Erin Nicole Vinish

Biologist

Today’s Date: 22 November 2008

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

It was when I was able to apply some simple concepts I learned in an ecology class to my current job. I worked in a greenhouse, and realized one day that annual plants always had so many bright flowers because they only had one season to reproduce, and consequently would want to put a tonne of energy into reproducing. Perennials never had as many flowers because they lived for many seasons, and needed to ration their energy over many years. Now it seems pretty basic, but at the time it had a big impact. That's when I started appreciating how amazing nature is.

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

The undeveloped area behind my dad's house. It was a large area that was mostly swampy. We could spend hours out there catching frogs and playing.

Now? A lot of areas in Kananaskis

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

Well firstly it's dragons, but my favourite REAL animal is a golden eagle. I love all birds, but eagles are beautiful.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Right now I think it's making people realize that there are huge issues with our environment, and that they need to look beyond their own lives, and at the big picture. In the future I think the greatest challenge will be dealing with global warming.

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

We need to control human population growth. People need to realize that resources aren't infinite, that we can't keep growing. It seems like a lot of our current problems are because there are just too many people in the world now.