~Sage~
from www.wildlifegardeners.org
Today's Date: 14 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was also a passenger in a car which hit a deer that jumped out of the wooded area along the dirt road and onto the car hood. I was shaking and inconsolable for days. The deer are so vulnerable to the effects of people and development.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
During my childhood I spent from spring to fall out in the county, exploring the woods and creeks with my cousins. My grandfather studied wildflowers, trees, fungi, etc., and gave us standing assignments to learn three new ones daily, including the Latin names and have examples of bark, leaves, flowers. He provided us with ID books and taught us photography too.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Pandas because they are irresistible.
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?
Development, chemicals and plastics.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
RESPECT NATURE
Today's Date: 14 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was also a passenger in a car which hit a deer that jumped out of the wooded area along the dirt road and onto the car hood. I was shaking and inconsolable for days. The deer are so vulnerable to the effects of people and development.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
During my childhood I spent from spring to fall out in the county, exploring the woods and creeks with my cousins. My grandfather studied wildflowers, trees, fungi, etc., and gave us standing assignments to learn three new ones daily, including the Latin names and have examples of bark, leaves, flowers. He provided us with ID books and taught us photography too.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Pandas because they are irresistible.
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?
Development, chemicals and plastics.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
RESPECT NATURE
Michelle Clay
Game Artist and Designer, Turbine Inc.
Today's Date: 1/14/09
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
See below
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My favorite childhood place and the encounter with nature that had the biggest impact on me are one and the same: I used to live in a house with a wooded back yard that backed up to a large power easement. The power easement was a meadow that offered a place for everyone on our side of the street to have gardens, play sports, dig holes, investigate plants and animals, and go sledding. It offered access to the woods, creeks, and a stand of bamboo. In retrospect, I see now that the space unified our community and gave us a wide swath of nature, while also filling the function of delivering electricity. It exemplifies the permaculture value that everything must have multiple functions.
Though, to answer the first question further, I had an encounter with an elephant while visiting Ahmadabad, India. At the end of a long and uncomfortable day, I found myself in an empty lot helping to decorate floats for a religious procession. In a corner of the lot, largely ignored, was an elephant, who was to be featured in the procession. The elephant’s keeper was asleep nearby, and nothing was there to prevent people from walking right up to the animal, so I carefully approached and handed her some grass from her feed pile. Standing in front of, and touching, an animal who loomed above me and who could have easily killed me, I was overwhelmed with emotion. There she stood, majestic, and at complete odds with her surroundings. There in that dark and grubby lot, it was as if a god had been forgotten by humanity. How could we treat something so profound as if it were ordinary?
Now? Now, my favorite place in the outdoors is my own yard. In the front, it is a standard suburban lot; in the back, it is a wooded wetland backing up to an estuary of the Charles river. I love that it is both a wild and undeveloped place, in which I can observe native flora and fauna, and that it is a standard boring suburban plot that I can work at turning into something better.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I had to stop and think about this question – and it turns out that I don’t have a favorite animal. I tend to be enthralled by whatever living thing is in front of me at the time.
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?
The greatest challenge facing us now is the same challenge that will continue to face us for as long as humanity dominates the planet: how can we as a species prosper sustainably in harmony with the natural systems around us?
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The one piece of advice that I would like to share with everyone is to think about the things that come into your area of influence. Where did it come from? How much energy was used to make it, and where did that energy come from? What will happen to it when you are done with it? How and when will it decompose, and what will it decompose into? Will this leave behind a mess for someone else to deal with?
Today's Date: 1/14/09
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
See below
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My favorite childhood place and the encounter with nature that had the biggest impact on me are one and the same: I used to live in a house with a wooded back yard that backed up to a large power easement. The power easement was a meadow that offered a place for everyone on our side of the street to have gardens, play sports, dig holes, investigate plants and animals, and go sledding. It offered access to the woods, creeks, and a stand of bamboo. In retrospect, I see now that the space unified our community and gave us a wide swath of nature, while also filling the function of delivering electricity. It exemplifies the permaculture value that everything must have multiple functions.
Though, to answer the first question further, I had an encounter with an elephant while visiting Ahmadabad, India. At the end of a long and uncomfortable day, I found myself in an empty lot helping to decorate floats for a religious procession. In a corner of the lot, largely ignored, was an elephant, who was to be featured in the procession. The elephant’s keeper was asleep nearby, and nothing was there to prevent people from walking right up to the animal, so I carefully approached and handed her some grass from her feed pile. Standing in front of, and touching, an animal who loomed above me and who could have easily killed me, I was overwhelmed with emotion. There she stood, majestic, and at complete odds with her surroundings. There in that dark and grubby lot, it was as if a god had been forgotten by humanity. How could we treat something so profound as if it were ordinary?
Now? Now, my favorite place in the outdoors is my own yard. In the front, it is a standard suburban lot; in the back, it is a wooded wetland backing up to an estuary of the Charles river. I love that it is both a wild and undeveloped place, in which I can observe native flora and fauna, and that it is a standard boring suburban plot that I can work at turning into something better.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I had to stop and think about this question – and it turns out that I don’t have a favorite animal. I tend to be enthralled by whatever living thing is in front of me at the time.
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?
The greatest challenge facing us now is the same challenge that will continue to face us for as long as humanity dominates the planet: how can we as a species prosper sustainably in harmony with the natural systems around us?
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The one piece of advice that I would like to share with everyone is to think about the things that come into your area of influence. Where did it come from? How much energy was used to make it, and where did that energy come from? What will happen to it when you are done with it? How and when will it decompose, and what will it decompose into? Will this leave behind a mess for someone else to deal with?
doccat5
Retired/Federal Worker
Today's Date: 13 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
DH and I have use organic growing methods on fruit/nut trees and vegetables for over 20 years. Until recently we've had little problem with "pests". However, this last season both deer and squirrels were a bit of a problem. There has been some major development in the surrounding area and much of their habitat has been disturbed. I forsee having to install a deer fence at least if we are going to have a decent vegetable garden. So far using scents and bitter tasting sprays have keep the damage to a minimum.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in Nebraska. I think my cousin's 1000 acre dairy farm was one of my favorite places to go. I use to spend at least a month in the summer there with my other cousins, just roaming about and exploring the area. We would go pheasant and squirrel hunting in the cottonwoods he had planted in the fall. Lots of good memories there.
Now? Normally my own yard. But we do make an annual trip to the Blue Ridge to see the fall colors.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian Tigers...I saw one at the zone in Minneapolis when I was in college. Huge male, he was so beautiful and so impressive.
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?
Sensible use of our available resources, cleaning up the messes we've made to our water supplies, educating ourselves on how each one of us impacts our environment. I see our biggest challenge as trying to stay on track by encouraging our best and brightest to come up with best use of alternative resources, making the affordable for everyone.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself, be you're own advocate and take responsibility for understanding how to protect yourself and others from making bad decisions.
Don't be afraid to "rock" the bureaucratic boat! Organize your friends and neighbor and fight back on bad policy and use of dangerous insecticides, pesticides in your area.
Today's Date: 13 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
DH and I have use organic growing methods on fruit/nut trees and vegetables for over 20 years. Until recently we've had little problem with "pests". However, this last season both deer and squirrels were a bit of a problem. There has been some major development in the surrounding area and much of their habitat has been disturbed. I forsee having to install a deer fence at least if we are going to have a decent vegetable garden. So far using scents and bitter tasting sprays have keep the damage to a minimum.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in Nebraska. I think my cousin's 1000 acre dairy farm was one of my favorite places to go. I use to spend at least a month in the summer there with my other cousins, just roaming about and exploring the area. We would go pheasant and squirrel hunting in the cottonwoods he had planted in the fall. Lots of good memories there.
Now? Normally my own yard. But we do make an annual trip to the Blue Ridge to see the fall colors.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian Tigers...I saw one at the zone in Minneapolis when I was in college. Huge male, he was so beautiful and so impressive.
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?
Sensible use of our available resources, cleaning up the messes we've made to our water supplies, educating ourselves on how each one of us impacts our environment. I see our biggest challenge as trying to stay on track by encouraging our best and brightest to come up with best use of alternative resources, making the affordable for everyone.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself, be you're own advocate and take responsibility for understanding how to protect yourself and others from making bad decisions.
Don't be afraid to "rock" the bureaucratic boat! Organize your friends and neighbor and fight back on bad policy and use of dangerous insecticides, pesticides in your area.
January 12, 2009
TheLorax
Private citizen
Today's Date: 12 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hitting a deer with my car. I tried to avoid hitting it and swerved but I still hit it. I cried when I watched it die in the road and nobody came along to put it out of its misery and I didn't have it in me to kill it. Horrible experience. I have never forgotten it. When the police officer finally came, it had died.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A little fort out of boxes and old plywood in the middle of a forest.
Now? Any natural area.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
People first. I'm a people person. The bat next. They're so incredibly vulnerable.
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?
Educating the public.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be humble.
Today's Date: 12 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hitting a deer with my car. I tried to avoid hitting it and swerved but I still hit it. I cried when I watched it die in the road and nobody came along to put it out of its misery and I didn't have it in me to kill it. Horrible experience. I have never forgotten it. When the police officer finally came, it had died.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A little fort out of boxes and old plywood in the middle of a forest.
Now? Any natural area.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
People first. I'm a people person. The bat next. They're so incredibly vulnerable.
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?
Educating the public.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be humble.
David Crites
Private citizen
Today's Date: 12 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
With an animal, I would have to say our first family pet "Lindbergh." He was a big Golden Retriever that lived with us for 14 years. Both my wife and I refer to him as our "first born."
In nature, it would be the area where I grew up. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest. I spent every free moment of my time hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As mentioned above, Shawnee National Forest.
Now? Isle Royale National Park
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Wolf, and I am not sure why. I have spent a great deal of time studing them especially on Isle Royale.
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?
Loss of habitat. I think in the future lack of fresh water may become a huge problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and experience it. I think if we can get more people to experience everything nature has to offer, there will be plenty of people that will do anything to protect it.
Today's Date: 12 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
With an animal, I would have to say our first family pet "Lindbergh." He was a big Golden Retriever that lived with us for 14 years. Both my wife and I refer to him as our "first born."
In nature, it would be the area where I grew up. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest. I spent every free moment of my time hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As mentioned above, Shawnee National Forest.
Now? Isle Royale National Park
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Wolf, and I am not sure why. I have spent a great deal of time studing them especially on Isle Royale.
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?
Loss of habitat. I think in the future lack of fresh water may become a huge problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and experience it. I think if we can get more people to experience everything nature has to offer, there will be plenty of people that will do anything to protect it.
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