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.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
January 12, 2009
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.
Mel Enright
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 7 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
my dogs, they have improved the quality of both mine and my husband’s lives
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
my family home backed onto a creek and open paddocks where I and all my friends kept our horses, it was wonderful.
Now? Double Island Point, a sand Island near Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia. Our family camped on the beach there every year when the kids were growing up, it was amazing, sunrises over the ocean watching pods of dolphins playing in the surf. In the winter we had the whole stretch of beach to our selves, its my favorite place in the world
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Orangutan, because they are so caring and sensitive to each other, their like watching little children, so innocent and 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?
The deforestation of the rainforests. the extinction of many rainforest species, decline in air quality, change in weather patterns and lack of rain
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be aware of what you are putting into your shopping trolley because you could be unwittingly supporting the destruction of natural habitats/rainforests without being aware of it. consumers have power with their shopping dollars I wish they would research what their money is supporting.
Today’s Date: 7 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
my dogs, they have improved the quality of both mine and my husband’s lives
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
my family home backed onto a creek and open paddocks where I and all my friends kept our horses, it was wonderful.
Now? Double Island Point, a sand Island near Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia. Our family camped on the beach there every year when the kids were growing up, it was amazing, sunrises over the ocean watching pods of dolphins playing in the surf. In the winter we had the whole stretch of beach to our selves, its my favorite place in the world
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Orangutan, because they are so caring and sensitive to each other, their like watching little children, so innocent and 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?
The deforestation of the rainforests. the extinction of many rainforest species, decline in air quality, change in weather patterns and lack of rain
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be aware of what you are putting into your shopping trolley because you could be unwittingly supporting the destruction of natural habitats/rainforests without being aware of it. consumers have power with their shopping dollars I wish they would research what their money is supporting.
John Reeves
Interpretive Park Ranger - National Park Service
Today’s Date: 23 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Had a mother black bear brush me passing by on a trail in the Yosemite NP highcountry.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Anywhere in the wild
Now? Same. Now very into caves.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats. Cute and misunderstood. Awesome 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?
Maintaining biodiversity now, later, not rendering ourselves extinct (the world will recover and be fine).
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Love one another. We do not need all the shit they try to sell us, we just need each other.
Today’s Date: 23 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Had a mother black bear brush me passing by on a trail in the Yosemite NP highcountry.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Anywhere in the wild
Now? Same. Now very into caves.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats. Cute and misunderstood. Awesome 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?
Maintaining biodiversity now, later, not rendering ourselves extinct (the world will recover and be fine).
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Love one another. We do not need all the shit they try to sell us, we just need each other.
Paj YoungBlood
Wellness Intuitive and coach, Naturopath
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?
Constant dreams of White Sperm Whales And Having A dog for 20 years.
Honey Bear big female mix chow. Having a beloved pet that long teaches one a lot about unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Outside in the woods behind my parents’ house. I had mountains and creeks and four leaf clover and tall trees to climb. My father had built us kids a tree house that reached the skies on clear days.
Now? Smokey Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Growing up in Atlanta, I have to say Willie B, a gorilla, no the gorilla - was and is and always will be my only favorite animal in the zoo. Willie B went from living 24/7 in a small room with a tire swing and a little T.V. for fun - to living in one of the world's best Habitats. His home later was shared with 23 other Western lowland gorillas. Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest was one of North America’s first naturalistic gorilla habitats when it opened in 1989.
Before Willie got his new home, I recall, standing there as a mere child feeling horror and great shame, watching this awesome creature sitting in his concrete cage, looking bored and quite sad. Day in and day out for years. Years. To watch him wander outside for the first time was a joy the entire world joined in together. I realize that a real forest would have been the best place but considering where Willie B had came from-it was a true blessing.
It's terrible to think that we actually have to have places like this for the protection of these Great 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?
There is much that challenges us now. I think we might start Praying? Visualizing? For a giant evolutionary step for humankind's physical and mental status. One that allows much if not all of the assaults on ourselves to not affect us at all so they we might live. There is too much to straighten out… too many fools not caring about tomorrow.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about our children.
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?
Constant dreams of White Sperm Whales And Having A dog for 20 years.
Honey Bear big female mix chow. Having a beloved pet that long teaches one a lot about unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Outside in the woods behind my parents’ house. I had mountains and creeks and four leaf clover and tall trees to climb. My father had built us kids a tree house that reached the skies on clear days.
Now? Smokey Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Growing up in Atlanta, I have to say Willie B, a gorilla, no the gorilla - was and is and always will be my only favorite animal in the zoo. Willie B went from living 24/7 in a small room with a tire swing and a little T.V. for fun - to living in one of the world's best Habitats. His home later was shared with 23 other Western lowland gorillas. Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest was one of North America’s first naturalistic gorilla habitats when it opened in 1989.
Before Willie got his new home, I recall, standing there as a mere child feeling horror and great shame, watching this awesome creature sitting in his concrete cage, looking bored and quite sad. Day in and day out for years. Years. To watch him wander outside for the first time was a joy the entire world joined in together. I realize that a real forest would have been the best place but considering where Willie B had came from-it was a true blessing.
It's terrible to think that we actually have to have places like this for the protection of these Great 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?
There is much that challenges us now. I think we might start Praying? Visualizing? For a giant evolutionary step for humankind's physical and mental status. One that allows much if not all of the assaults on ourselves to not affect us at all so they we might live. There is too much to straighten out… too many fools not caring about tomorrow.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about our children.
Dr Peter G.H. Evans
Director - Sea Watch Foundation
Today’s Date: 10 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No single interaction, just a composite of encounters. The ones that come t mind include: a gyr falcon hunting little auks on an island in NW Greenland, vast seabird colonies on offshore islands (Agparssuit in Upernavik District, St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, Sula Sgeir off North Scotland; Inishtearaght in SW Ireland), parrots calling over rain forest at dawn in Dominica, minke whales and a humpback lunge feeding in the Inner Hebrides, fifty humpbacks bubble netting in West Greenland, friendly gray whales with their calves in Baja California, a large school of bottlenose dolphins socialising off the Welsh coast, fin whales feeding in Pembrokeshire, SW Wales.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
1) The sandy shores of Llanddwyn Island off the coast of Anglesey, North Wales
2) The islands of Skye, Rum, Eigg and Muck from a mountain top on the west coast of Scotland
Now? 1) The coast of North West Greenland in Upernavik District
2) The mountain rain forests of the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don't have any single favourite animal, but my favourites include Risso's dolphin, minke whale, little auk, guillemots, red-necked and imperial parrots [Note from Jeremy- the red-necked and imperial parrots of Dominica are beautiful birds- I was lucky enough to see and hear both species while on a tropical ecology course trip to the island back in 1995 while I was in college]
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?
Continued degradation and loss of quality habitat for wildlife species - rainforests, coastal seas, polar environments are all examples. Habitat loss can result from many different types of pressure: direct removal, pollution, disturbance, impacts of climate change, etc.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Change our philosophy from a desire for sustained economic growth and per capita increase in resource exploitation to living a more modest and sustainable life with lower demands on resources.
Today’s Date: 10 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No single interaction, just a composite of encounters. The ones that come t mind include: a gyr falcon hunting little auks on an island in NW Greenland, vast seabird colonies on offshore islands (Agparssuit in Upernavik District, St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, Sula Sgeir off North Scotland; Inishtearaght in SW Ireland), parrots calling over rain forest at dawn in Dominica, minke whales and a humpback lunge feeding in the Inner Hebrides, fifty humpbacks bubble netting in West Greenland, friendly gray whales with their calves in Baja California, a large school of bottlenose dolphins socialising off the Welsh coast, fin whales feeding in Pembrokeshire, SW Wales.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
1) The sandy shores of Llanddwyn Island off the coast of Anglesey, North Wales
2) The islands of Skye, Rum, Eigg and Muck from a mountain top on the west coast of Scotland
Now? 1) The coast of North West Greenland in Upernavik District
2) The mountain rain forests of the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don't have any single favourite animal, but my favourites include Risso's dolphin, minke whale, little auk, guillemots, red-necked and imperial parrots [Note from Jeremy- the red-necked and imperial parrots of Dominica are beautiful birds- I was lucky enough to see and hear both species while on a tropical ecology course trip to the island back in 1995 while I was in college]
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?
Continued degradation and loss of quality habitat for wildlife species - rainforests, coastal seas, polar environments are all examples. Habitat loss can result from many different types of pressure: direct removal, pollution, disturbance, impacts of climate change, etc.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Change our philosophy from a desire for sustained economic growth and per capita increase in resource exploitation to living a more modest and sustainable life with lower demands on resources.
Mr. Jaime Bustillo, MSc.
Environmental education specialist independent consultant
Today’s Date: 10 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All animals and nature in general, and freshwater and forest specifically.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Rivers and tropical cloud forests.
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
no favorite one but I work to protect beneficial bats, because they same functions in nature as bees and more, particularly in agric. production.
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?
Powerful nations irrespect for humanity and environment, generates more pollution, poverty and overpopulation in tropical world; all of course due to lack of environmental awareness because of lack of env. education at all levels.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
In general, work with nature/environment/plants/animals not against them because you are part of them and whatever you do to them you do it to yourself, bad or good. Specifically, powerful countries, respect Kyoto Protocol and other world agreements that protect the environment.
Today’s Date: 10 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All animals and nature in general, and freshwater and forest specifically.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Rivers and tropical cloud forests.
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
no favorite one but I work to protect beneficial bats, because they same functions in nature as bees and more, particularly in agric. production.
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?
Powerful nations irrespect for humanity and environment, generates more pollution, poverty and overpopulation in tropical world; all of course due to lack of environmental awareness because of lack of env. education at all levels.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
In general, work with nature/environment/plants/animals not against them because you are part of them and whatever you do to them you do it to yourself, bad or good. Specifically, powerful countries, respect Kyoto Protocol and other world agreements that protect the environment.
Severus Tony Wibowo
kak Tony (that's bro in indonesian) / SMK Multistudi High School, UIB, UIB English Club, Teater Seru, Teater MHS
Today’s Date: 7 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
cat, when i still a kid, a coward brat and bully magnet, i'm not a very confidence with myself. one day, i saw a cat, wounded, but still walk tall and confidence at all time. i learn from that cat to be confidence and brave at all time. till today
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
hmm, let see, i love grassland, so if there's a big grassland, i'll do fine over there, under a tree, a breeze of wind, a small sunshine and lovely smell, plus a good book or a nap? that will be perfect day
Now? i still love grassland, but if i can smell a good air, whether it's in my cramped office or wide ocean or high plateau or even my small room, it's great already
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
cat, or her big feline groups. they are graceful, predator but a beautiful one. they are not killer, but they kill to eat and protect. hope i don't need to kill though in real life though...
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?
new energy source, sources if needed. earth's fat (that's oil) is not that good for the future (like human, earth without fat = sick earth, and sick earth = very sick human). so we need to find a source that are easy to use, affordable by even 3rd world country and underdeveloped countries, no harm side effect (or tolerable) and compatible with today's machinery (that's tough)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
i'm no adviser (still 22 years old, i still need to accumulate exp before any advices), but if you insist... i still don't give advices, my families don't give any advices, we give examples, so just do simple things like throwing organic and recycle unorganic and little things like that, it's suffice already
Today’s Date: 7 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
cat, when i still a kid, a coward brat and bully magnet, i'm not a very confidence with myself. one day, i saw a cat, wounded, but still walk tall and confidence at all time. i learn from that cat to be confidence and brave at all time. till today
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
hmm, let see, i love grassland, so if there's a big grassland, i'll do fine over there, under a tree, a breeze of wind, a small sunshine and lovely smell, plus a good book or a nap? that will be perfect day
Now? i still love grassland, but if i can smell a good air, whether it's in my cramped office or wide ocean or high plateau or even my small room, it's great already
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
cat, or her big feline groups. they are graceful, predator but a beautiful one. they are not killer, but they kill to eat and protect. hope i don't need to kill though in real life though...
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?
new energy source, sources if needed. earth's fat (that's oil) is not that good for the future (like human, earth without fat = sick earth, and sick earth = very sick human). so we need to find a source that are easy to use, affordable by even 3rd world country and underdeveloped countries, no harm side effect (or tolerable) and compatible with today's machinery (that's tough)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
i'm no adviser (still 22 years old, i still need to accumulate exp before any advices), but if you insist... i still don't give advices, my families don't give any advices, we give examples, so just do simple things like throwing organic and recycle unorganic and little things like that, it's suffice already
Chris Manos
At Work: Scientist II Chemist - Bausch & Lomb
At Home: Outdoorsman and Craftsman
Today’s Date: 6 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up in the outdoors. My father was the director of a kids camp and I spent my summers outside, amidst the trees the grass, the birds, the animals. I have always felt tied to the land.
Two of the moments that I can relate as having huge impacts on my live took place in very different places. The first was when I first climbed Mt Mansfield, in Vermont, for the first time. Reaching the summit was a great experience, seeing the view, experiencing the spirit of the mountain, the spirits of the air. Other people were scattered about the mountaintop, some taking pictures, some sitting and just looking, others, curled up with their backs against a rock, reading. This is as it should be. Humankind in its natural element, nature. Outside and in touch with the land.
The second occurred this past summer in conjunction with a series of shamanism workshops. As homework we were to go out into a remote area and perform a 4 hour 'rock grinding', a type of vision quest. My friend and I went out, in the morning rain, finding spots in the wetlands, to sit. Birds swooped and perched nearby. Mosquitoes bit and ate and soon left me alone. Colors became more vivid, sound became like thunder. The voice of a chipmunk accompanied me throughout my journey, curiously approaching and looking, coming closer, looking, saying hello. Anyone who would have been watching would have seen me talking to that small creature as a friend and an equal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Most definitely. The camp where I grew up was filled with hidden places, trails, both worn and secret. One of my favorites was a huge willow tree on the shores of the lake, its several trunks spreading out, forming a large protected area. I would sit there for hours, tossing rocks in the lake, playing, climbing, and just sitting.
Now? I have two favorite places as an adult. One is Mount Mansfield in Vermont. I have not been there in a long time and it is time for me to make another pilgrimage.
The second place is the wetlands at the end of Irondequoit Bay here in Rochester, where the Irondequoit Creek winds up through Ellison Park. I found the trails there 2 years ago, and this year have been exploring the waterways with my kayak. I have taken others to explore and they too have learned to treasure this area as something special.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
LOL I have to laugh. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a zoo keeper.
I find beauty in all animals. I don't know if I have a favorite, as each one has a certain calling to me. Each one has a gift and its own wisdom to impart.
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 environmental challenge is changing people's minds about the environment. I grew up in the 70's, being taught to "Give a Hoot! Don't Pollute!", to put trash in the trash cans, that the earth was a sacred place and we were it's keepers. These days, I am disgusted by the amount of trash that people just throw out of their car. People see the world as their trash can, and they believe that the trash they throw out won't harm the environment. People believe that coal power is "CLEAN" because the guy on TV tells them it is. When I was a kid (my gods I thought I would NEVER use that phrase) we had cartoons that promoted environmentalism and social consciousness. Now they promote violence and disposability.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Act now. Don't wait. Get reusable grocery bags and use them instead of plastic. Recycle everything you possibly can and put when you can't recycle in a proper receptacle. Mulch. Become active. Participate in Earth Day cleanups. Ride your bike whenever you can, instead of driving. Carry trash bags with you when you hike, and pick up the garbage. Boycott companies that refuse to use clean energy.
At Home: Outdoorsman and Craftsman
Today’s Date: 6 January 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up in the outdoors. My father was the director of a kids camp and I spent my summers outside, amidst the trees the grass, the birds, the animals. I have always felt tied to the land.
Two of the moments that I can relate as having huge impacts on my live took place in very different places. The first was when I first climbed Mt Mansfield, in Vermont, for the first time. Reaching the summit was a great experience, seeing the view, experiencing the spirit of the mountain, the spirits of the air. Other people were scattered about the mountaintop, some taking pictures, some sitting and just looking, others, curled up with their backs against a rock, reading. This is as it should be. Humankind in its natural element, nature. Outside and in touch with the land.
The second occurred this past summer in conjunction with a series of shamanism workshops. As homework we were to go out into a remote area and perform a 4 hour 'rock grinding', a type of vision quest. My friend and I went out, in the morning rain, finding spots in the wetlands, to sit. Birds swooped and perched nearby. Mosquitoes bit and ate and soon left me alone. Colors became more vivid, sound became like thunder. The voice of a chipmunk accompanied me throughout my journey, curiously approaching and looking, coming closer, looking, saying hello. Anyone who would have been watching would have seen me talking to that small creature as a friend and an equal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Most definitely. The camp where I grew up was filled with hidden places, trails, both worn and secret. One of my favorites was a huge willow tree on the shores of the lake, its several trunks spreading out, forming a large protected area. I would sit there for hours, tossing rocks in the lake, playing, climbing, and just sitting.
Now? I have two favorite places as an adult. One is Mount Mansfield in Vermont. I have not been there in a long time and it is time for me to make another pilgrimage.
The second place is the wetlands at the end of Irondequoit Bay here in Rochester, where the Irondequoit Creek winds up through Ellison Park. I found the trails there 2 years ago, and this year have been exploring the waterways with my kayak. I have taken others to explore and they too have learned to treasure this area as something special.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
LOL I have to laugh. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a zoo keeper.
I find beauty in all animals. I don't know if I have a favorite, as each one has a certain calling to me. Each one has a gift and its own wisdom to impart.
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 environmental challenge is changing people's minds about the environment. I grew up in the 70's, being taught to "Give a Hoot! Don't Pollute!", to put trash in the trash cans, that the earth was a sacred place and we were it's keepers. These days, I am disgusted by the amount of trash that people just throw out of their car. People see the world as their trash can, and they believe that the trash they throw out won't harm the environment. People believe that coal power is "CLEAN" because the guy on TV tells them it is. When I was a kid (my gods I thought I would NEVER use that phrase) we had cartoons that promoted environmentalism and social consciousness. Now they promote violence and disposability.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Act now. Don't wait. Get reusable grocery bags and use them instead of plastic. Recycle everything you possibly can and put when you can't recycle in a proper receptacle. Mulch. Become active. Participate in Earth Day cleanups. Ride your bike whenever you can, instead of driving. Carry trash bags with you when you hike, and pick up the garbage. Boycott companies that refuse to use clean energy.
Samantha Wong
Consultant
Today’s Date: 17 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, tortoise, birds, hamster, snake and monkey
They show me what love is and responsibilities
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A small forest reserve nearby my house and backyard where i grew up.
Now? Only have time for playground now.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Wolf because they are family orientated, work together well, very independent and resourceful
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?
Devastation of mother earth, we need to learn how to preserve nature like our forefathers. Our challenge is change people mind set about preservation not just financial gain or political influence
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save our world for our children.
Today’s Date: 17 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, tortoise, birds, hamster, snake and monkey
They show me what love is and responsibilities
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A small forest reserve nearby my house and backyard where i grew up.
Now? Only have time for playground now.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Wolf because they are family orientated, work together well, very independent and resourceful
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?
Devastation of mother earth, we need to learn how to preserve nature like our forefathers. Our challenge is change people mind set about preservation not just financial gain or political influence
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save our world for our children.
Maiiken Bak
Bus driver
Today’s Date: 12 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing, working for Maersk and my 2 cats.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach
Now? The beach
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Cats, because they’re funny, loving and they are their own.
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
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act!
Today’s Date: 12 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing, working for Maersk and my 2 cats.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach
Now? The beach
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Cats, because they’re funny, loving and they are their own.
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
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act!
Tracey
Ms
Today’s Date: 7 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was living on the sea in a triamarren, 28’6” long. Our family was two adults my parents, me 12, sister 11, brother 8 and another sister 6. The freedom that was out there, nothing to interfere with it all. Animals roaming wild on the island (goats and others put there for ship wrecks). Learning that not all food comes from supermarkets and to respect it all for the future.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Sailing on the oceans, going where the wind took you. Visiting islands that did not have people on them. The ones where you could go up a hill and slide down not knowing this was probably destroying the place but after climbing up was fun to fall in the water. The hidden waterfalls where you could sit and what others walk by and not see you. Climbing trees and getting coconuts, spearing fish to eat. I want to go back to that easier time, stupid survey.
Now? No answer given
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The dolphin as you can interact with then in the wild. They will let you get close and just watching them going in and out of the water so graceful.
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?
Being able to sustain ourselves on earth without damaging it any more. Going back to our grandparents days, water tanks, reusing water, paper and other things like that. Learning bigger is not better.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be careful do not destroy any more of it our further is here mankind has already destroyed to much of this place and it is getting harder each day, hour, minute to keep it going.
Today’s Date: 7 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was living on the sea in a triamarren, 28’6” long. Our family was two adults my parents, me 12, sister 11, brother 8 and another sister 6. The freedom that was out there, nothing to interfere with it all. Animals roaming wild on the island (goats and others put there for ship wrecks). Learning that not all food comes from supermarkets and to respect it all for the future.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Sailing on the oceans, going where the wind took you. Visiting islands that did not have people on them. The ones where you could go up a hill and slide down not knowing this was probably destroying the place but after climbing up was fun to fall in the water. The hidden waterfalls where you could sit and what others walk by and not see you. Climbing trees and getting coconuts, spearing fish to eat. I want to go back to that easier time, stupid survey.
Now? No answer given
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The dolphin as you can interact with then in the wild. They will let you get close and just watching them going in and out of the water so graceful.
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?
Being able to sustain ourselves on earth without damaging it any more. Going back to our grandparents days, water tanks, reusing water, paper and other things like that. Learning bigger is not better.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be careful do not destroy any more of it our further is here mankind has already destroyed to much of this place and it is getting harder each day, hour, minute to keep it going.
Denise Dingsdale
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 11 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up my grandmother taught me to take care of hurt animals or strays - I personally have raised a baby squirrel to maturity and let it go. Also, a baby robin.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Cross Lake in Antioch, IL
Now? Maui, Hawaii
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Going to the zoo it was always the Lions, because they are just huge cats.
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... Global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
RECYCLE, don't pollute and turn the water off when not using it. It disgusts me the amount of water that is wasted because someone turns the tap on and just lets it run...
Today’s Date: 11 December 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up my grandmother taught me to take care of hurt animals or strays - I personally have raised a baby squirrel to maturity and let it go. Also, a baby robin.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Cross Lake in Antioch, IL
Now? Maui, Hawaii
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Going to the zoo it was always the Lions, because they are just huge cats.
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... Global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
RECYCLE, don't pollute and turn the water off when not using it. It disgusts me the amount of water that is wasted because someone turns the tap on and just lets it run...
Mary Ellen Grant
Environmental Educator / Biologist - Private contractor (Natural Considerations Consultants)
Today’s Date: 30 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raised in Rossland, BC - Dad was a prospector/logger
Most early memory of nature/animal (wild?) - playing in the REAL dirt (not the cleaned up sandbox stuff) filled with REAL rocks and watching ants
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
a BIG rock in my Aunt's yard under a maple sapling - turns out the big rock was no larger than a regular sized stove.
Now? Water - there has to be water. Anywhere where there is water, puddle, pond, wetland, lake, river.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a previous zoo educator I have studied this as well - children in particular were very influenced by their teachers and parents. For example when asked about favourite animal and a child said "Snake" - they received negative reinforcement by the "yuks" but also by the teachers/parents saying "a snake is not an animal".
For myself, a cougar - why? I had the rare opportunity as a young child and had a father who had a friend who ran a roadside zoo in Robson, British Columbia. This zoo had an orphaned cougar (who "became" Charley the Lonesome Cougar of TV/movie fame). I got to help care for Charley - walk him, feed him, water him and MOST important talk with his KEEPER. It left an indelible impression on my life.
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?
"Me" generational thought process. The lack of caring for future generations. We consume and thus we waste.
Getting the "adult" generation to embrace the good youth of the world to allow them to creatively save the Earth. Volunteer Canada did a study in the early 00's that found out that if youth do not volunteer before they are 24 - they will never volunteer....
To have true sustainability, we need to work with in the area where the circles of economy, environment and SOCIETY overlap. I believe social justice and "true" education are key challenges as really determined by the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. By "true" education, I do not mean individuals with a biology background going out to "educate" about the environment. I do not mean individuals trained as teachers going out to "teach" about action. I mean the "discipline" of environmental educators who embrace community based social marketing, who use a Logic Model (or backward tasking), who are TRAINED in multiple audience techniques (eg Freeman Tilden).
Society is our biggest challenge.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
One person can make a difference, look at Rachel Carson, here in Canada - David Suzuki, - don't give up hope focus on the positive and build your own social network.
Today’s Date: 30 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raised in Rossland, BC - Dad was a prospector/logger
Most early memory of nature/animal (wild?) - playing in the REAL dirt (not the cleaned up sandbox stuff) filled with REAL rocks and watching ants
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
a BIG rock in my Aunt's yard under a maple sapling - turns out the big rock was no larger than a regular sized stove.
Now? Water - there has to be water. Anywhere where there is water, puddle, pond, wetland, lake, river.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a previous zoo educator I have studied this as well - children in particular were very influenced by their teachers and parents. For example when asked about favourite animal and a child said "Snake" - they received negative reinforcement by the "yuks" but also by the teachers/parents saying "a snake is not an animal".
For myself, a cougar - why? I had the rare opportunity as a young child and had a father who had a friend who ran a roadside zoo in Robson, British Columbia. This zoo had an orphaned cougar (who "became" Charley the Lonesome Cougar of TV/movie fame). I got to help care for Charley - walk him, feed him, water him and MOST important talk with his KEEPER. It left an indelible impression on my life.
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?
"Me" generational thought process. The lack of caring for future generations. We consume and thus we waste.
Getting the "adult" generation to embrace the good youth of the world to allow them to creatively save the Earth. Volunteer Canada did a study in the early 00's that found out that if youth do not volunteer before they are 24 - they will never volunteer....
To have true sustainability, we need to work with in the area where the circles of economy, environment and SOCIETY overlap. I believe social justice and "true" education are key challenges as really determined by the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. By "true" education, I do not mean individuals with a biology background going out to "educate" about the environment. I do not mean individuals trained as teachers going out to "teach" about action. I mean the "discipline" of environmental educators who embrace community based social marketing, who use a Logic Model (or backward tasking), who are TRAINED in multiple audience techniques (eg Freeman Tilden).
Society is our biggest challenge.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
One person can make a difference, look at Rachel Carson, here in Canada - David Suzuki, - don't give up hope focus on the positive and build your own social network.
Thomas Hamilton
RSPB
Today’s Date: 30 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Helping out bird ringers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bee-eater-Because of their fascinating behavior, and their spectacular beauty.
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 mass extinction.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Reduce, reuse and recycle!
Today’s Date: 30 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Helping out bird ringers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bee-eater-Because of their fascinating behavior, and their spectacular beauty.
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 mass extinction.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Reduce, reuse and recycle!
Martha Smith
The Hayden Law Firm, PLLC
Today’s Date: 29 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching birds. Birds. Once, my parents and I stopped in a store on the way to my grandparents house. There was a small bird trapped in the store. I caught it and took it outside and let it go. I don't know what kind it was, but I will never forget the feel of that tiny body in my hands. My grandmother had a chimney that swifts roosted in. I loved to watch them as they swooped and dived in the evenings settling down for the night. I've always loved the songs of birds. I love animals, but birds have always been special.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My grandmother's farm in Nutbush, Tennessee. A creek across the street from my house when I was in grade school.
Now? My street. Shelby Farms Park. Middle Tennessee
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
This is difficult. I love all animals. I love birds, but I also love mammals, big and small. Big cats, elephants, tigers, rhinos. I love bears, Grizzlies and Polar. Polar bears are in great danger right now and it is hard to say what should be done.
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?
Man has made a mess of this world. We have one and only one environmental challenge facing us and that is that mankind should realize that we are not the only species on this planet. All of the greed, malice, hate, war, etc., needs to be put aside. Until we can live together as a family, there is nothing that can be done about anything else. The rest will be but a Band-Aid.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. God made us stewards of this earth. Stewards are to care for, keep and then to turn over to the Master the charge given to them. Mankind will be judged for the poor (to put it mildly) job he has done to God's world. This is what I would say to the world. We need to use what we have - let me explain. In my city, there are blocks upon blocks upon blocks of buildings that are empty, empty lots where buildings were and have been torn down. Yet, treed lots are constantly being cleared for new structures that aren't needed. The city is becoming dead from the inside and the only thing growing is the outside. Now, it isn't totally that way. But, there is so much wasted space. I don't travel much, but I tend to think there are many cities just like this. There is too much waste. The U.S. economy is in a shambles. Recently, I learned something, and I don't recall how or where I learned it. But, it seems that at some point in time, a decision was made by OUR GOVERNMENT that we were to be a nation of consumers. Well, they managed to pull this off, if this is true. And, if it is true, we need to make a conscious decision to reverse it.
Today’s Date: 29 November 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching birds. Birds. Once, my parents and I stopped in a store on the way to my grandparents house. There was a small bird trapped in the store. I caught it and took it outside and let it go. I don't know what kind it was, but I will never forget the feel of that tiny body in my hands. My grandmother had a chimney that swifts roosted in. I loved to watch them as they swooped and dived in the evenings settling down for the night. I've always loved the songs of birds. I love animals, but birds have always been special.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My grandmother's farm in Nutbush, Tennessee. A creek across the street from my house when I was in grade school.
Now? My street. Shelby Farms Park. Middle Tennessee
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
This is difficult. I love all animals. I love birds, but I also love mammals, big and small. Big cats, elephants, tigers, rhinos. I love bears, Grizzlies and Polar. Polar bears are in great danger right now and it is hard to say what should be done.
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?
Man has made a mess of this world. We have one and only one environmental challenge facing us and that is that mankind should realize that we are not the only species on this planet. All of the greed, malice, hate, war, etc., needs to be put aside. Until we can live together as a family, there is nothing that can be done about anything else. The rest will be but a Band-Aid.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. God made us stewards of this earth. Stewards are to care for, keep and then to turn over to the Master the charge given to them. Mankind will be judged for the poor (to put it mildly) job he has done to God's world. This is what I would say to the world. We need to use what we have - let me explain. In my city, there are blocks upon blocks upon blocks of buildings that are empty, empty lots where buildings were and have been torn down. Yet, treed lots are constantly being cleared for new structures that aren't needed. The city is becoming dead from the inside and the only thing growing is the outside. Now, it isn't totally that way. But, there is so much wasted space. I don't travel much, but I tend to think there are many cities just like this. There is too much waste. The U.S. economy is in a shambles. Recently, I learned something, and I don't recall how or where I learned it. But, it seems that at some point in time, a decision was made by OUR GOVERNMENT that we were to be a nation of consumers. Well, they managed to pull this off, if this is true. And, if it is true, we need to make a conscious decision to reverse it.
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.
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.
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