Immediate past president, Mountaineer Chapter, National Audubon Society
Today’s Date: July 19, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am a retired biologist. There are many interactions over the years--barn animals including cattle and cats, fish, aquatic insects, birds in particular, also small mammals. I have particular attachments to Mourning Doves, Nuthatches, cats, and Voles.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My grandfather's farm in Indiana and a camp on Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire--especially the waterfront area at that camp.
Now? Yes--a rail trail in Preston Co., WV, and my own back yard and a walk along a ridge that starts there.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably house cats and meadow and pine voles. I've always tried to live with cats, and of all the rodents I have worked with the vole group seems to have the most appeal.
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 climate change--now and in the immediate future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get involved in the environment as much as you can and remember that everying is connected, one way or another, and if the environment doesn't survive, people won't survive either.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 19, 2006
Lauren Khoyi Noyes
Science Peer Tutor, Northern Essex Community College
Today’s Date: July 19th, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Wild Edible Plants (teaberry, asparagus, raspberries, Phragmites, dandelion greens, mints, etc.), I find moss and ferns easy to grow and tend -- very calming, the sound of rain
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
childhood haunt: i built a sticks-and-leaves lean-to in my backyard as a kid and would make it the center of all my games with the neighborhood kids. it was our fort, it was a place to hide treasures (pretty feathers, fishing line, etc), and it kept us dry in rainstorms.
Now? in a canoe on a pond, in sand dunes, on the Great Marsh.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a kid I was always impressed that a ring-tailed lemur could so well resemble a skunk and a primate: I called them "skunky-monkeys." Little did I know, huh? Now I dig the echidna.
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?
Present challenge: loss of habitat/niche. Especially for amphibians, it's astounding how quickly they're being decimated. How much longer will we have amphibians before they all succomb to chitrid fungal infections? ...anyways. Too sad. It's not just about rainforest habitats, but they're surely well publicized and many more well-explored habitats certainly pale in comparison when we think of how much we'll lose.
Future challenge: preservation and the energy crises that continue and will continue to confront us. Will we preserve more lands? Will we undergo an anti-Industrial Revolution to some extent? What's coming next as humans interact with the environment? We are the problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The world is bigger than us, that is for sure, but is more fragile. We need to become both parents and children of the land we inhabit: parents in that we'll wisely look after its best interest, and children in that we won't forget where we came from.
Today’s Date: July 19th, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Wild Edible Plants (teaberry, asparagus, raspberries, Phragmites, dandelion greens, mints, etc.), I find moss and ferns easy to grow and tend -- very calming, the sound of rain
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
childhood haunt: i built a sticks-and-leaves lean-to in my backyard as a kid and would make it the center of all my games with the neighborhood kids. it was our fort, it was a place to hide treasures (pretty feathers, fishing line, etc), and it kept us dry in rainstorms.
Now? in a canoe on a pond, in sand dunes, on the Great Marsh.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a kid I was always impressed that a ring-tailed lemur could so well resemble a skunk and a primate: I called them "skunky-monkeys." Little did I know, huh? Now I dig the echidna.
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?
Present challenge: loss of habitat/niche. Especially for amphibians, it's astounding how quickly they're being decimated. How much longer will we have amphibians before they all succomb to chitrid fungal infections? ...anyways. Too sad. It's not just about rainforest habitats, but they're surely well publicized and many more well-explored habitats certainly pale in comparison when we think of how much we'll lose.
Future challenge: preservation and the energy crises that continue and will continue to confront us. Will we preserve more lands? Will we undergo an anti-Industrial Revolution to some extent? What's coming next as humans interact with the environment? We are the problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The world is bigger than us, that is for sure, but is more fragile. We need to become both parents and children of the land we inhabit: parents in that we'll wisely look after its best interest, and children in that we won't forget where we came from.
Skott Holck
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: July 19, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was a teen I found myself very depressed one night. I took a drive with no particular destination in mind. At one point, I got out of the car to look at stars. After gazing upward for a while I glanced down and discovered there were nearly a dozen rabbits all about my feet. They seemed completely un-timid around me. For a few moments we had this odd bond. Then they just sort of jumped off. Since that time, I have had a deep connection with rabbits.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I was raised in a very urban setting, but I did have a favorite tree in my great grandfather's yard.
Now? There is a small rock out cropping along the Oregon coast called Devils elbow. I feel very connected to the Earth whenever I am there.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I very much like the Sloth, I find its pace and relationship to the world around it representative of a relaxed state of 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?
I think humanity's attitude of separateness from the world to be its biggest challenge now and in the future. As long as mankind thinks of itself as being masters of the Earth, we will forever be at odds with it. We are as much a part of the Earth as the rocks under our feet. Until we realize this in a widespread manner, we will always have difficulty.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Treat the Earth as you do yourself. There is no division. WE are the Earth.
Today’s Date: July 19, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was a teen I found myself very depressed one night. I took a drive with no particular destination in mind. At one point, I got out of the car to look at stars. After gazing upward for a while I glanced down and discovered there were nearly a dozen rabbits all about my feet. They seemed completely un-timid around me. For a few moments we had this odd bond. Then they just sort of jumped off. Since that time, I have had a deep connection with rabbits.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I was raised in a very urban setting, but I did have a favorite tree in my great grandfather's yard.
Now? There is a small rock out cropping along the Oregon coast called Devils elbow. I feel very connected to the Earth whenever I am there.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I very much like the Sloth, I find its pace and relationship to the world around it representative of a relaxed state of 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?
I think humanity's attitude of separateness from the world to be its biggest challenge now and in the future. As long as mankind thinks of itself as being masters of the Earth, we will forever be at odds with it. We are as much a part of the Earth as the rocks under our feet. Until we realize this in a widespread manner, we will always have difficulty.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Treat the Earth as you do yourself. There is no division. WE are the Earth.
Allan P. Drew
Professor, State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry
Today's Date: July 19, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa I was chased by a hippopotamus in Zambia. It taught me respect for nature!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the sand hills overlooking the Wisconsin River
Now? L'Escalier Tete-chien (snake's staircase) in Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Chestnut-mandibled toucan, the largest toucan in Central America. The bird reminds me of the rain forest which is its habitat and an ecosystem most fascinating and most endangered.
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?
Controlling carbon emissions and reducing the global warming that is and will result
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Treat the natural world with respect and be a good steward of it, realizing that however much we might try to separate ourselves from it and exploit it for our use, we are intimately interconnected with it and dependent upon it for our wellbeing and survival as a species.
Today's Date: July 19, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa I was chased by a hippopotamus in Zambia. It taught me respect for nature!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the sand hills overlooking the Wisconsin River
Now? L'Escalier Tete-chien (snake's staircase) in Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Chestnut-mandibled toucan, the largest toucan in Central America. The bird reminds me of the rain forest which is its habitat and an ecosystem most fascinating and most endangered.
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?
Controlling carbon emissions and reducing the global warming that is and will result
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Treat the natural world with respect and be a good steward of it, realizing that however much we might try to separate ourselves from it and exploit it for our use, we are intimately interconnected with it and dependent upon it for our wellbeing and survival as a species.
July 18, 2006
Kayleen
Private citizen (Australia)
Today’s Date: Wednesday 19th July, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing. As a kid, i went through a number of personal problems, and being able to get out on the ocean, away from people and problems, and do something I was good at, and get so connected in with the rhythms of nature was incredibly special, renewing, invigorating and rewarding. The rhythms one becomes aware of through sailing are major - the tides, and hence the moon, are one, but the seasons and the changes of weather within the seasons are another, and it goes right down to the cycles of waves (larger to smaller and back to larger) and the wind as it cycles left to right a bit and back (or vice versa) and the sequence of gusts and gradual increases and decreases through the day.
Sailing in a light wind was challenging, sailing in a gale in an 11' boat with 12' plus waves (some surfer friends I took out thought I was underestimating the wave size) was exhilarating - and I NEVER had the sense that I was "mastering" nature by doing any of this: I was being privileged to be allowed to have a glimpse into nature, and be allowed to share some of her energy, vibrancy and dynamism.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes: being out on the water - any water would do, but especially the ocean. If not, then at least on the beach.
Now? The ocean, and being on water (my sun sign is Cancer, incidentally) are still important, but I don't get as much chance to do this as I used to. What is coming equally as significant to me is being amongst trees, especially groves. There is a nice grove near my home where I have sometimes gone to work rituals.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I have a major fascination with dolphins, and the highlight of a three week cruise I did in the Whitsundays was seeing a few dolphins (spinner, I think - but that was over 20 years ago now), and watching one look back up at me as I looked at it: there was a strong sense of connection, and I've read articles talking of the intelligence of dolphins, their ability to help people with disabilities ("swimming with the dolphins") and even theories that they are the reincarnations of advanced souls. (I also liked the part of the book "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" which said humans thought they were more civilized while they invented fire and civilization while dolphin's splashed round in the water and had fun, and dolphins thought they were more civilized for exactly the same reason.)
Whales, particularly blue whales are a close second.
I also have to mention cats: I've always enjoyed having cats around, and have related well to them (I can't understand why some people have so much trouble understanding cats - maybe they expect cats to be like
dogs :) )
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?
Our greatest challenge now is the fallacy that, in order to have a decent life, we have to have an economy that is growing. Once that fallacy is corrected, I consider consumerism and other excessive uses of resources will start to die back.
In the future, if we get past that, I consider population growth, and the vast environmental, social and economic pressures that brings will become our next problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
DO WHAT YOU CAN! Even if it is only having a compost bin, or turning off unnecessary lights, or not watering lawns, when everyone does what they can, it all adds up.
Today’s Date: Wednesday 19th July, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Sailing. As a kid, i went through a number of personal problems, and being able to get out on the ocean, away from people and problems, and do something I was good at, and get so connected in with the rhythms of nature was incredibly special, renewing, invigorating and rewarding. The rhythms one becomes aware of through sailing are major - the tides, and hence the moon, are one, but the seasons and the changes of weather within the seasons are another, and it goes right down to the cycles of waves (larger to smaller and back to larger) and the wind as it cycles left to right a bit and back (or vice versa) and the sequence of gusts and gradual increases and decreases through the day.
Sailing in a light wind was challenging, sailing in a gale in an 11' boat with 12' plus waves (some surfer friends I took out thought I was underestimating the wave size) was exhilarating - and I NEVER had the sense that I was "mastering" nature by doing any of this: I was being privileged to be allowed to have a glimpse into nature, and be allowed to share some of her energy, vibrancy and dynamism.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes: being out on the water - any water would do, but especially the ocean. If not, then at least on the beach.
Now? The ocean, and being on water (my sun sign is Cancer, incidentally) are still important, but I don't get as much chance to do this as I used to. What is coming equally as significant to me is being amongst trees, especially groves. There is a nice grove near my home where I have sometimes gone to work rituals.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I have a major fascination with dolphins, and the highlight of a three week cruise I did in the Whitsundays was seeing a few dolphins (spinner, I think - but that was over 20 years ago now), and watching one look back up at me as I looked at it: there was a strong sense of connection, and I've read articles talking of the intelligence of dolphins, their ability to help people with disabilities ("swimming with the dolphins") and even theories that they are the reincarnations of advanced souls. (I also liked the part of the book "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" which said humans thought they were more civilized while they invented fire and civilization while dolphin's splashed round in the water and had fun, and dolphins thought they were more civilized for exactly the same reason.)
Whales, particularly blue whales are a close second.
I also have to mention cats: I've always enjoyed having cats around, and have related well to them (I can't understand why some people have so much trouble understanding cats - maybe they expect cats to be like
dogs :) )
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?
Our greatest challenge now is the fallacy that, in order to have a decent life, we have to have an economy that is growing. Once that fallacy is corrected, I consider consumerism and other excessive uses of resources will start to die back.
In the future, if we get past that, I consider population growth, and the vast environmental, social and economic pressures that brings will become our next problem.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
DO WHAT YOU CAN! Even if it is only having a compost bin, or turning off unnecessary lights, or not watering lawns, when everyone does what they can, it all adds up.
Brian Czech
President, Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy
Today’s Date: July 18, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Riding my horses Red and Jake from Benson, Arizona to Kuna Idaho, Sonoran Desert and Great Basin, floods of '83.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Woods and fields behind the house near the Green Bay of Lake Michigan, rivers and lakes of northern Wisconsin.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elk. When you've camped with them at their post-Pleistocene finest on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, they're unlikely to be other than your favorite.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Greatest challenge now: Economic growth, i.e., increasing human population times per capita consumption as gauged by GDP. Greatest challenge in the management-relevant future: Economic growth. Greatest challenge in the managerially irrelevant future: Sun running out of hydrogen.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Contrary to the fallacious rhetoric of corporations, financed politicians and hired economists that "there is no conflict between economic growth and environmental protection," there is a fundamental conflict between economic growth and environmental protection, economic sustainability, national security, and international stability. This fundamental conflict is founded upon principles of ecology and physics. For ecologists and environmentalists, the time has come to develop solidarity in advocating the steady state economy (stabilized population and per capita consumption) as the responsible 21st century macroeconomic policy goal for developed countries.
Today’s Date: July 18, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Riding my horses Red and Jake from Benson, Arizona to Kuna Idaho, Sonoran Desert and Great Basin, floods of '83.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Woods and fields behind the house near the Green Bay of Lake Michigan, rivers and lakes of northern Wisconsin.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elk. When you've camped with them at their post-Pleistocene finest on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, they're unlikely to be other than your favorite.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Greatest challenge now: Economic growth, i.e., increasing human population times per capita consumption as gauged by GDP. Greatest challenge in the management-relevant future: Economic growth. Greatest challenge in the managerially irrelevant future: Sun running out of hydrogen.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Contrary to the fallacious rhetoric of corporations, financed politicians and hired economists that "there is no conflict between economic growth and environmental protection," there is a fundamental conflict between economic growth and environmental protection, economic sustainability, national security, and international stability. This fundamental conflict is founded upon principles of ecology and physics. For ecologists and environmentalists, the time has come to develop solidarity in advocating the steady state economy (stabilized population and per capita consumption) as the responsible 21st century macroeconomic policy goal for developed countries.
Christina Papa
The Gray Area Dance Project
Today’s Date: 7-18-06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I guess the biggest impact in my life that has rooted from animal or nature sources alike would have to be when I went to this butterfly kingdom in Massachusetts, all of these butterflies were flying around me ( hundreds) and I could feel their wings brush against my skin, it was the coolest thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, we had tons of forts when I was little, me and my friends always hung out in the trees, and I have plenty of scars from falling from them as well.
Now? Yes. I like to sit on some large rocks that were newly placed in our yard, there are trees and shade there and it's a good place to think and be at peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal, this is hard..I Love Animals! all kinds..scaly creatures, furry ones ..if i have to choose would say the domesticated cat because they are smart, affectionate and loving, and extremely personable.
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 the greatest environmental challenge lies in the fact of making others aware of what is happening, I work at a park daily and people are so quick to throw their trash on the ground, people do not think of the long term effects and it is really sad. The greatest challenge in the future I believe deals with our government and where the war is taking us, whatever happens with this is going to have a great effect on our future and our planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our natural resources will eventually run out, what do you plan to do about it?
Today’s Date: 7-18-06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I guess the biggest impact in my life that has rooted from animal or nature sources alike would have to be when I went to this butterfly kingdom in Massachusetts, all of these butterflies were flying around me ( hundreds) and I could feel their wings brush against my skin, it was the coolest thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, we had tons of forts when I was little, me and my friends always hung out in the trees, and I have plenty of scars from falling from them as well.
Now? Yes. I like to sit on some large rocks that were newly placed in our yard, there are trees and shade there and it's a good place to think and be at peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal, this is hard..I Love Animals! all kinds..scaly creatures, furry ones ..if i have to choose would say the domesticated cat because they are smart, affectionate and loving, and extremely personable.
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 the greatest environmental challenge lies in the fact of making others aware of what is happening, I work at a park daily and people are so quick to throw their trash on the ground, people do not think of the long term effects and it is really sad. The greatest challenge in the future I believe deals with our government and where the war is taking us, whatever happens with this is going to have a great effect on our future and our planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our natural resources will eventually run out, what do you plan to do about it?
July 17, 2006
Dhara
Private Citizen, Member- Order of the Mithril Star
Today’s Date: July, 17th, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Starting from the very basic form we all experience, a cat. In my young life I observed my cats and saw personality in them that spoke more to me than any book or class could. From the majestic feline of a domestic animal, I learned to see into the eyes of many other creatures in nature. Observing a Mother Bear and her cubs in Cable, Wisconsin I saw compassion and basic mother instinct. From a fox which runs between the roads in the early morning and the woodchuck which lives under my front porch and suns himself in the just as sunrise peaks. I owe my love of all animals to my cat and every single cat I have ever owned. Respect is the key to understanding a cat...as well as any other life form.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A favorite place as a child? I grew up in suburbia- just going outside and taking a long walk was a favorite. Just walking anywhere. Observing birds and butterflies. Laying on the grass of a hill outside of school and watching the clouds. Telling stories with each puffy formation.
Now?
The White Mountains of New Hampshire. Any road, any trail...start me walking and I am in heaven. Along the brook on the Kangamangus...walking on rocks. And Paradise, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
For many, many years, my favorite animal has been the African Elephant. A beautiful animal. I am amazed at how they communicate and live. So strong and big.
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 us now is, as stated by Michael Crichton in 2003, is the truth. What is the truth and what is political propaganda? Is it global warming or is it a natural process? Will people listen to the truth? In order to face the challenge we must do it head on. We must try this and that and see what works and what doesn't . Make it up as you go along- the old fashioned way Never give up. Keep trying new ways to help the Earth do her thing naturally. To work with Nature and not against.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be responsible for the future.
Today’s Date: July, 17th, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Starting from the very basic form we all experience, a cat. In my young life I observed my cats and saw personality in them that spoke more to me than any book or class could. From the majestic feline of a domestic animal, I learned to see into the eyes of many other creatures in nature. Observing a Mother Bear and her cubs in Cable, Wisconsin I saw compassion and basic mother instinct. From a fox which runs between the roads in the early morning and the woodchuck which lives under my front porch and suns himself in the just as sunrise peaks. I owe my love of all animals to my cat and every single cat I have ever owned. Respect is the key to understanding a cat...as well as any other life form.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
A favorite place as a child? I grew up in suburbia- just going outside and taking a long walk was a favorite. Just walking anywhere. Observing birds and butterflies. Laying on the grass of a hill outside of school and watching the clouds. Telling stories with each puffy formation.
Now?
The White Mountains of New Hampshire. Any road, any trail...start me walking and I am in heaven. Along the brook on the Kangamangus...walking on rocks. And Paradise, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
For many, many years, my favorite animal has been the African Elephant. A beautiful animal. I am amazed at how they communicate and live. So strong and big.
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 us now is, as stated by Michael Crichton in 2003, is the truth. What is the truth and what is political propaganda? Is it global warming or is it a natural process? Will people listen to the truth? In order to face the challenge we must do it head on. We must try this and that and see what works and what doesn't . Make it up as you go along- the old fashioned way Never give up. Keep trying new ways to help the Earth do her thing naturally. To work with Nature and not against.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be responsible for the future.
Ron Dodson
President and CEO - Audubon International
Today’s Date: July 17, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Actually 2 things. First were the many summer vacations that I took with my parents during the 1950's to many places around the U.S., and camping in the many new State Parks that were being built around the country. This gave me lots of opportunities to see new places and things. Secondly was spending time on my grandparents’ farm in Southern Indiana which lasted until they passed away in the early 1960's. While it was only a 50 acre farm it provided me great learning experiences connected to both nature and farming.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Spring Mill State Park in Linton, Indiana and my grandparents' farm in Loogootee, Indiana.
Now? Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, New York.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Humpbacked Whales. Travelers of the great blue sea that have "made it" in spite of human beings!
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 population in the face of global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be for something...not against everything. Do not leave anyone out of the environmental solutions that we need to find in order to be a more sustainable society.
Today’s Date: July 17, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Actually 2 things. First were the many summer vacations that I took with my parents during the 1950's to many places around the U.S., and camping in the many new State Parks that were being built around the country. This gave me lots of opportunities to see new places and things. Secondly was spending time on my grandparents’ farm in Southern Indiana which lasted until they passed away in the early 1960's. While it was only a 50 acre farm it provided me great learning experiences connected to both nature and farming.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Spring Mill State Park in Linton, Indiana and my grandparents' farm in Loogootee, Indiana.
Now? Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, New York.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Humpbacked Whales. Travelers of the great blue sea that have "made it" in spite of human beings!
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 population in the face of global warming.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be for something...not against everything. Do not leave anyone out of the environmental solutions that we need to find in order to be a more sustainable society.
July 16, 2006
Michael Hutchins, Ph.D.
Executive Director, The Wildlife Society
Today’s Date: July 16,2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a wildlife professional, I have had many, including trapping mountain goats in the Olympic Mountains, SCUBA diving with Manta rays on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, tracking jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal, photographing wildlife in Botswana's Okavango Swamp, banding penguins on the Patagonian coast in Argentina, and avoiding fer de lances in Costa Rica.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in rural Iowa, so I was surrounded by nature as a child; my father and I collected and studied butterflies and moths and I also kept and observed turtles, frogs, lizards and a variety of other small creatures. One of my best experiences was raising a pair of tiger salamanders that we had caught in a local creek. The brown mud puppies, as they were called, eventually turned into striking jet black creatures with bright yellow spots.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I have several:
Favorite mammal: Rocky Mountain goat, as I studied this species for my doctorate, both in the wild and in the zoo.
Favorite reptile: Thorny devil, an unusual lizard from Australia that I have observed, photographed and written about.
Favorite amphibian: Tiger salamander for the reasons described above.
Favorite bird: Birds of paradise from New Guinea because of their beauty and unusual mating behavior. Also, hornbills, for their unusual courtship behavior, which involves walling the female into a tree cavity with mud.
Favorite insect: Luna moth, because I hatched one from a cocoon when I was a child.
Favorite invertebrate: Giant clam, because of their size and the iridescence of their mantle, which is a jewel-like blue.
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 and loss of wildlife habitat. Global warming
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get involved; Take personal responsibility.
Today’s Date: July 16,2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a wildlife professional, I have had many, including trapping mountain goats in the Olympic Mountains, SCUBA diving with Manta rays on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, tracking jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal, photographing wildlife in Botswana's Okavango Swamp, banding penguins on the Patagonian coast in Argentina, and avoiding fer de lances in Costa Rica.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in rural Iowa, so I was surrounded by nature as a child; my father and I collected and studied butterflies and moths and I also kept and observed turtles, frogs, lizards and a variety of other small creatures. One of my best experiences was raising a pair of tiger salamanders that we had caught in a local creek. The brown mud puppies, as they were called, eventually turned into striking jet black creatures with bright yellow spots.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I have several:
Favorite mammal: Rocky Mountain goat, as I studied this species for my doctorate, both in the wild and in the zoo.
Favorite reptile: Thorny devil, an unusual lizard from Australia that I have observed, photographed and written about.
Favorite amphibian: Tiger salamander for the reasons described above.
Favorite bird: Birds of paradise from New Guinea because of their beauty and unusual mating behavior. Also, hornbills, for their unusual courtship behavior, which involves walling the female into a tree cavity with mud.
Favorite insect: Luna moth, because I hatched one from a cocoon when I was a child.
Favorite invertebrate: Giant clam, because of their size and the iridescence of their mantle, which is a jewel-like blue.
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 and loss of wildlife habitat. Global warming
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get involved; Take personal responsibility.
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