Wildlife Coordinator - Energy Minerals Counties Coalition
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Humpback whale
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The ocean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Any kind of cat. I just have a connection with 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?
Pollution - NOT carbon emissions, but litter and pollution of the oceans
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our natural resources are being extracted by more and more environmentally-friendly methods, and land reclamation is completed quickly and efficiently. Stop fighting the benefits of their use and start worrying about real issues.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
March 13, 2010
Chris MacIntosh
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So hard to say, so many. Living now in the SF Bay Area, I am still astounded that I can go to see elephant seals in their natural environment every winter. That's one of those things I still think is only a "TV program" event. When I was perhaps 7 or 8, I remember going to the Edinburgh Zoo and seeing this sign "elephant seal". Of course I knew what an elephant was, and what a seal was, but the 2 names together? I was so awed when I moved here and discovered this almost-mythical animal right here!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yellowstone NP will always have a huge place in my heart. I spent 3 summers working for the concession, moving there from Manhattan (NY). I first learned about hiking, backpacking, developed my curiosity about the natural world and geology, and have never been an urbanite again.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Domestic animal: cats "wild" or zoo animal: snow leopard evokes memories of childhood visits to Whipsnade Zoo, where they had a pair (this was back in the 1950s and 60s) which I thought were such beautiful cats with their markings and thick tails.
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?
Excessive population of humans: this magnifies the effects of everything else we do not respect enough to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of (sorry, terrible grammar).
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn to share. Within the human community we try to help and not harm others. We should try to extend that attitude to other species.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So hard to say, so many. Living now in the SF Bay Area, I am still astounded that I can go to see elephant seals in their natural environment every winter. That's one of those things I still think is only a "TV program" event. When I was perhaps 7 or 8, I remember going to the Edinburgh Zoo and seeing this sign "elephant seal". Of course I knew what an elephant was, and what a seal was, but the 2 names together? I was so awed when I moved here and discovered this almost-mythical animal right here!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yellowstone NP will always have a huge place in my heart. I spent 3 summers working for the concession, moving there from Manhattan (NY). I first learned about hiking, backpacking, developed my curiosity about the natural world and geology, and have never been an urbanite again.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Domestic animal: cats "wild" or zoo animal: snow leopard evokes memories of childhood visits to Whipsnade Zoo, where they had a pair (this was back in the 1950s and 60s) which I thought were such beautiful cats with their markings and thick tails.
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?
Excessive population of humans: this magnifies the effects of everything else we do not respect enough to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of (sorry, terrible grammar).
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn to share. Within the human community we try to help and not harm others. We should try to extend that attitude to other species.
Bruce H. Campbell
Retired Wildlife Ecologist
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with Alaska brown bears from 1984-88. a magnificent animal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. East Eagle Creek in the wallowa mountains of north eastern OR. Spent many weekends there while growing up. Now still the same place and I wish I could still spend weekends there.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Alaska brown bear because they are huge powerhouses that, for the most part, are pretty laid back. In my four years working hands-on with them, I never had a negative experience with one. Had many face-to-face encounters including female with 2 yo cubs. I'm not afraid of this animal but I have a huge amount of respect for 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?
Continued habitat loss including the Amazon forest. The future challenge will be global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy and take care of them. They belong to our children.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with Alaska brown bears from 1984-88. a magnificent animal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. East Eagle Creek in the wallowa mountains of north eastern OR. Spent many weekends there while growing up. Now still the same place and I wish I could still spend weekends there.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Alaska brown bear because they are huge powerhouses that, for the most part, are pretty laid back. In my four years working hands-on with them, I never had a negative experience with one. Had many face-to-face encounters including female with 2 yo cubs. I'm not afraid of this animal but I have a huge amount of respect for 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?
Continued habitat loss including the Amazon forest. The future challenge will be global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy and take care of them. They belong to our children.
David Mozer
Director - International Bicycle Fund (www.ibike.org)
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing wildlife around me riding a bicycle. The has happened both in Africa and North America. The world seems unencumbered at those moments.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child I love the waterfalls of the Cascade Mountains (Washington State, USA). I still like the combination of mountains and raging rivers.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Black and white colobus monkey.
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?
private automobiles now. population in the future (starting now).
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It takes much longer for a wound to heal that it does to cause one. This goes for wounding and poisoning Mother Nature as well.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing wildlife around me riding a bicycle. The has happened both in Africa and North America. The world seems unencumbered at those moments.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child I love the waterfalls of the Cascade Mountains (Washington State, USA). I still like the combination of mountains and raging rivers.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Black and white colobus monkey.
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?
private automobiles now. population in the future (starting now).
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It takes much longer for a wound to heal that it does to cause one. This goes for wounding and poisoning Mother Nature as well.
Katie Mason
Oregon State University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am eternally grateful that my parents made sure that our family spent a lot of time outdoors. We hiked and camped and gardened and fished and gathered mushrooms and cross-country skiied and kayaked/canoed, and many other things. While we were engaged in these activities we were always encouraged to observe what was going on around us, lie down and watch a spider spinning a web or ants disassembling a dead mouse or a cicada shedding its skin. We always had plant and animal identification books with us and spent time identifying things and learning about them - their range, the conditions best suited to their flourishing. This appreciation and participation in the outdoors has shaped my attitude about conservation, recreation and my own lifestyle.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My favorite places in the outdoors during my childhood were my backyard in Portland, OR (my parents lived in the city but had fruit trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden and there was always so much to do and explore in the backyard), my grandma's tree farm in Virginia (I believe it was a white pine tree farm, but basically for me it was like summer camp - swimming, fishing and canoeing in the pond, walking in the woods, learning to shoot a rifle and a bow and arrow, gardening, catching lightning bugs, watching cicadas and snakes shed their skins), and the Columbia River Gorge where my family regularly hiked and gathered mushrooms (chanterelles and morels). Today I would say that my favorite places in the outdoors are the Oregon coast, the Cascade Mountain range and the high desert of Eastern Oregon - I am a Pacific Northwesterner and find myself feeling closest/most connected to the world around me and any higher power there might be, when I am outdoors. The coast is so beautiful whether it's sunny and breezy or cold, raining and gale force winds. The ocean is mesmerizing and always makes me feel a bit small and put things in perspective. I think I feel most in my element when I am hiking in the temperate rainforest of the Cascade Mtns and the Columbia River Gorge - they are so verdant and there is so much going on that is worth exploring, looking at, watching - there is something very calming about this as well. Eastern Oregon is so different from Western Oregon - I am coming to appreciate the rather starker beauty of it - the colors are amazing and the sense of space is pretty wonderful as well. I find the light is often quite magical in Eastern Oregon. I went to college in Massachusetts and, while New England is a beautiful part of the world, I never felt as connected to the outdoors, even when out hiking or bicycling - I don't know if it had to do with how the space feels or what.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
It's hard to choose just one favorite. I have always liked river otters because of their playfulness. I have very fond memories of a pair of guinea pigs we had when I was a child - they had such personalities and go into all kinds of mischief. I find birds fascinating - their physical structure as well as their social systems. I love domestic cats and dogs and have a couple of each - their companionship and personalities can't be beat for city living. Meerkats are hysterically funny. I guess I'm drawn to animals who's social system and individual personalities are evident, upon observation, to me. For example, while I studied fisheries management policy in graduate school, I do not find fish all that interesting. I understand that I may be projecting human emotions onto animals at times, but often times animals really do have their own personalities and their social systems and hierarchies are fascinating.
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?
Habitat loss resulting in species loss of plants, insects, and animals. Habitat loss can come from expansion of human settlements, flooding/melting associated with global climate change, clearing for agriculture and fuel wood, resource extraction, etc.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn about it, get out in it and enjoy it in a respectful manner and you will feel compelled to protect it in one way or another. It really can help you feel connected to the rest of the organisms on the planet and help us realize that our lives, while important, may not be the only important lives on the planet, and our troubles, while important, may not be the biggest troubles on the planet, and that we're not always the apex species (like when you're hiking through the woods and suddenly realize a bear or mountain lion has been through there recently and you think "in a fair fight (ie no guns) I wouldn't win"...not a bad thing to be reminded of every once in a while - especially when we get to thinking ourselves pretty amazing and indestructible.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am eternally grateful that my parents made sure that our family spent a lot of time outdoors. We hiked and camped and gardened and fished and gathered mushrooms and cross-country skiied and kayaked/canoed, and many other things. While we were engaged in these activities we were always encouraged to observe what was going on around us, lie down and watch a spider spinning a web or ants disassembling a dead mouse or a cicada shedding its skin. We always had plant and animal identification books with us and spent time identifying things and learning about them - their range, the conditions best suited to their flourishing. This appreciation and participation in the outdoors has shaped my attitude about conservation, recreation and my own lifestyle.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My favorite places in the outdoors during my childhood were my backyard in Portland, OR (my parents lived in the city but had fruit trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden and there was always so much to do and explore in the backyard), my grandma's tree farm in Virginia (I believe it was a white pine tree farm, but basically for me it was like summer camp - swimming, fishing and canoeing in the pond, walking in the woods, learning to shoot a rifle and a bow and arrow, gardening, catching lightning bugs, watching cicadas and snakes shed their skins), and the Columbia River Gorge where my family regularly hiked and gathered mushrooms (chanterelles and morels). Today I would say that my favorite places in the outdoors are the Oregon coast, the Cascade Mountain range and the high desert of Eastern Oregon - I am a Pacific Northwesterner and find myself feeling closest/most connected to the world around me and any higher power there might be, when I am outdoors. The coast is so beautiful whether it's sunny and breezy or cold, raining and gale force winds. The ocean is mesmerizing and always makes me feel a bit small and put things in perspective. I think I feel most in my element when I am hiking in the temperate rainforest of the Cascade Mtns and the Columbia River Gorge - they are so verdant and there is so much going on that is worth exploring, looking at, watching - there is something very calming about this as well. Eastern Oregon is so different from Western Oregon - I am coming to appreciate the rather starker beauty of it - the colors are amazing and the sense of space is pretty wonderful as well. I find the light is often quite magical in Eastern Oregon. I went to college in Massachusetts and, while New England is a beautiful part of the world, I never felt as connected to the outdoors, even when out hiking or bicycling - I don't know if it had to do with how the space feels or what.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
It's hard to choose just one favorite. I have always liked river otters because of their playfulness. I have very fond memories of a pair of guinea pigs we had when I was a child - they had such personalities and go into all kinds of mischief. I find birds fascinating - their physical structure as well as their social systems. I love domestic cats and dogs and have a couple of each - their companionship and personalities can't be beat for city living. Meerkats are hysterically funny. I guess I'm drawn to animals who's social system and individual personalities are evident, upon observation, to me. For example, while I studied fisheries management policy in graduate school, I do not find fish all that interesting. I understand that I may be projecting human emotions onto animals at times, but often times animals really do have their own personalities and their social systems and hierarchies are fascinating.
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?
Habitat loss resulting in species loss of plants, insects, and animals. Habitat loss can come from expansion of human settlements, flooding/melting associated with global climate change, clearing for agriculture and fuel wood, resource extraction, etc.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Learn about it, get out in it and enjoy it in a respectful manner and you will feel compelled to protect it in one way or another. It really can help you feel connected to the rest of the organisms on the planet and help us realize that our lives, while important, may not be the only important lives on the planet, and our troubles, while important, may not be the biggest troubles on the planet, and that we're not always the apex species (like when you're hiking through the woods and suddenly realize a bear or mountain lion has been through there recently and you think "in a fair fight (ie no guns) I wouldn't win"...not a bad thing to be reminded of every once in a while - especially when we get to thinking ourselves pretty amazing and indestructible.
Mr Keith Smith
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My dad taking me to see a white badger at night in Epping Forest.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child it was the london canals and marshes. Now my local woodlands and also Northumberland.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Owls because although many are well studied many are not and i think there is still much to learn 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?
Without doubt the loss of natural habitats. Global warming will not be a problem if re - generation of the great jungles can be a possibility they are the lungs of the world.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Look after your planet and its wonders it's the only one we have.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My dad taking me to see a white badger at night in Epping Forest.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child it was the london canals and marshes. Now my local woodlands and also Northumberland.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Owls because although many are well studied many are not and i think there is still much to learn 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?
Without doubt the loss of natural habitats. Global warming will not be a problem if re - generation of the great jungles can be a possibility they are the lungs of the world.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Look after your planet and its wonders it's the only one we have.
Bill Hilton Jr.
Executive Director - Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was in 7th grade I brought a Praying Mantis to my science teacher who asked me to present it to the class. The big insect crawled up my sleeve and got inside my shirt, which got such a positive crowd response I decided to become a biology teacher.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods near my house in Brookline, a suburb of Pittsburgh PA. Hilton Pond (York SC) is where I live and work and enjoy nature most.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I'm sort of into hummingbirds at this point; I conduct research on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the U.S. and Central America.
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 through the abuse of natural resources will just about doom us and many of the organisms with which we share the planet. It may be we've already reached the tipping point and can do nothing to save ourselves.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should have wise dominion over the world, and not try to dominate it.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was in 7th grade I brought a Praying Mantis to my science teacher who asked me to present it to the class. The big insect crawled up my sleeve and got inside my shirt, which got such a positive crowd response I decided to become a biology teacher.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods near my house in Brookline, a suburb of Pittsburgh PA. Hilton Pond (York SC) is where I live and work and enjoy nature most.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I'm sort of into hummingbirds at this point; I conduct research on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the U.S. and Central America.
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 through the abuse of natural resources will just about doom us and many of the organisms with which we share the planet. It may be we've already reached the tipping point and can do nothing to save ourselves.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should have wise dominion over the world, and not try to dominate it.
Claudia Munera
Biologist/Consultant, Guatemala
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't think it was a particular interaction, I prefer to talk about several...my mother is an animal and nature lover and then she influence in my personal perception about animals, I grew up with animals both in my house and in the family farms. Once as adult and as a biology student discovering the world of birds was very important for me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I had plenty in one of the farms where we used to lived when I was a child, I love a small patch of andean forest, and to lay in a water tank that was located in front of a mountain with pines (it wasn't native pines, but at that age I didn't knew about that).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Birds, and may especially owls and toucans. We had a small Tropical Screech Owl that fell from its nest and we take care of him...
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?
Currently, habitat transformation due deforestation and contamination. Then in the future we will face the consequences as climate change, famines and lack of water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save water, reduce overcomsuption, walk instead of drive whenever is possible
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't think it was a particular interaction, I prefer to talk about several...my mother is an animal and nature lover and then she influence in my personal perception about animals, I grew up with animals both in my house and in the family farms. Once as adult and as a biology student discovering the world of birds was very important for me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I had plenty in one of the farms where we used to lived when I was a child, I love a small patch of andean forest, and to lay in a water tank that was located in front of a mountain with pines (it wasn't native pines, but at that age I didn't knew about that).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Birds, and may especially owls and toucans. We had a small Tropical Screech Owl that fell from its nest and we take care of him...
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?
Currently, habitat transformation due deforestation and contamination. Then in the future we will face the consequences as climate change, famines and lack of water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Save water, reduce overcomsuption, walk instead of drive whenever is possible
Maryellen Flynn
Private Citizen, Australia
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
the love and the respect that you get from animals is priceless.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
no i did not have a favourite great outdoors place , now i just enjoy sitting on my front verandah enjoying the sun.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my brother has a six month old Shitszu ( i think that this how you spell it) and my neighbour has a beautiful Moodle dog( mixture of french poodle plus other)
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, how to stop global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
protect our natural resources and just do everything that you can to respect the environment.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
the love and the respect that you get from animals is priceless.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
no i did not have a favourite great outdoors place , now i just enjoy sitting on my front verandah enjoying the sun.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my brother has a six month old Shitszu ( i think that this how you spell it) and my neighbour has a beautiful Moodle dog( mixture of french poodle plus other)
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, how to stop global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
protect our natural resources and just do everything that you can to respect the environment.
Michele Windsor
Area Wildlife Biologist - WI Department of Natural Resources
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Too many to count. Probably working with Moose in NW Montana and coming face to face with grizzlies and black bears while working on the project.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. The boundary waters as a kid and the Minnesota River Wildlife Refuge (Black Dog) which was very close to my house in suburban, MN and where I took the dogs for a walk.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
cougars. The sleekness, secretive nature, beauty of the animal has always intrigued me. Bats are a close second.
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?
Cheap energy consumption. When economic times are tight people aren't willing to spend more and are more apt to open up drilling in wildlife refuges, etc. Also tough economic times folks are less willing to invest in natural resource conservation.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The old adage, invest in real estate because they aren't making anymore of it. Buy land to minimize developments.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Too many to count. Probably working with Moose in NW Montana and coming face to face with grizzlies and black bears while working on the project.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. The boundary waters as a kid and the Minnesota River Wildlife Refuge (Black Dog) which was very close to my house in suburban, MN and where I took the dogs for a walk.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
cougars. The sleekness, secretive nature, beauty of the animal has always intrigued me. Bats are a close second.
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?
Cheap energy consumption. When economic times are tight people aren't willing to spend more and are more apt to open up drilling in wildlife refuges, etc. Also tough economic times folks are less willing to invest in natural resource conservation.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The old adage, invest in real estate because they aren't making anymore of it. Buy land to minimize developments.
Brandon L. Noel
Ph.D Candidate, Environmental Science - Arkansas State University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with the Kemp's ridley sea turtle in southeast Texas is one of those moments in my wildlife career that stands out to me. Working with a species with so many obstacles stacked against it, and to see them perservere, amazing! It is a tough call between these sea turtles, shorebirds, blue whales, and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Any place in the woods was a favorite place for me in my childhood, and now remote beaches during shorebird migration is one of my favorite places to be!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Shorebirds by far! They migrate so far twice a year and they continue to lose habitat due to man's incessant desire to have waterfront property developed that should not be developed. Whoa...ease up tiger! :-)
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?
Habitat fragmentation, modification, and degradation due to both mans greed for more development, but also those preserved habitats and how they will change as a result of climate change
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The importance of dispersal for all species of life. People seem to have this concept that they can isolate wildlife into small parks and everything will be fine, but do not think about the idea of breeding with siblings. Small corridors across a busy section of road or something similar has been our only option to try and allow for gene flow throughout the communities, but dispersal is more dangerous than ever with limited options and increased risks (avoiding cars, planes, boats, spills, etc.).
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with the Kemp's ridley sea turtle in southeast Texas is one of those moments in my wildlife career that stands out to me. Working with a species with so many obstacles stacked against it, and to see them perservere, amazing! It is a tough call between these sea turtles, shorebirds, blue whales, and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Any place in the woods was a favorite place for me in my childhood, and now remote beaches during shorebird migration is one of my favorite places to be!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Shorebirds by far! They migrate so far twice a year and they continue to lose habitat due to man's incessant desire to have waterfront property developed that should not be developed. Whoa...ease up tiger! :-)
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?
Habitat fragmentation, modification, and degradation due to both mans greed for more development, but also those preserved habitats and how they will change as a result of climate change
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The importance of dispersal for all species of life. People seem to have this concept that they can isolate wildlife into small parks and everything will be fine, but do not think about the idea of breeding with siblings. Small corridors across a busy section of road or something similar has been our only option to try and allow for gene flow throughout the communities, but dispersal is more dangerous than ever with limited options and increased risks (avoiding cars, planes, boats, spills, etc.).
Maureen O'Mara
Biological Science Technician - USDA/ARS/NPARL
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I think that growing up near a forest preserve and non-mowed fields along a rail line influenced me the most out of all my experiences with nature. I was able to just leave my backyard and escape into another world. I have been doing this very thing ever since (I'm 50). My decisions about where to locate whenever I move are based on whether or not there is a place in nature to escape to.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Guess I already answered the childhood question. Now, I have the good fortune to live close to the Missouri Nat'l grasslands and the Yellowstone. Even though access to the Yellowstone River is greatly limited by land ownership there are two parks that allow public access and I will go walk along it for as long and the water level allows.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite. I appreciate animals for the different qualities that they have. Although, I might add that I lean a bit towards bats, maybe because they are airborne like the birds that I love to watch. And when you hold one they act like they are so ferocious and will tear your head off if you don't let go of them right now!!
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 our attitude about development is our greatest challenge. We think the earth has unlimited space and we can just continue to populate and develop it. That leaves most people without the opportunity to have the experience that I had as a child. I believe that experience in part led my understanding that we have a connection to place and planet and we must take care to preserve it. Future challenge, more of the same of what I have described. Along with development and growth comes all the problems and we just keep growing.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I don't usually give advice like this. I support groups who fight for our environment and other creatures that share this planet, but I don't advise. It's a very personal decision that everyone has to come to as far as their relationship with the earth. On an individual level I would rather draw people in through my actions - leaving my lawn longer, letting the clover grow for the pollinators, putting in a native plant garden, admiring and talking about the Turkey Vultures that come in to the "hood" for the summer, talking up the Grasslands, etc.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I think that growing up near a forest preserve and non-mowed fields along a rail line influenced me the most out of all my experiences with nature. I was able to just leave my backyard and escape into another world. I have been doing this very thing ever since (I'm 50). My decisions about where to locate whenever I move are based on whether or not there is a place in nature to escape to.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Guess I already answered the childhood question. Now, I have the good fortune to live close to the Missouri Nat'l grasslands and the Yellowstone. Even though access to the Yellowstone River is greatly limited by land ownership there are two parks that allow public access and I will go walk along it for as long and the water level allows.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite. I appreciate animals for the different qualities that they have. Although, I might add that I lean a bit towards bats, maybe because they are airborne like the birds that I love to watch. And when you hold one they act like they are so ferocious and will tear your head off if you don't let go of them right now!!
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 our attitude about development is our greatest challenge. We think the earth has unlimited space and we can just continue to populate and develop it. That leaves most people without the opportunity to have the experience that I had as a child. I believe that experience in part led my understanding that we have a connection to place and planet and we must take care to preserve it. Future challenge, more of the same of what I have described. Along with development and growth comes all the problems and we just keep growing.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I don't usually give advice like this. I support groups who fight for our environment and other creatures that share this planet, but I don't advise. It's a very personal decision that everyone has to come to as far as their relationship with the earth. On an individual level I would rather draw people in through my actions - leaving my lawn longer, letting the clover grow for the pollinators, putting in a native plant garden, admiring and talking about the Turkey Vultures that come in to the "hood" for the summer, talking up the Grasslands, etc.
Christopher Hile
U.S. Army (Retired)
Jul 23, 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 woods and had several cats. Forests have always been important to me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
There was a pine forest nearby that held great wonder for me as a child. Now I have a thinking spot amid the wichita mountains in the Medicine Park wildlife refuge.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Any kind of cat from domestic to wild. They can be ferocious, graceful, affectionate, and 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 the greatest change is the acidity level in the ocean. As it is it is eating away at our coral reefs. The greatest challenge for the future will be growing crops for biofuels and trying to prevent the runoff of fertilizer into the water systems. The fertilizer has caused the acidity rise and dead zones in the ocean with no oxygen.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Grow bamboo and industrial hemp (not the smoking kind). These are two very useful and renewable resources. People breathe oxygen produced by trees. We need to stop deforestation.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I wish you good luck with this survey. Work like this is often the source of voices that need to be heard.
Jul 23, 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 woods and had several cats. Forests have always been important to me.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
There was a pine forest nearby that held great wonder for me as a child. Now I have a thinking spot amid the wichita mountains in the Medicine Park wildlife refuge.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Any kind of cat from domestic to wild. They can be ferocious, graceful, affectionate, and 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 the greatest change is the acidity level in the ocean. As it is it is eating away at our coral reefs. The greatest challenge for the future will be growing crops for biofuels and trying to prevent the runoff of fertilizer into the water systems. The fertilizer has caused the acidity rise and dead zones in the ocean with no oxygen.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Grow bamboo and industrial hemp (not the smoking kind). These are two very useful and renewable resources. People breathe oxygen produced by trees. We need to stop deforestation.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I wish you good luck with this survey. Work like this is often the source of voices that need to be heard.
Joyanne Hamilton
High School Teacher, Alaska
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
BIRDS!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I love the outdoors, the sky, the wide open sky.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I never really had a favorite animal at the zoo. I didn't like zoos because of the animals being "jailed". I grew up in a time with the tiger's pacing the tiny cage. I like the newer zoos but never had a favorite ZOO animal. Maybe a giant tortoise? For some reason he stands out in my mind.
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 natural habitat. Definitely. Climate change IS ongoing, yes but loss of habitat effects population densities of all species and creates situations in which species become endangered and eventually, extinct.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building puke beige condominium neighborhoods in rural areas.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
BIRDS!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I love the outdoors, the sky, the wide open sky.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I never really had a favorite animal at the zoo. I didn't like zoos because of the animals being "jailed". I grew up in a time with the tiger's pacing the tiny cage. I like the newer zoos but never had a favorite ZOO animal. Maybe a giant tortoise? For some reason he stands out in my mind.
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 natural habitat. Definitely. Climate change IS ongoing, yes but loss of habitat effects population densities of all species and creates situations in which species become endangered and eventually, extinct.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building puke beige condominium neighborhoods in rural areas.
Susan Smith
Wildlife Ecologist
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All childhood interactions and facilitated by my parents and grandparents.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: the southern Piedmont Now: The SE US Coastal Plain
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Life cannot exist without other life. Its kinda like asking which is my favorite body part (hum, brain or heart...)- all parts work together.
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 biodiversity crisis. The biodiversity crisis. An early example, Costanza et al. 1997, spells it out in dollars and cents. We cease to exist without biodiversity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We have to, as a society, set aside large expanses of land for nature. Nature has to be able to do its thing and it can't in little fragments like National Parks. Its a daunting task, but if we choose to connect the fragments of nature that remain, we may just stand a chance.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All childhood interactions and facilitated by my parents and grandparents.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: the southern Piedmont Now: The SE US Coastal Plain
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Life cannot exist without other life. Its kinda like asking which is my favorite body part (hum, brain or heart...)- all parts work together.
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 biodiversity crisis. The biodiversity crisis. An early example, Costanza et al. 1997, spells it out in dollars and cents. We cease to exist without biodiversity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We have to, as a society, set aside large expanses of land for nature. Nature has to be able to do its thing and it can't in little fragments like National Parks. Its a daunting task, but if we choose to connect the fragments of nature that remain, we may just stand a chance.
Wallace J. Nichols
California Academy of Sciences Ocean Revolution
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Backpacking in the Rocky Mountains as a kid. Generally spending childhood exploring nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sea turtle (focus of my life's work) and mountain lion (a species in my back yard)
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 + Corporate growth model
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Seek true efficiency everywhere possible (STEEP)
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I'd be interested in any results that connect to our Mind & Ocean Initiative (www.mindandocean.org)
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Backpacking in the Rocky Mountains as a kid. Generally spending childhood exploring nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sea turtle (focus of my life's work) and mountain lion (a species in my back yard)
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 + Corporate growth model
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Seek true efficiency everywhere possible (STEEP)
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I'd be interested in any results that connect to our Mind & Ocean Initiative (www.mindandocean.org)
RK Bangert
Ecologist
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
bird watching
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
childhood: mountains now: rural
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
the horse because of their elegant 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?
consumerism food
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
consume less
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
bird watching
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
childhood: mountains now: rural
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
the horse because of their elegant 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?
consumerism food
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
consume less
Scott Smith
Ecologist - MD DNR - Natural Heritage Program
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one event - I have been studying animals my entire life (now approaching 50). However that said, while in undergraduate college a professor turned me on to plant identification and birds and my now "opened" eyes viewed the world differently - there is power in being able to name a thing, a person, a place - spiritual even.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The White Mountains of NH were my spiritual place - particularly the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. Mtns are sacred places. But the sea also held me in its grasp - both places can be places of utmost beauty and utmost peril - and that dichotomy speaks to the human soul I think. Now my favorite places are often on a smaller scale - quiet places with little or no non-native vegetation - special plant/animal communities like bogs, fens, deserts, etc.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That’s a tough one - 20 years ago I would have said bald eagle or any raptor because of the grace, power, and viewpoint from on high and also their fierceness without ill-tidings - "I'm just being an eagle when I kill". Today my interests are very broad but I would have to say its any turtle - I just like the indomitable will of turtles in general - the modern world continues to revolve at frenetic pace yet they survive living at a different pace, and in a different time. There is much to be learned from turtles!
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?
It all comes down to too many humans on the planet and increasingly following soul-less economic models. Until there is a wholesale change in the way EVERYONE views this planet and all its members, not just humans, I fear that we are on a death spiral as a species (irregardless of the current pop #s) - and unfortunately we seem to want to take the planet with us.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are NOT separate from nature - you are part of it - what happens to it happens to you, and vice versa - so be respectful and handle with care.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one event - I have been studying animals my entire life (now approaching 50). However that said, while in undergraduate college a professor turned me on to plant identification and birds and my now "opened" eyes viewed the world differently - there is power in being able to name a thing, a person, a place - spiritual even.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The White Mountains of NH were my spiritual place - particularly the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. Mtns are sacred places. But the sea also held me in its grasp - both places can be places of utmost beauty and utmost peril - and that dichotomy speaks to the human soul I think. Now my favorite places are often on a smaller scale - quiet places with little or no non-native vegetation - special plant/animal communities like bogs, fens, deserts, etc.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That’s a tough one - 20 years ago I would have said bald eagle or any raptor because of the grace, power, and viewpoint from on high and also their fierceness without ill-tidings - "I'm just being an eagle when I kill". Today my interests are very broad but I would have to say its any turtle - I just like the indomitable will of turtles in general - the modern world continues to revolve at frenetic pace yet they survive living at a different pace, and in a different time. There is much to be learned from turtles!
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?
It all comes down to too many humans on the planet and increasingly following soul-less economic models. Until there is a wholesale change in the way EVERYONE views this planet and all its members, not just humans, I fear that we are on a death spiral as a species (irregardless of the current pop #s) - and unfortunately we seem to want to take the planet with us.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are NOT separate from nature - you are part of it - what happens to it happens to you, and vice versa - so be respectful and handle with care.
Lynn Braband
Senior Extension Associate, NYS IPM Program - Cornell University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in a rural environment with easy access to outdoor areas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marshes, lakes, and woods in the county where my grandparents lived. The farmland creek near where I grew up. Currently, close by: several marshes and a railroad bed turned hiking trail; further away: the Adirondack backcountry
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian tiger. Top of the food chain predator.
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?
Combination of human population growth and materialistic lifestyles.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get to intimately know a natural area. You cannot love what you do not know.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in a rural environment with easy access to outdoor areas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marshes, lakes, and woods in the county where my grandparents lived. The farmland creek near where I grew up. Currently, close by: several marshes and a railroad bed turned hiking trail; further away: the Adirondack backcountry
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian tiger. Top of the food chain predator.
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?
Combination of human population growth and materialistic lifestyles.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get to intimately know a natural area. You cannot love what you do not know.
Dave Alfred
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am impacted each day. The spider that just crawled across my desk
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Freshwater Lake
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The one that just went extinct
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?
Humans, humans
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"Think Little" - Wendell Berry
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am impacted each day. The spider that just crawled across my desk
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Freshwater Lake
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The one that just went extinct
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?
Humans, humans
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"Think Little" - Wendell Berry
Michael Mooradian Lupro
Lecturer - North Carolina A&T State University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having a spider monkey pretend to pick bugs out of my hair.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
No. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Raptors...vision and flight
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?
Anthropocentrism
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't shit where you eat (literally and figuratively).
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having a spider monkey pretend to pick bugs out of my hair.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
No. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Raptors...vision and flight
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?
Anthropocentrism
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't shit where you eat (literally and figuratively).
Susan Moore
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I love nature and all animals. I have had 4 cats over the last 28 years and can't imagine not having animals in my life. I am a volunteer zoo keeper at Flamingo Gardens and work with all native species and some non natives. I love my volunteer job and being with other animal lovers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I lived in NY until I was 13 and my favorite place was the Bronx Zoo. I could go everyday and love going to the zoo. Now my favorite place is the Everglades and Flamingo Gardens. My husband and I love to bike in Shark Valley and observe the birds and alligators and the peacefulness of the Everglades. We also love the mountains in Co. We feel very spiritual in the mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a difficult one as I love them all, but I would say I'm partial to the cat family. I love the similarities between the bob cat, panther and my domestic cats. Since working at Flamingo Gardens I have fallen in love with our native birds 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?
Restoring the Everglades is a huge challenge and dealing with global warming. I am a huge recycler and I believe everyone in their small way can make a huge difference.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should all enjoy and protect nature. The environment is very fragile and it is our responsibility to ensure that we don't destroy it.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I love nature and all animals. I have had 4 cats over the last 28 years and can't imagine not having animals in my life. I am a volunteer zoo keeper at Flamingo Gardens and work with all native species and some non natives. I love my volunteer job and being with other animal lovers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I lived in NY until I was 13 and my favorite place was the Bronx Zoo. I could go everyday and love going to the zoo. Now my favorite place is the Everglades and Flamingo Gardens. My husband and I love to bike in Shark Valley and observe the birds and alligators and the peacefulness of the Everglades. We also love the mountains in Co. We feel very spiritual in the mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a difficult one as I love them all, but I would say I'm partial to the cat family. I love the similarities between the bob cat, panther and my domestic cats. Since working at Flamingo Gardens I have fallen in love with our native birds 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?
Restoring the Everglades is a huge challenge and dealing with global warming. I am a huge recycler and I believe everyone in their small way can make a huge difference.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should all enjoy and protect nature. The environment is very fragile and it is our responsibility to ensure that we don't destroy it.
Shannon Pederson
The Wildlife Society
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising dogs and researching canine subjects has had the biggest impact.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Running along the C&O Canal and Potomac River has been a favorite place of mine since childhood. How about now --absolutely. Same place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves and coyotes - for different reasons. Wolves - because of their social interactions and problem solving (i.e., hunting in packs) and coyote - because of their intelligent mind to problem solve individually.
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 - teaching the public that natural resources are not renewable when overharvested. Not everyone in the world can live like "The Joneses". Future - water and food shortages, energy sources.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We don't know everything about the environment or what it can produce, so respect it and don't overuse (leave natural resources for future generations). Live within your means!
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising dogs and researching canine subjects has had the biggest impact.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Running along the C&O Canal and Potomac River has been a favorite place of mine since childhood. How about now --absolutely. Same place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves and coyotes - for different reasons. Wolves - because of their social interactions and problem solving (i.e., hunting in packs) and coyote - because of their intelligent mind to problem solve individually.
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 - teaching the public that natural resources are not renewable when overharvested. Not everyone in the world can live like "The Joneses". Future - water and food shortages, energy sources.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We don't know everything about the environment or what it can produce, so respect it and don't overuse (leave natural resources for future generations). Live within your means!
Stephen P. Kunz
Senior Ecologist - Schmid & Company, Inc.
Jul 23, 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 just one. Every time I go on a hike, or walk in the woods, or go camping, I get a better appreciation of the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods behind my house, and the undeveloped park 2 blocks away. Now it is anyplace where evidence of human disturbance (roads, buildings, etc.) is least.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagles, hawks, condors. I think they are beautiful and 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?
Right now: climate change, due to burning fossil fuels. It is causing so many little and huge problems. Future: I worry most about loss of woodlands and loss of clean water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out of your car, turn off your cell phone, and visit/enjoy as many of the following as possible(especially if you have never been there before): the ocean/beach, a mountain lake, a desert, a prairie, a farm, a forest, a wetland, a river/stream, a mountain. Here in the US we are so fortunate to have so many different kinds of ecosystems. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience every one of them at some time in their life. It is only by experiencing the natural world first-hand that we can get a better understanding of what we have and what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
Jul 23, 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 just one. Every time I go on a hike, or walk in the woods, or go camping, I get a better appreciation of the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods behind my house, and the undeveloped park 2 blocks away. Now it is anyplace where evidence of human disturbance (roads, buildings, etc.) is least.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagles, hawks, condors. I think they are beautiful and 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?
Right now: climate change, due to burning fossil fuels. It is causing so many little and huge problems. Future: I worry most about loss of woodlands and loss of clean water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out of your car, turn off your cell phone, and visit/enjoy as many of the following as possible(especially if you have never been there before): the ocean/beach, a mountain lake, a desert, a prairie, a farm, a forest, a wetland, a river/stream, a mountain. Here in the US we are so fortunate to have so many different kinds of ecosystems. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience every one of them at some time in their life. It is only by experiencing the natural world first-hand that we can get a better understanding of what we have and what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
Joshua Castleberry
Central Carolina Technical College
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to say, really. I have been an 'outdoorsman' all of my life. I was out fishing and shrimping the coast with my dad from a very early age (I don't even remember learning to cast a net, I was so young when it happened). My family also camped out a lot. I have also gone out into the woods by myself to catch snakes, lizards, and frogs for as long as I can remember.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Coastal SC...probably Hunting Island SC. I can hunt snakes, shrimp, crab, and head to the surf for shark all in the same day.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I can't really have a favorite. I am in general a herpetologist, but my 'favorite' varies by what I have in front of me at the time. If I had to narrow it down to my top 5 (in no particular order): Crotalus adamanteus, Caretta caretta, Malaclemys terrapin, Drymarchon couperi & Dendrobates spp (I know that's a genus, but I couldn't pick just 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?
The greatest threat to the environment right now is human population. More people = more ignorance. Our challenge is to teach the entire populous to tread lightly so that there are enough resources to go around.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Natural resources are finite, and small actions add up (good and bad). Make a conscious decision to help the environment.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to say, really. I have been an 'outdoorsman' all of my life. I was out fishing and shrimping the coast with my dad from a very early age (I don't even remember learning to cast a net, I was so young when it happened). My family also camped out a lot. I have also gone out into the woods by myself to catch snakes, lizards, and frogs for as long as I can remember.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Coastal SC...probably Hunting Island SC. I can hunt snakes, shrimp, crab, and head to the surf for shark all in the same day.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I can't really have a favorite. I am in general a herpetologist, but my 'favorite' varies by what I have in front of me at the time. If I had to narrow it down to my top 5 (in no particular order): Crotalus adamanteus, Caretta caretta, Malaclemys terrapin, Drymarchon couperi & Dendrobates spp (I know that's a genus, but I couldn't pick just 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?
The greatest threat to the environment right now is human population. More people = more ignorance. Our challenge is to teach the entire populous to tread lightly so that there are enough resources to go around.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Natural resources are finite, and small actions add up (good and bad). Make a conscious decision to help the environment.
Anonymous
Ph.D Student
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't know
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My parent's back yard/the local parks. I still like going to the parks and their back yard, but now that I work in nature, my favorite places are the forests where I do my surveys.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite animal. I love all animals and have favorites within taxa. For example, my favorite beetle is the hercules beetle, Dyanastes tityus
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 huge size of the human population and lack of connection, concern, and understanding of the natural world is the greatest challenge now and will continue to plague us in the future
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't know
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My parent's back yard/the local parks. I still like going to the parks and their back yard, but now that I work in nature, my favorite places are the forests where I do my surveys.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite animal. I love all animals and have favorites within taxa. For example, my favorite beetle is the hercules beetle, Dyanastes tityus
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 huge size of the human population and lack of connection, concern, and understanding of the natural world is the greatest challenge now and will continue to plague us in the future
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself.
John H.
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Meeting bears (Ursus Americanus) on my front porch of my cabin in south-central Colorado.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No one specific, but I do enjoy the behavior of many different species of birds and those of squirrels and chipmunks.
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?
Too many people using too much land.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be more frugal with land use. Use birth control methods after having one healthy child. Make euthanasia legal world-wide.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Meeting bears (Ursus Americanus) on my front porch of my cabin in south-central Colorado.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
No one specific, but I do enjoy the behavior of many different species of birds and those of squirrels and chipmunks.
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?
Too many people using too much land.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be more frugal with land use. Use birth control methods after having one healthy child. Make euthanasia legal world-wide.
Aaron E. Price
Gracie Creek Ranch
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Interacting with horses have impacted me the most. There are many lessons horses can teach one about life, relationships, and yourself. The greatest lesson I think is responsibility.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I grew up on a large cattle ranch in the Nebraska Sand Hills. We have a large shelter belt of trees my dad and others have planted and I would spend hours each day running around these trees and exploring the prairie. This childhood experience instilled many early ecological lessons and a sense of responsibility to my home. I would not have the interests in environmental/agricultural issues if it wasn't for the ranch being my playground as a youth.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is a Sand Hill Crane. This bird is fortunate enough to take part in one of the largest animal migrations in the world, and their view of my precious Great Plains in this process has to be outstanding. Their genetic memory runs deep and they're argued to be one of the oldest birds in the world, and I find it fascinating one crane can differentiate between the static bird noises of other clans and find their family in the middle of the North Platte River.
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 facing humanity is climate change. If we neglect to meet this challenge, we're neglecting an ethical obligation to our children. With the greatest challenges comes the greatest opportunities, but we have to be willing to look inside ourselves and be able to act collectively. But I see three key issues under this issue we all need to address including: clean energy production, ridding the world of poverty
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Agriculture encompasses one of the largest land uses in the world. We have a world population expected to reach 9 to 10 billion, and our ecosystems are being stressed to meet this food demand. We still need to preserve areas, but this model is lacking in our new environmental challenge realities compared to when these systems first started. More work needs to be focused in incorporating conservation practices into our working lands to ensure we can preserve the integrity of these food systems.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Interacting with horses have impacted me the most. There are many lessons horses can teach one about life, relationships, and yourself. The greatest lesson I think is responsibility.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, I grew up on a large cattle ranch in the Nebraska Sand Hills. We have a large shelter belt of trees my dad and others have planted and I would spend hours each day running around these trees and exploring the prairie. This childhood experience instilled many early ecological lessons and a sense of responsibility to my home. I would not have the interests in environmental/agricultural issues if it wasn't for the ranch being my playground as a youth.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is a Sand Hill Crane. This bird is fortunate enough to take part in one of the largest animal migrations in the world, and their view of my precious Great Plains in this process has to be outstanding. Their genetic memory runs deep and they're argued to be one of the oldest birds in the world, and I find it fascinating one crane can differentiate between the static bird noises of other clans and find their family in the middle of the North Platte River.
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 facing humanity is climate change. If we neglect to meet this challenge, we're neglecting an ethical obligation to our children. With the greatest challenges comes the greatest opportunities, but we have to be willing to look inside ourselves and be able to act collectively. But I see three key issues under this issue we all need to address including: clean energy production, ridding the world of poverty
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Agriculture encompasses one of the largest land uses in the world. We have a world population expected to reach 9 to 10 billion, and our ecosystems are being stressed to meet this food demand. We still need to preserve areas, but this model is lacking in our new environmental challenge realities compared to when these systems first started. More work needs to be focused in incorporating conservation practices into our working lands to ensure we can preserve the integrity of these food systems.
Anonymous
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Trees. I recently moved from the city to an area with large full-grown trees. The minute I drove through their shadows, something in me seemed to relax. Our race most likely evolved with trees, and I do not think it far-fetched that we react and respond to them so well. Ever see a person in a forest or park? Relaxed. and they take deep breaths.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Great Falls National Park, in Virginia. Wow! Now I live in an area with rabbits and squirrels in my back yard, deer, woodpeckers.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Great Horned Owl. I used to work with the Raptor Conservancy in Virginia. Mostly cleaning cages, but these animals are impressive, and WILD. Huge beaks, almost soundless in flight. I love all raptors, but owls are my favs.
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 is that we are now poisoning OURSELVES. Drugs and poisons can be found in all our foodstuffs and in our water. It is my personal belief that Americans are getting fat from being poisoned. I just lost 40 pounds after I went on an organic foods only diet, and started drinking only distilled or reverse osmosis water (with some minerals put back in). I NEVER cook with or drink tap water, and I have a shower filter. Those have been the only changes for me. 40 pounds!!!
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 to support those trying to help and clean up the earth. It's essential.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Trees. I recently moved from the city to an area with large full-grown trees. The minute I drove through their shadows, something in me seemed to relax. Our race most likely evolved with trees, and I do not think it far-fetched that we react and respond to them so well. Ever see a person in a forest or park? Relaxed. and they take deep breaths.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Great Falls National Park, in Virginia. Wow! Now I live in an area with rabbits and squirrels in my back yard, deer, woodpeckers.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The Great Horned Owl. I used to work with the Raptor Conservancy in Virginia. Mostly cleaning cages, but these animals are impressive, and WILD. Huge beaks, almost soundless in flight. I love all raptors, but owls are my favs.
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 is that we are now poisoning OURSELVES. Drugs and poisons can be found in all our foodstuffs and in our water. It is my personal belief that Americans are getting fat from being poisoned. I just lost 40 pounds after I went on an organic foods only diet, and started drinking only distilled or reverse osmosis water (with some minerals put back in). I NEVER cook with or drink tap water, and I have a shower filter. Those have been the only changes for me. 40 pounds!!!
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 to support those trying to help and clean up the earth. It's essential.
Ken Schneider
Retired Physician
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child,walking in the snow with my Dad, tracking rabbits.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The undeveloped flood plain of the Passaic River in Rutherford, NJ was my "playground." It is now entirely developed. Now I especially like mountains-- anywhere.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably domestic dogs are my "favorites," though any bird in my binoculars is an instant "favorite." For its beauty, the Painted Bunting ranks highest.
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?
Over-development (urban sprawl) and all the waste of resources that accompanies it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and preserve them. Think of pollution as a resource, but in the wrong place.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child,walking in the snow with my Dad, tracking rabbits.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The undeveloped flood plain of the Passaic River in Rutherford, NJ was my "playground." It is now entirely developed. Now I especially like mountains-- anywhere.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably domestic dogs are my "favorites," though any bird in my binoculars is an instant "favorite." For its beauty, the Painted Bunting ranks highest.
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?
Over-development (urban sprawl) and all the waste of resources that accompanies it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect and preserve them. Think of pollution as a resource, but in the wrong place.
Dr. James (Skip) Lazell
Founder and President - The Conservation Agency
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Finding new species on remote islands.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
May's Lake, Jackson, MS. Now: Guana Island, British Virgin Islands.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cyclura pinguis, the stout -- and largest of all --iguanas. I may have saved this species from extinction.
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. All else is a by-product of that.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No woman should ever again have more than two children.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
We must stop and reverse population growth or we are doomed. And we are taking a lot of other species with us.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Finding new species on remote islands.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
May's Lake, Jackson, MS. Now: Guana Island, British Virgin Islands.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cyclura pinguis, the stout -- and largest of all --iguanas. I may have saved this species from extinction.
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. All else is a by-product of that.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No woman should ever again have more than two children.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
We must stop and reverse population growth or we are doomed. And we are taking a lot of other species with us.
Karlyn Langjahr
NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow - St. Croix East End Marine Park
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So many... but the have all occurred in the marine environment, often with marine organisms. Some of my most humbling: snorkeling next to whalesharks in Baja, working with nesting sea turtles in various places, watching humpback whales and their babies in Hawaii, diving in SE Asia and Palau's jellyfish lake!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child the back yard and nearby suburban "forests" served as our playground- mostly ponds and climbing trees, etc. I grew up in a land-locked USA, but had access to tons of bodies of water (ponds, lakes, streams/rivers). When I was in 4th grade I discovered "oceanography" and have been an ocean person since I was old enough to go out on my own. Snorkeling here in the Caribbean every weekend keeps me sane!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
This is so hard! It changes all of the time, but I would say right now... sharks.
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?
Lack of political will and systematic prioritization of the current economic system, instead of developing an economy based on the goods and serviced provided by nature. Collapse is an excellent book showing how human cultures repeatedly "choose" society self-destruction in the name of their cultural "rites" which is essentially what we seem to be doing now.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We may all view ourselves as "separate" or even independent from nature (increasingly as we depend on technology and recreate indoors with computers, etc. instead of in natural environments), but we should view our environment as an organism surrounding us and recognize that its very health affects our own health (both individually and collectively).
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So many... but the have all occurred in the marine environment, often with marine organisms. Some of my most humbling: snorkeling next to whalesharks in Baja, working with nesting sea turtles in various places, watching humpback whales and their babies in Hawaii, diving in SE Asia and Palau's jellyfish lake!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
As a child the back yard and nearby suburban "forests" served as our playground- mostly ponds and climbing trees, etc. I grew up in a land-locked USA, but had access to tons of bodies of water (ponds, lakes, streams/rivers). When I was in 4th grade I discovered "oceanography" and have been an ocean person since I was old enough to go out on my own. Snorkeling here in the Caribbean every weekend keeps me sane!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
This is so hard! It changes all of the time, but I would say right now... sharks.
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?
Lack of political will and systematic prioritization of the current economic system, instead of developing an economy based on the goods and serviced provided by nature. Collapse is an excellent book showing how human cultures repeatedly "choose" society self-destruction in the name of their cultural "rites" which is essentially what we seem to be doing now.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We may all view ourselves as "separate" or even independent from nature (increasingly as we depend on technology and recreate indoors with computers, etc. instead of in natural environments), but we should view our environment as an organism surrounding us and recognize that its very health affects our own health (both individually and collectively).
John Ellerton
Private Citizen
July 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Coming face to face with a wild rhino mother & calf whilst birdspotting in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Expected to be charged, as I was less then 3 metres from them, but they ignored me. Fantastic!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Any member of the bird family. But especially raptors.
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) Preventing the total destruction of the habitat of wildlife species whilst still allowing man his dreams & ambitions. 2) Reversing global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To try and live in harmony with nature. To support any pressure group that tries to reverse the damage done by our industrialists and politicians.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
The only way to prevent the poor people of nations such as India/Africa/S. America destroying their immediate environment is to provide them with an alternative way of earning a living & providing them with the means to achieve it.
July 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Coming face to face with a wild rhino mother & calf whilst birdspotting in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Expected to be charged, as I was less then 3 metres from them, but they ignored me. Fantastic!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Any member of the bird family. But especially raptors.
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) Preventing the total destruction of the habitat of wildlife species whilst still allowing man his dreams & ambitions. 2) Reversing global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To try and live in harmony with nature. To support any pressure group that tries to reverse the damage done by our industrialists and politicians.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
The only way to prevent the poor people of nations such as India/Africa/S. America destroying their immediate environment is to provide them with an alternative way of earning a living & providing them with the means to achieve it.
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