Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

April 21, 2007

Collette Renee Johnson

Office Automation Clerk/ Department of the Interior/ US Fish and Wildlife Service/ Ouray NAational Wildlife Refuge

Today's Date: April 17, 2007

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Visiting National Parks has had the biggest impact on me (especially Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Now? Great Smoky Mountains National Park, New River Gorge National River

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My dog Nikka (I consider her like a daughter however, so that may be a bad example)
Black Bears and Cattle are my favorite animals. I have lived around cows my entire life.
They are both handsome animals, but I couldn't really tell you why I like them so much.

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 biggest environmental challenge is urban and suburban sprawl. Natural land area is decreasing rapidly. Animal habitats are being destroyed, farming is being affected. I believe this problem will continue and be the greatest challenge in the future as well.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Damh the Bard

Order of Bards Ovates and Druids (OBOD)

Today's Date: 12th April, 2007

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Seeing my first deer rut at Petworth Park, Sussex, UK. As I walked into the park I could hear the stags roaring, and then the clashing of antlers. I've never felt so much testosterone in one place! I am a devotee of the old Pagan Horned God Herne, who is Lord of Animals, so this close encounter with the rutting deer really helped me to feel closer to him, and the wild.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

The local woods I used to play in, just down my road. It's now under a housing estate.

Now? Mmmmm. I'd have to say anywhere out in nature, away from the sound of traffic, and other people.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My favourite animals are dogs. they are so expressive, loyal, yet independent. They are strong, and playful too.

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?

Blimey, so many things I could say. I would say over population is a growing concern, it is a problem now, because there are so many of us consuming the earth's limited resources. Nature has been able to control populations in the past, but we've created so many drugs now that our lives and survival rate are unnatural.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Think about EVERY use of energy in your life, and make changes to cut it down, or change it into a more environmentally friendly form. Sadly I don't think enough people are taking notice, but in the end, when the oil and gas run out, then they'll have to sit up and open their eyes.