Steven Weinstock

Private Citizen

July 23, 2009

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

When I was living in North Carolina, I had to go to an interview in Vermont. One crow followed me for the entire journey. I bonded with the crow. It seemed that the crow, "She" had chosen me. That bond still exists to this day.

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

My favorite place as a child was Valley Green in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today I frequently return to the greenbelt at the Conowingo Dam in Maryland.

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

The deer is probably my favorite animal. I feel a spiritual connection. There is an air about this animal that touches me on a personal/spiritual level.

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 believe that the oceans are facing an ongoing onslaught due to industrial wastes and irresponsible harvesting of the oceans resources. The ocean will remain a major arena as people will focus on the air because they breath it but remain oblivious to the ocean as many can not relate to what they do not experience on a day to day basis.

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

The earth is your home. It is getting smaller everyday and is very much a part of you whether you think about it or not. You can no longer ignore it any more than where you sleep. Everything dependently originates, including you. Meaning "you are the earth and the earth is you. As the earth thrives so do you. As it suffers, you share its misfortunes."