Director of Conservation, Otis Sanctuary Resident Manager
Michigan Audubon www.michiganaudubon.org
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising farm animals and a garden for food, as we were poor.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My parent's homestead in Bangor, Michigan
Now? Michigan Audubon Otis Sanctuary
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a former zoo educator, I will tell you that right now it is the Cerulean Warbler since it is declining so rapidly and I've never seen such a sought after bird by birdwatchers!
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
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Have no more than one child...and save your money and travel the world before you do. I did, it has worked out great!
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 15, 2009
Richard Schwartz
President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) www.JewishVeg.com and Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV)
Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY (www.asacredduty.com)
Director of Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org)
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
attending boy scout camp
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Beaches in Far Rockaway, NY
Now? High Rock Park in Staten Island
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
monkeys
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 future, since it is rapidly moving the planet to an unprecedented catastrophe.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Become a vegan and encourage others to become vegans, with an emphasis on natural, organic, local foods, because it is the most important step a person can take to help the world avoid a worldwide catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats. For more information, please see my over 140 articles and 20 podcasts at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz, and please see the documentary that I helped produce "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World" at www.ASacredDuty.com.
Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY (www.asacredduty.com)
Director of Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org)
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
attending boy scout camp
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Beaches in Far Rockaway, NY
Now? High Rock Park in Staten Island
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
monkeys
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 future, since it is rapidly moving the planet to an unprecedented catastrophe.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Become a vegan and encourage others to become vegans, with an emphasis on natural, organic, local foods, because it is the most important step a person can take to help the world avoid a worldwide catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats. For more information, please see my over 140 articles and 20 podcasts at www.JewishVeg.com/schwartz, and please see the documentary that I helped produce "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World" at www.ASacredDuty.com.
Jennifer
Zoo teacher – Caldwell Zoo
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.
Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?
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 habitats! Loss of Habitats!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.
Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?
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 habitats! Loss of Habitats!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!
Lindsay Deering
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up visiting our local Metroparks and I enjoyed learning what everything around me was called. In high school I mentored for them and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the River Rd. portion of North Chagrin Metropark in Cleveland
Now? I'm seen more and I'm going to have to say the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
All herps - they're totally underappreciated
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 we need to face the differences in beliefs and understandings related to conservation, climate change, and alternative energies.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and learn about it.
Today’s Date: 8 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up visiting our local Metroparks and I enjoyed learning what everything around me was called. In high school I mentored for them and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes - the River Rd. portion of North Chagrin Metropark in Cleveland
Now? I'm seen more and I'm going to have to say the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
All herps - they're totally underappreciated
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 we need to face the differences in beliefs and understandings related to conservation, climate change, and alternative energies.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out there and learn about it.
Rev. Bruce Richards
Priest and mentor of the Correllian Tradition
Today’s Date: 1 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to tell, I have lived with both wild and domestic animals all of my life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
So many, hard to think of a favorite.
Now? Pretty much the same, anywhere I can find a peaceful spot to sit.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Each animal has its own characteristics and even within the same species varies greatly in personality. I have had hawks, falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, deer, as well as other wild and more or less domestic animals. I have learned to love them all for different reasons. A squirrel just stole a cookie from my wife, while she was dipping it in milk and ran. See? I think that was funny! (Wife didn’t).
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 - pollution. Future - over population.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The Earth is the Mother of all that we know; she must be treated with respect. (Or she will disown your ass).
Today’s Date: 1 July 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to tell, I have lived with both wild and domestic animals all of my life.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
So many, hard to think of a favorite.
Now? Pretty much the same, anywhere I can find a peaceful spot to sit.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Each animal has its own characteristics and even within the same species varies greatly in personality. I have had hawks, falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, deer, as well as other wild and more or less domestic animals. I have learned to love them all for different reasons. A squirrel just stole a cookie from my wife, while she was dipping it in milk and ran. See? I think that was funny! (Wife didn’t).
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 - pollution. Future - over population.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The Earth is the Mother of all that we know; she must be treated with respect. (Or she will disown your ass).
Jolene Pregent
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 21 April 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 any one moment, I've just always felt a pull toward nature and animals since the beginning of my memories!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As a child I was just always in the woods near our home playing and using my imagination instead of video games and toys, and usually by myself!!
Now? In nature I find the little things bring me much joy. Viewing a new bud of a tree leaf in the spring, the sunrise, the full Moon or frozen grass in early Winter. Twilight is my favorite time of day!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The Mountain Lion, It's powerful, mysterious & Independent! Qualities I strive to find in myself!
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?
Getting people to change their ways and comply with the things that help not harm our Mother Earth!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try to do your best to preserve our earth for future generations!
Today’s Date: 21 April 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 any one moment, I've just always felt a pull toward nature and animals since the beginning of my memories!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
As a child I was just always in the woods near our home playing and using my imagination instead of video games and toys, and usually by myself!!
Now? In nature I find the little things bring me much joy. Viewing a new bud of a tree leaf in the spring, the sunrise, the full Moon or frozen grass in early Winter. Twilight is my favorite time of day!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The Mountain Lion, It's powerful, mysterious & Independent! Qualities I strive to find in myself!
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?
Getting people to change their ways and comply with the things that help not harm our Mother Earth!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try to do your best to preserve our earth for future generations!
Tom Alworth
Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources – New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Today’s Date: 6 March 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I witnessed the courtship ritual of bald eagles when I was about 10 years old. The male and female clasp talons hundreds of feet in the air and then fall together letting go just above the water!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes – The Catskill Mountains
Now? Yes – The Catskill Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Tough question for an animal lover… Turtles – so unique, move slowly, very special to me
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 human relationship with the planet – i.e., global warming as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction & fragmentation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We rely on them for absolutely everything we have… please consider how our actions impact the source of all our resources… and spend time outdoors.
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 6 March 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I witnessed the courtship ritual of bald eagles when I was about 10 years old. The male and female clasp talons hundreds of feet in the air and then fall together letting go just above the water!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes – The Catskill Mountains
Now? Yes – The Catskill Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Tough question for an animal lover… Turtles – so unique, move slowly, very special to me
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 human relationship with the planet – i.e., global warming as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction & fragmentation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We rely on them for absolutely everything we have… please consider how our actions impact the source of all our resources… and spend time outdoors.
Received via postal mail
Tozan Paco Verin
Ordained, Hollow Bones/Friends of Zen
Today’s Date: 7 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When my first dog was eaten to death internally by maggots. The guilt, the grotesqueness, and the reminder that death is ever-present and permanent are with me 21 years later.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Everywhere that was Nature, especially away from "civilization" and our buildings and noise. Specifically, in my hometown of Montclair, NJ, our back yard and tree house; Edgemont Park; Anderson Park; Mills Reservation. In north New Jersey, Lake Waywayanda State Park; in Clearwater, FL, a 350 wild area where we rode horses (but is now a neighborhood).
Now? The Poconos (PA), Rothrock State Forest (PA), any local state park that I hike in. Again, any nature lights me up. Our yard.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs. I am an only child but grew up with two dogs, so transferred sibling connection to them. Friendly dogs know I am a dog person right away. They are all like family to me. I have not had a dog in 6 years, just because I'm too busy to care for one.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Greatest challenge, present and future: our selfish addiction to comforts that we get at the expense of Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building and plant trees by the billions.
Today’s Date: 7 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When my first dog was eaten to death internally by maggots. The guilt, the grotesqueness, and the reminder that death is ever-present and permanent are with me 21 years later.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Everywhere that was Nature, especially away from "civilization" and our buildings and noise. Specifically, in my hometown of Montclair, NJ, our back yard and tree house; Edgemont Park; Anderson Park; Mills Reservation. In north New Jersey, Lake Waywayanda State Park; in Clearwater, FL, a 350 wild area where we rode horses (but is now a neighborhood).
Now? The Poconos (PA), Rothrock State Forest (PA), any local state park that I hike in. Again, any nature lights me up. Our yard.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs. I am an only child but grew up with two dogs, so transferred sibling connection to them. Friendly dogs know I am a dog person right away. They are all like family to me. I have not had a dog in 6 years, just because I'm too busy to care for one.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Greatest challenge, present and future: our selfish addiction to comforts that we get at the expense of Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Stop building and plant trees by the billions.
June Enright
Executive Director - Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC)
Today’s Date: 4 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child my interest began with my father allowing me to keep or chase whatever wildlife was around. We always had pets and this expanded as I got older and my husband & I owned two of Canada's largest private reptile zoos! Nothing though can compete with the opportunity to volunteer at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica where I was fortunate to see so many wild animals in their natural habitat...an experience I think most would appreciate.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay.
Now? Too many to name...
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats and tortoises. Both have a large variety of different sizes, shapes habitats and habits! Most interesting.
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 reliance on fossil fuels are polluting our air and soil. We are quickly making ourselves extinct and I see such apathy I'm afraid we'll succeed!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You must become active in some way or another. Vote... advise your politicians on what you like that they are doing and what you don't...! Your opinion counts and should be heard.
Today’s Date: 4 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
As a child my interest began with my father allowing me to keep or chase whatever wildlife was around. We always had pets and this expanded as I got older and my husband & I owned two of Canada's largest private reptile zoos! Nothing though can compete with the opportunity to volunteer at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica where I was fortunate to see so many wild animals in their natural habitat...an experience I think most would appreciate.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay.
Now? Too many to name...
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Bats and tortoises. Both have a large variety of different sizes, shapes habitats and habits! Most interesting.
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 reliance on fossil fuels are polluting our air and soil. We are quickly making ourselves extinct and I see such apathy I'm afraid we'll succeed!
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You must become active in some way or another. Vote... advise your politicians on what you like that they are doing and what you don't...! Your opinion counts and should be heard.
Jem Winston
Rosalie Forest Eco Lodge, Dominica
Today’s Date: 3 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being with my Donkey when she gave birth
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The local beach in Leigh-on-sea, England
Now? Space mountain waterfalls, Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dog, best friend
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global warming and global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act, reuse and recycle
Today’s Date: 3 February 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being with my Donkey when she gave birth
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The local beach in Leigh-on-sea, England
Now? Space mountain waterfalls, Dominica
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dog, best friend
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global warming and global warming
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think before you act, reuse and recycle
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