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.