Senior Lecturer, Ecology and Ornithology, Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Today's Date: 31 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Spending time pottering around rocky shores and rock pools on Summer holidays
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes—lush cool sclerophyll forest near Melbourne with tree ferns, waterfalls and lyrebirds
Now? Many—a real favourite is the unbroken miles of stony downs country in the northernm Strezlecki desert where I conduct fieldwork
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Too many choices, but a firm favourite is the long-nose coatimundi—they’re amazing. Social, busy, inquisitive and very 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?
Current challenge = global warming—it’s going to take concerted efforts from all, and I can’t see that happening any time soon when, like all organisms, our actions are necessarily self-serving and short-sighted. Longer term, the greatest challenge will be conceiving of this planet supporting life that doesn’t include humans. This is something most policy makers cannot grasp, and is critical to all long-term planning
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
That we are animals, dancing to the same drum as all other animals—and we should treat our fellow organisms approporiately
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 30, 2006
July 29, 2006
Yat-tung Yu
Coordinator, Waterbird Count Monitoring Programme and International Black-faced Spoonbill Census, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Today's Date: 30 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Touching the animal - I am also a bird ringer and I still remembered the first bird I have ringed and then released. It just like to have some kind of interaction with the bird.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
window of my home, because I just watch birds from it and I could not go to countryside very often in my childhood.
Now? Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong - my working place. I am also living nearby and I can go there very easily even when not working.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Bird, because I am a birdwatcher, also as mentioned, I am also a bird ringer.
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 challenge is our life style, especially to the ones living in developed countries. We just consume too much resources and seem not in a sustainable way. The greatest challenge in future will be the depletion of natural resource, especially the freshwater.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To change our current life style. Do it in a very simple way and I hope that could save somewhat more to our natural resources.
Today's Date: 30 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Touching the animal - I am also a bird ringer and I still remembered the first bird I have ringed and then released. It just like to have some kind of interaction with the bird.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
window of my home, because I just watch birds from it and I could not go to countryside very often in my childhood.
Now? Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong - my working place. I am also living nearby and I can go there very easily even when not working.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Bird, because I am a birdwatcher, also as mentioned, I am also a bird ringer.
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 challenge is our life style, especially to the ones living in developed countries. We just consume too much resources and seem not in a sustainable way. The greatest challenge in future will be the depletion of natural resource, especially the freshwater.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To change our current life style. Do it in a very simple way and I hope that could save somewhat more to our natural resources.
Valeria Ojeda
Ph.D., Universidad Nacional del Comahue & Argentine National Research Council
Today's Date: 29/07/2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I cannot identify any such particular interaction, I’ve observed and thought about nature in a special way since I was a little child…feeling myself like a natural creature. I especially remember the forests around houses my family rented for vacation in Patagonia when I was a child, and maybe feeling “lost” in those forests while playing with other kids may have been the most exciting experience I had with nature; I still love to feel that way.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, in summer I visited both the Atlantic Sea cost (either Uruguay or Argentina) and the Patagonian Andes. I definitely preferred the mountains.
Now? The same choice, this is my place on Earth.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I asked myself that question many times… I don’t have 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?
Both now and for the future: understand (individually) that we can live with much much less (materially) than we feel we need today… unsustainability of our behavior as individuals is so obvious for many of us, but so subtle to most humans… Also try to see the short lifespan of the current system most humans are relying on (big/small countries, rich/poor countries, dominant/dominated countries)… these differences are maintaining the unsustainable global system we are in today… it will need to be changed if we are to survive.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I’m not good at this…
Advice 1: From time to time, try to feel more like a wild animal than like an intellectual human being... things look very different.
Advice 2: Restricted to women: you have the power to change the world VERY quickly! Stop having kids who no one cares about, concentrate in educating (not just feeding and keeping warm) just one or a few ones.
Today's Date: 29/07/2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I cannot identify any such particular interaction, I’ve observed and thought about nature in a special way since I was a little child…feeling myself like a natural creature. I especially remember the forests around houses my family rented for vacation in Patagonia when I was a child, and maybe feeling “lost” in those forests while playing with other kids may have been the most exciting experience I had with nature; I still love to feel that way.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, in summer I visited both the Atlantic Sea cost (either Uruguay or Argentina) and the Patagonian Andes. I definitely preferred the mountains.
Now? The same choice, this is my place on Earth.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I asked myself that question many times… I don’t have 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?
Both now and for the future: understand (individually) that we can live with much much less (materially) than we feel we need today… unsustainability of our behavior as individuals is so obvious for many of us, but so subtle to most humans… Also try to see the short lifespan of the current system most humans are relying on (big/small countries, rich/poor countries, dominant/dominated countries)… these differences are maintaining the unsustainable global system we are in today… it will need to be changed if we are to survive.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I’m not good at this…
Advice 1: From time to time, try to feel more like a wild animal than like an intellectual human being... things look very different.
Advice 2: Restricted to women: you have the power to change the world VERY quickly! Stop having kids who no one cares about, concentrate in educating (not just feeding and keeping warm) just one or a few ones.
July 28, 2006
Lester W. Doodnath
Project Implementation Officer, Institute of Marine Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago
Today's Date: July 28, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going to the beach and rural parts of Trinidad as a child. Viewing leather back turtles
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes, I run and hike
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, Any hummingbird and why? Always busy
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, Loss of habitat due to at least in Trinidad due to increase in industry/development and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future? Same, less concern for the environment as other issues draw away attention
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take your time, enjoy it while you can
Today's Date: July 28, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going to the beach and rural parts of Trinidad as a child. Viewing leather back turtles
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes, I run and hike
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, Any hummingbird and why? Always busy
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, Loss of habitat due to at least in Trinidad due to increase in industry/development and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future? Same, less concern for the environment as other issues draw away attention
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take your time, enjoy it while you can
Kathryn Hanratty
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one experience, I just feel better when I am in the woods. I can breath, I feel relaxed, it is a spiritual experience for me - has been since I was a child.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lake Erie shore - I could walk there every day.
Now? a small pool at the top of a waterfall in the North Cascades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The dog is my first choice - loyalty, friendship etc.. Wild animal? Wolf because they represent the truly wild places.
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 Population growth
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take PERSONAL Responsibility for your impact on the environment, think about what you do every day.
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one experience, I just feel better when I am in the woods. I can breath, I feel relaxed, it is a spiritual experience for me - has been since I was a child.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lake Erie shore - I could walk there every day.
Now? a small pool at the top of a waterfall in the North Cascades.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The dog is my first choice - loyalty, friendship etc.. Wild animal? Wolf because they represent the truly wild places.
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 Population growth
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take PERSONAL Responsibility for your impact on the environment, think about what you do every day.
Richard Shucksmith
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Today's Date: 27 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Diving both temperate and coral reefs all a round the world, being out in the mountains of Scotland, watching otters, eagles and deer.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Round freshwater lakes and ponds where we used to go fishing and many were very remote so we always saw lots of wildlife.
Now? Out in the mountains and islands. I love being out round the coast and on islands hence working on the west coast of Scotland where we have the inner and outer herbridean islands. Also, I love the fjord system in Chilean Patagonia.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I do not have any particular favourite I love watching wildlife from a mouse in the garden to fish under the sea.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Population expansion, increase in population will exert more pressure on the natural systems which are already under serious pressure. Many people will say climate change although this will change many of the natural systems, if they were not under some much pressure they could cope with the change, many communities are very resistant. However if these ecosystems are so small any way they will just get degraded more. We're over populated already on global scale and it is set to rise by 2050. Can the earth really take that increase considering that all our natural resources are on the verge of being at least economically extinct if not population extinct? Its people we have to manage then conservation might stand a chance.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Every little bit helps, act locally think globally. If every body walked to work or cycled or used public transport it would help, if we all recycled or learnt to use less plastics or fuel it would help. We can all do our little bit which when your talking millions of people doing it results in a large reduction.
Today's Date: 27 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Diving both temperate and coral reefs all a round the world, being out in the mountains of Scotland, watching otters, eagles and deer.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Round freshwater lakes and ponds where we used to go fishing and many were very remote so we always saw lots of wildlife.
Now? Out in the mountains and islands. I love being out round the coast and on islands hence working on the west coast of Scotland where we have the inner and outer herbridean islands. Also, I love the fjord system in Chilean Patagonia.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I do not have any particular favourite I love watching wildlife from a mouse in the garden to fish under the sea.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Population expansion, increase in population will exert more pressure on the natural systems which are already under serious pressure. Many people will say climate change although this will change many of the natural systems, if they were not under some much pressure they could cope with the change, many communities are very resistant. However if these ecosystems are so small any way they will just get degraded more. We're over populated already on global scale and it is set to rise by 2050. Can the earth really take that increase considering that all our natural resources are on the verge of being at least economically extinct if not population extinct? Its people we have to manage then conservation might stand a chance.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Every little bit helps, act locally think globally. If every body walked to work or cycled or used public transport it would help, if we all recycled or learnt to use less plastics or fuel it would help. We can all do our little bit which when your talking millions of people doing it results in a large reduction.
Joel Trick
Wildlife Biologist/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Discovering birds and butterflies at an early age.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods across the street from our house.
Now? The area around a wild river in northern Michigan
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
In general, all species of birds.
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?
To create a widespread recognition that our current rate of resource utilization is unsustainable. In the future, it will be to retain the functionality of our natural systems, sufficient to provide for basic life needs of the inhabitants of the planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To recognize that humans are not separate from the environment, and are in fact dependant upon natural systems for our continued survival.
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Discovering birds and butterflies at an early age.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods across the street from our house.
Now? The area around a wild river in northern Michigan
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
In general, all species of birds.
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?
To create a widespread recognition that our current rate of resource utilization is unsustainable. In the future, it will be to retain the functionality of our natural systems, sufficient to provide for basic life needs of the inhabitants of the planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
To recognize that humans are not separate from the environment, and are in fact dependant upon natural systems for our continued survival.
MARYANN WHITMAN
CITIZEN OF PLANET EARTH; EDITOR, WILD ONES JOURNAL
(WWW.FOR-WILD.ORG)
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I WAS PROBABLY 10 OR 11 TARGET SHOOTING WITH A 22 RIFLE (IT WAS A DIFFERENT WORLD, ON A FARM IN CANADA, IN THE FIFTIES). I SPOTTED A STARLING IN A TREE AT A 100+ METERS AND TOOK A POT SHOT, NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE MY MARK. I HIT THE STARLING, KILLING IT. I WAS DEVASTATED. ALL I COULD THINK WAS THAT A PARENT (STARLING) WOULD NOT COME BACK HOME THAT NIGHT. EMPATHY CAN BE PAINFUL.
AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME I HAD THE AURORA BOREALIS EXPLAINED TO ME AND WAS INTRODUCED TO THE CONCEPT OF THE UNIVERSE. I RECALL LOOKING AT THE LEG OF A KITCHEN TABLE AND THINKING 'THERE MIGHT BE A WHOLE UNIVERSE IN THERE'; A LITTLE CONCRETE, BUT EMPATHY AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
YES. I GREW UP ON A FARM SURROUNDED BY FOREST TO WHICH I HAD FREE ACCESS. I HAVE VIVID RECOLLECTIONS OF A NUMBER OF 'FAVORITE PLACES' THAT WERE MY OWN.
Now? ANYWHERE IN MY OWN SMALL ACREAGE BUT THE EASE OF ENJOYMENT IS NOT THE SAME. THE OLD GROWTH FORESTS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
A RIVER OTTER. I LOVE THEIR 'PLAYFUL NATURE' AND THEIR CURIOUS, INTELLIGENT EYES (YES, I KNOW THEIR VISION OUT OF WATER IS DISTORTED). BUT I HAVE MORE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS. I HAVE MADE VERY STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH TWO VERY INTELLIGENT GOLDEN RETREIVERS (AT DIFFERENT TIMES).
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
POPULATION GROWTH; WITHOUT THIS PRESSURE OUR OTHER CRISES MIGHT BE MORE MANAGEABLE OR MIGHT NOT HAVE REACHED CRITICAL PROPORTIONS.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
READ; LEARN; THINK; BE GENTLE; PRESERVE.
(WWW.FOR-WILD.ORG)
Today's Date: July 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I WAS PROBABLY 10 OR 11 TARGET SHOOTING WITH A 22 RIFLE (IT WAS A DIFFERENT WORLD, ON A FARM IN CANADA, IN THE FIFTIES). I SPOTTED A STARLING IN A TREE AT A 100+ METERS AND TOOK A POT SHOT, NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE MY MARK. I HIT THE STARLING, KILLING IT. I WAS DEVASTATED. ALL I COULD THINK WAS THAT A PARENT (STARLING) WOULD NOT COME BACK HOME THAT NIGHT. EMPATHY CAN BE PAINFUL.
AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME I HAD THE AURORA BOREALIS EXPLAINED TO ME AND WAS INTRODUCED TO THE CONCEPT OF THE UNIVERSE. I RECALL LOOKING AT THE LEG OF A KITCHEN TABLE AND THINKING 'THERE MIGHT BE A WHOLE UNIVERSE IN THERE'; A LITTLE CONCRETE, BUT EMPATHY AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
YES. I GREW UP ON A FARM SURROUNDED BY FOREST TO WHICH I HAD FREE ACCESS. I HAVE VIVID RECOLLECTIONS OF A NUMBER OF 'FAVORITE PLACES' THAT WERE MY OWN.
Now? ANYWHERE IN MY OWN SMALL ACREAGE BUT THE EASE OF ENJOYMENT IS NOT THE SAME. THE OLD GROWTH FORESTS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
A RIVER OTTER. I LOVE THEIR 'PLAYFUL NATURE' AND THEIR CURIOUS, INTELLIGENT EYES (YES, I KNOW THEIR VISION OUT OF WATER IS DISTORTED). BUT I HAVE MORE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS. I HAVE MADE VERY STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH TWO VERY INTELLIGENT GOLDEN RETREIVERS (AT DIFFERENT TIMES).
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
POPULATION GROWTH; WITHOUT THIS PRESSURE OUR OTHER CRISES MIGHT BE MORE MANAGEABLE OR MIGHT NOT HAVE REACHED CRITICAL PROPORTIONS.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
READ; LEARN; THINK; BE GENTLE; PRESERVE.
Todd Fearer
Graduate student, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Virginia Tech
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pinpoint one, but being an avid hunter would probably rank first. Through hunting with my father and grandfathers and continuing as an adult, I've gained a love and respect for nature, and a connection to the natural world that I don't think I would have developed otherwise. As a hunter, I'm maintaining an active role in the interactions of the natural world, and it certainly helps me remember how connected we are to nature and how much we still rely on it. I've had several 'close encounters' with deer, raccoons, grouse, weasels, a couple of bears, and various others when they have walked very close to me (sometimes close enough to reach out and touch) but not known I was there - I always love those. Any beautiful sunrise or sunset. Listening to the wind blow through white pines.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The old farm where my grandmother grew up in Preston County, WV. My family would often go camping there and it was where I did alot of my hunting. While I was a teenager, I would drive out there and go for a walk almost every Saturday, regardless of the weather or time of year.
Now? The central Appalachian Mountain region in Virginia and West Virginia. I've been to Kenya, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and other places, but I still love it here the most. Specifically, a section of Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, VA. It's a broad, high-elevation valley, so it's consistently cooler than the surrounding area. The valley is drained by a beautiful stream full of native brook trout that weaves its through old beaver meadows and hemlock stands. It's also very remote - the occasional plane overhead is usually the only unnatural sound that I hear.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That's a hard one, too. I've always loved cats. They have such personality and I've always had at least one as a 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?
Where to start? In the short term - permanent habitat loss and fragmentation. In the long term, society's increasing disconnection with the natural world around us. So many people think nature is the Discovery Channel and the local zoo. They have no real connection and understanding of the natural world or the problems facing it, and therefore can't see the steps they can take to help conserve it or even realize they need to.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Whatever your level of involvement is in the outdoors, increase it. If you don't do things outside, start taking walks and take binoculars with you. If you like to walk and hike, start camping (with a tent - not in an RV). Do things that will both increase you connection to the outdoors and your understanding and respect of the natural world. And take a child with you!! Only by teaching our children that they are a functioning part of nature will we reverse the disconnect that has become so prevalent today.
Today’s Date: 7/27/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pinpoint one, but being an avid hunter would probably rank first. Through hunting with my father and grandfathers and continuing as an adult, I've gained a love and respect for nature, and a connection to the natural world that I don't think I would have developed otherwise. As a hunter, I'm maintaining an active role in the interactions of the natural world, and it certainly helps me remember how connected we are to nature and how much we still rely on it. I've had several 'close encounters' with deer, raccoons, grouse, weasels, a couple of bears, and various others when they have walked very close to me (sometimes close enough to reach out and touch) but not known I was there - I always love those. Any beautiful sunrise or sunset. Listening to the wind blow through white pines.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The old farm where my grandmother grew up in Preston County, WV. My family would often go camping there and it was where I did alot of my hunting. While I was a teenager, I would drive out there and go for a walk almost every Saturday, regardless of the weather or time of year.
Now? The central Appalachian Mountain region in Virginia and West Virginia. I've been to Kenya, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and other places, but I still love it here the most. Specifically, a section of Jefferson National Forest in Giles County, VA. It's a broad, high-elevation valley, so it's consistently cooler than the surrounding area. The valley is drained by a beautiful stream full of native brook trout that weaves its through old beaver meadows and hemlock stands. It's also very remote - the occasional plane overhead is usually the only unnatural sound that I hear.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That's a hard one, too. I've always loved cats. They have such personality and I've always had at least one as a 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?
Where to start? In the short term - permanent habitat loss and fragmentation. In the long term, society's increasing disconnection with the natural world around us. So many people think nature is the Discovery Channel and the local zoo. They have no real connection and understanding of the natural world or the problems facing it, and therefore can't see the steps they can take to help conserve it or even realize they need to.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Whatever your level of involvement is in the outdoors, increase it. If you don't do things outside, start taking walks and take binoculars with you. If you like to walk and hike, start camping (with a tent - not in an RV). Do things that will both increase you connection to the outdoors and your understanding and respect of the natural world. And take a child with you!! Only by teaching our children that they are a functioning part of nature will we reverse the disconnect that has become so prevalent today.
Barbara Sallee
Retired DoDDS overseas teacher
Today's Date: July, 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1983 I participated in Earthwatch in Kalimantan, Indonesia to help with the orangutan project. Contact with these amazing apes and the fragility of the rainforest, changed me forever. A few years before that, I entered the world of birding and that experience has also changed my life. It's a tie!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I loved the fields and woods around my home in Annandale, VA. It is all suburban development now. My family also spent a lot of weekends camping in Westmoreland State Park, VA.
Now? I have so many places around the world that I love, but the Goksu Delta in southern Turkey is a very special place where I have spent a lot of time watching the wildlife and the battle to keep it natural.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I cannot pick one animal as I respect and find fascinating all life. I look more at the incredible adaptations of each species as well as the ecosystems and how all living things work together. From childhood I have been especially interested in reptiles and my experience in Borneo has given me a personal relationship with non-human primates.
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 find increasing destruction of habitats around the world very alarming. Our challenge as humans is to see ourselves as animals and part of nature and not the rulers of the earth. All of our efforts need consider how we impact on a healthy planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Everyone should be an "environmentalist" and work to conserve our resources as well as reverse the destruction that we are now doing to the earth. Think like a Native American and respect our natural world.
Today's Date: July, 27, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
In 1983 I participated in Earthwatch in Kalimantan, Indonesia to help with the orangutan project. Contact with these amazing apes and the fragility of the rainforest, changed me forever. A few years before that, I entered the world of birding and that experience has also changed my life. It's a tie!
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I loved the fields and woods around my home in Annandale, VA. It is all suburban development now. My family also spent a lot of weekends camping in Westmoreland State Park, VA.
Now? I have so many places around the world that I love, but the Goksu Delta in southern Turkey is a very special place where I have spent a lot of time watching the wildlife and the battle to keep it natural.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I cannot pick one animal as I respect and find fascinating all life. I look more at the incredible adaptations of each species as well as the ecosystems and how all living things work together. From childhood I have been especially interested in reptiles and my experience in Borneo has given me a personal relationship with non-human primates.
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 find increasing destruction of habitats around the world very alarming. Our challenge as humans is to see ourselves as animals and part of nature and not the rulers of the earth. All of our efforts need consider how we impact on a healthy planet.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Everyone should be an "environmentalist" and work to conserve our resources as well as reverse the destruction that we are now doing to the earth. Think like a Native American and respect our natural world.
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