Private citizen
Jul 22, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in the country
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
yes, Berkshire, still the same.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Cat good pet.
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?
Water shortage
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Read An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
November 11, 2009
David Taylor
Private citizen
Jul 21, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on a small family farm I witnessed the life cycles of many animals and the important balance between man, development, and nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: anywhere outdoors where I could explore Now: I feel most centered when I am on the water (kayaking)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a child it was whales- by age 5 I was sure I would be a marine biologist, or sail with Sea Sheppard.
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?
Today we have manipulated the world so nature no longer has a place- moose, bears, deer in the suburbs being treated as invasive species. Man living in artificial ecosystems in the desert- Las Vegas (really the entire SW) that will not be able to support continued development without further decimating the surrounding area. The Colorado River has been reduced to a muddy tickle due to siphoning of water for wanton development.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It is ok to hunt and eat animals- man is the alpha predator on the food chain. When you have dozens of deer eating your suburban landscaping, and see deer carcasses strewn alongside the highways how can you castigate those of us who cull the herds for consumption?
Jul 21, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on a small family farm I witnessed the life cycles of many animals and the important balance between man, development, and nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood: anywhere outdoors where I could explore Now: I feel most centered when I am on the water (kayaking)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
As a child it was whales- by age 5 I was sure I would be a marine biologist, or sail with Sea Sheppard.
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?
Today we have manipulated the world so nature no longer has a place- moose, bears, deer in the suburbs being treated as invasive species. Man living in artificial ecosystems in the desert- Las Vegas (really the entire SW) that will not be able to support continued development without further decimating the surrounding area. The Colorado River has been reduced to a muddy tickle due to siphoning of water for wanton development.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It is ok to hunt and eat animals- man is the alpha predator on the food chain. When you have dozens of deer eating your suburban landscaping, and see deer carcasses strewn alongside the highways how can you castigate those of us who cull the herds for consumption?
aldrin edgar b dy
Private citizen - Philippines
Jul 19, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
anything tame
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
in the mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my favorite is the tame one because they make me happy
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 swine flu
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Dont sit in your chairs do something to save mother nature
Jul 19, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
anything tame
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
in the mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
my favorite is the tame one because they make me happy
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 swine flu
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Dont sit in your chairs do something to save mother nature
Jenny Ketterlin
Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III - Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs - FL Fish and Wildlife Commission
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Playing outside, camping, collecting snakes, fishing, all when I was a little kid shaped by my perspective on the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood-playing in creeks Now-the Olympic peninsula
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Horses and cats--just animals I've always loved
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 for both is sustaining our environment with an ever-growing and developing population.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about how your actions are always linked to the environment; everything you buy, use, and how you do it has an impact.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Playing outside, camping, collecting snakes, fishing, all when I was a little kid shaped by my perspective on the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Childhood-playing in creeks Now-the Olympic peninsula
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Horses and cats--just animals I've always loved
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 for both is sustaining our environment with an ever-growing and developing population.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think about how your actions are always linked to the environment; everything you buy, use, and how you do it has an impact.
Cheryl Binstock
Creator/Webmaster - Our Enchanted Garden (http://www.ourenchantedgarden.net)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I went through a major career change, twice in my life, I would be drawn to spend more time in the garden. Became inspired to watch the birds and animals more closely and then eventually got to the photography and writing and web designs I do now, though still none of it "professionally" I actually work at a low paid clerk job simply to cover the expenses of the house and keeping my site and writing, etc. growing!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Favourite place as a child was always the woods, the trees seemed to soothe me somehow. I still love trees and sense their personalities in ways hard to describe. The trees that surround our garden are like great protectors of our personal garden experiment. Our backyard is now my favourite place, but I like visiting the great lakes, the Niagara River (hometown) and the Rocky Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Really hard to nail down... but in the past 12 years or so it's been mountain lions. Got many (psychic) nudges about those cats while traveling and camping in Colorado's 14'ers. was on a bit of a vision quest at that time and the she cat came through strong, we found fur pellets (lion hair balls? he he!) along some of our trails and even spotted one young cat slinking back into the shadows under some tumbled rocks on a hillside.
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?
Stopping the reckless consumerism that is ravaging the wild spaces and living spaces alike. People must become intimately aware with their our natural connection with the world around them and far less focus on the world society tries to force us to fit into!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Where-ever you are, no matter if it's the wilderness or the urban center, always remember you are a part of nature, not apart from it. We are immersed in a natural world and it's time to each take a part in helping the earth return to her natural state. Our garden has naturalized sections that belong simply to nature. The birds plant their seeds there through their droppings, squirrels and chipmunks leave things behind that grow, the wind offers up more of the same. We simply assist by removing debris and thinning from time to time. Area insects, birds and critters seem to do well in the yard now where there was little life 14 years ago! (postage stamp front yard turned meadow, is one example!) If nothing else; xeriscaping should be THE word in gardening projects, (landscaping for low, low water requirements)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I went through a major career change, twice in my life, I would be drawn to spend more time in the garden. Became inspired to watch the birds and animals more closely and then eventually got to the photography and writing and web designs I do now, though still none of it "professionally" I actually work at a low paid clerk job simply to cover the expenses of the house and keeping my site and writing, etc. growing!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Favourite place as a child was always the woods, the trees seemed to soothe me somehow. I still love trees and sense their personalities in ways hard to describe. The trees that surround our garden are like great protectors of our personal garden experiment. Our backyard is now my favourite place, but I like visiting the great lakes, the Niagara River (hometown) and the Rocky Mountains
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Really hard to nail down... but in the past 12 years or so it's been mountain lions. Got many (psychic) nudges about those cats while traveling and camping in Colorado's 14'ers. was on a bit of a vision quest at that time and the she cat came through strong, we found fur pellets (lion hair balls? he he!) along some of our trails and even spotted one young cat slinking back into the shadows under some tumbled rocks on a hillside.
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?
Stopping the reckless consumerism that is ravaging the wild spaces and living spaces alike. People must become intimately aware with their our natural connection with the world around them and far less focus on the world society tries to force us to fit into!
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Where-ever you are, no matter if it's the wilderness or the urban center, always remember you are a part of nature, not apart from it. We are immersed in a natural world and it's time to each take a part in helping the earth return to her natural state. Our garden has naturalized sections that belong simply to nature. The birds plant their seeds there through their droppings, squirrels and chipmunks leave things behind that grow, the wind offers up more of the same. We simply assist by removing debris and thinning from time to time. Area insects, birds and critters seem to do well in the yard now where there was little life 14 years ago! (postage stamp front yard turned meadow, is one example!) If nothing else; xeriscaping should be THE word in gardening projects, (landscaping for low, low water requirements)
Michelle McIlroy
Teacher - Coxsackie-Athens CSD
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Living and working in the Adirondacks- dealing with bears that have become too humanized, trying to work to be as green as possible to leave as little impact on the tender Adirondack area as possible...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Early childhood: the "swamp" behind our house. Later childhood: tie between the "swamp" and the trails and lakes of the Adirondack Mts. Now: The wild areas around the ocean in Maine, the Adirondacks. I am still pretty partial to the acres behind my house.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love them all... I really think I do. I am extremely impressed by the entire cat family for their stealth and power. I am fascinated by aquatic/marine animals- whales, especially- they are designed perfectly for their surroundings.
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?
Overpopulation of the world by humans- either way, this will be the greatest now and in the future, because it not only triggers global climate change, but urban sprawl, pollution, loss of habitat... humans are straining the planet for resources that are not limitless.
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. It may seem insignificant to use a washable coffee cup, for example, or to buy green/fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, but if every person of the 6 billion + on earth were behaving that way, it would add up!
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Living and working in the Adirondacks- dealing with bears that have become too humanized, trying to work to be as green as possible to leave as little impact on the tender Adirondack area as possible...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Early childhood: the "swamp" behind our house. Later childhood: tie between the "swamp" and the trails and lakes of the Adirondack Mts. Now: The wild areas around the ocean in Maine, the Adirondacks. I am still pretty partial to the acres behind my house.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I love them all... I really think I do. I am extremely impressed by the entire cat family for their stealth and power. I am fascinated by aquatic/marine animals- whales, especially- they are designed perfectly for their surroundings.
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?
Overpopulation of the world by humans- either way, this will be the greatest now and in the future, because it not only triggers global climate change, but urban sprawl, pollution, loss of habitat... humans are straining the planet for resources that are not limitless.
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. It may seem insignificant to use a washable coffee cup, for example, or to buy green/fair-trade, shade-grown coffee, but if every person of the 6 billion + on earth were behaving that way, it would add up!
Stjepan
Private citizen - Croatia
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to select one. Its kind of a every day symbiosis with the animals and plants around my house (i live in the country).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes its on a field where i run every day, i see a lot of rabbits and birds there and that makes me feel ...real is the word i think
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
i like em all ..but i think i would go for dog, because my dog is very supportive and a loyal 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?
The rising of heat. getting rid of money and the capitalism way of life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
plant a tree, it takes you only 30min and it can be your friend for life.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to select one. Its kind of a every day symbiosis with the animals and plants around my house (i live in the country).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes its on a field where i run every day, i see a lot of rabbits and birds there and that makes me feel ...real is the word i think
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
i like em all ..but i think i would go for dog, because my dog is very supportive and a loyal 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?
The rising of heat. getting rid of money and the capitalism way of life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
plant a tree, it takes you only 30min and it can be your friend for life.
C. Marshall
The Ship Inn (bar staff)
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having my cat. She is 2 years old and everyday she learns something new and endearing everyday.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, any place where there are old, strong trees around me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants as they have a great sense of community. They can have a cheeky sense of humor but are still really strong, powerful creatures.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
I feel the dwindling forests and increases in the endangered species lists is a challenge for now and the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Recycle and try your best to aid local ecosystems.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having my cat. She is 2 years old and everyday she learns something new and endearing everyday.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, any place where there are old, strong trees around me.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Elephants as they have a great sense of community. They can have a cheeky sense of humor but are still really strong, powerful creatures.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
I feel the dwindling forests and increases in the endangered species lists is a challenge for now and the future.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Recycle and try your best to aid local ecosystems.
Anonymous
Private citizen
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All interaction with nature has had a large impact on me. My grandmother worked voluntary for WIRES before she died and so my house and yard was always filled with animals being cared for. Particularly in the last two years, I have had a pet bird, an Indian Ringneck, who I absolutely love, his personality, innocence, and trust in me is a very special thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes my favourite place as a child was the beach, and particularly now, I love Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales, where the Kangaroos roam the beach in their natural habitat. The wildlife on the beach is amazing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
All birds. I believe birds are amazing, beautiful and intelligent creatures.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
The greatest challenge facing the environment I believe is simply the fact that a HUGE majority of people do not respect it. If people had a little more respect for the environment, then they would be able to contribute to a more sustainable future for the environment. Education is a major factor. As a teacher, my number one aim throughout my career is to educate children about respect for the environment and all life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". I believe this quote is very meaningful when you think about it. People need to have a deep think about how they want to leave the planet for future generations.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I believe education about the environment is the number one issue and start to a solution. There is not enough environmental education in schools and there needs to be a further emphasis on this.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All interaction with nature has had a large impact on me. My grandmother worked voluntary for WIRES before she died and so my house and yard was always filled with animals being cared for. Particularly in the last two years, I have had a pet bird, an Indian Ringneck, who I absolutely love, his personality, innocence, and trust in me is a very special thing.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes my favourite place as a child was the beach, and particularly now, I love Pebbly Beach on the south coast of New South Wales, where the Kangaroos roam the beach in their natural habitat. The wildlife on the beach is amazing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
All birds. I believe birds are amazing, beautiful and intelligent creatures.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
The greatest challenge facing the environment I believe is simply the fact that a HUGE majority of people do not respect it. If people had a little more respect for the environment, then they would be able to contribute to a more sustainable future for the environment. Education is a major factor. As a teacher, my number one aim throughout my career is to educate children about respect for the environment and all life.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". I believe this quote is very meaningful when you think about it. People need to have a deep think about how they want to leave the planet for future generations.
Do you have any comments or other information that you would like to share relating to this project?
I believe education about the environment is the number one issue and start to a solution. There is not enough environmental education in schools and there needs to be a further emphasis on this.
Sandra Pryor
Private citizen
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It's hard to say which had the biggest impact. I'd probably have to say having my first dog. My parents got her on my fifth birthday, and we basically grew up together. She was my best friend, she could sense when I needed her, she was very intelligent, she was more loyal than any human, and she gave unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, definitely. My father and I transplanted small pine trees from a forest that was being cut down for development. We had a huge back yard, actually more like two yards, and the part in the back was where we planted the trees. As they grew, we had our own pine forest in the back yard. It was a place of refuge and peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably dolphins, because they are so intelligent. Once at the beach, I swam out to where they were, and got so close to them that when I swam underwater, I could hear them sing. I could sense that they have a language, even though humans haven't deciphered it yet.
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'd have to say massive extinctions. Global warming and pollution are up there too, but I feel the greatest catastrophe is the sixth extinction. In the future, I'd say loss of biodiversity is the major challenge... but again, it's hard to say, because without pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and human overpopulation, we would not be driving so many species to extinction.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Remember, we are part of nature, we are not above nature, and nature has intrinsic value apart from human use of natural resources. Moreover, if humans do not live in a sustainable manner, and destroy the planet, then we will become extinct too.
Jul 18, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It's hard to say which had the biggest impact. I'd probably have to say having my first dog. My parents got her on my fifth birthday, and we basically grew up together. She was my best friend, she could sense when I needed her, she was very intelligent, she was more loyal than any human, and she gave unconditional love.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Yes, definitely. My father and I transplanted small pine trees from a forest that was being cut down for development. We had a huge back yard, actually more like two yards, and the part in the back was where we planted the trees. As they grew, we had our own pine forest in the back yard. It was a place of refuge and peace.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Probably dolphins, because they are so intelligent. Once at the beach, I swam out to where they were, and got so close to them that when I swam underwater, I could hear them sing. I could sense that they have a language, even though humans haven't deciphered it yet.
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'd have to say massive extinctions. Global warming and pollution are up there too, but I feel the greatest catastrophe is the sixth extinction. In the future, I'd say loss of biodiversity is the major challenge... but again, it's hard to say, because without pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and human overpopulation, we would not be driving so many species to extinction.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Remember, we are part of nature, we are not above nature, and nature has intrinsic value apart from human use of natural resources. Moreover, if humans do not live in a sustainable manner, and destroy the planet, then we will become extinct too.
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