The Salvation Army
Today’s Date: 20 November 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Walking among the hills and lakes of England’s Cumbria
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The seaside
Now? Caldbeck, Cumbria
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
The elephant, because you can see him coming
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?
1. Wasting natural resources
2. Deforestation
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect!
Economise!
Save it!
Received via postal mail
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
December 22, 2007
December 19, 2007
Rev. Dirk Ficca
Executive Director, Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
Today’s Date: December 18, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My senior year in college I lived in a two-story apartment house that had had a fire. Consequently I spent a lot of time on the front porch studying, eating my meals, and just sitting. This gave me an appreciation the changes throughout the day - from dawn to noon to late afternoon to evening. The house was across from a park, and I watched the trees change as summer gave way to autumn and then into winter
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Summer camps at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Now? The riverwalk in Melbourne, Australia. The mountain hike up Chipinque ecological park in Monterrey, Mexico.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I'm fascinated by gorillas, in part because of their size and strength, but also their intelligence and social life.
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?
Certainly climate change is the most dynamic and far-reaching environmental challenge at the moment. The need for clean water is already a crisis in many places in the world. Wars fought over oil today will be fought over water in the next decade.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Find those one or two things in your own life that you can do to preserve the inhabitability of the planet. Use them as both a practical contribution to the future, but also as a spur to think more deeply and broadly about the ecological implications of everything that we do.
Today’s Date: December 18, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My senior year in college I lived in a two-story apartment house that had had a fire. Consequently I spent a lot of time on the front porch studying, eating my meals, and just sitting. This gave me an appreciation the changes throughout the day - from dawn to noon to late afternoon to evening. The house was across from a park, and I watched the trees change as summer gave way to autumn and then into winter
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Summer camps at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Now? The riverwalk in Melbourne, Australia. The mountain hike up Chipinque ecological park in Monterrey, Mexico.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I'm fascinated by gorillas, in part because of their size and strength, but also their intelligence and social life.
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?
Certainly climate change is the most dynamic and far-reaching environmental challenge at the moment. The need for clean water is already a crisis in many places in the world. Wars fought over oil today will be fought over water in the next decade.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Find those one or two things in your own life that you can do to preserve the inhabitability of the planet. Use them as both a practical contribution to the future, but also as a spur to think more deeply and broadly about the ecological implications of everything that we do.
Frank M. Rabauliman
Director, Division of Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Today’s Date: December 11, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All kinds of fish, pigs, dogs, and goats
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yep, my farm up on the mountain
Now? Still the same place
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love fish because they're not only good pets, they taste good too and they're healthy.
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 is the greatest environmental challenge we are facing now and it will still be the greatest challenge also in the future.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy it while you still can.
Today’s Date: December 11, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
All kinds of fish, pigs, dogs, and goats
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yep, my farm up on the mountain
Now? Still the same place
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love fish because they're not only good pets, they taste good too and they're healthy.
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 is the greatest environmental challenge we are facing now and it will still be the greatest challenge also in the future.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Enjoy it while you still can.
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director, American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org)
Today's Date: 6 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
During my first camping trip hiking along the Appalachian Trail, I entered a clearing and came upon a family of eagles flying just above me. The sereneness of my surroundings and the majesty of the eagles filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. I was surprised to find that I can have such peak experiences without a belief in God or other supernaturalisms, and it led me on my path to humanism.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In childhood, I very much enjoyed a large garden that backed into a small stretch of open woods. In thrilled at finding my own spaces in the trees and bushes there and exploring the life that thrived there.
Now? Today there are so many beautiful places of such diversity that I've experienced that the only way to choose a favorite would be to first settle on a particular mood, set of companions, and state of mind.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Similarly, today it is a challenge to settle on a favorite animals, so I'll have to say orangutans for their fascinating reflections on humanity tempered by something positive that engenders respect.
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's greatest environmental challenge is grappling with how to raise worldwide standards of living in an equitable manner, while simultaneously addressing the steadily diminishing environment, upon which our very existence happiness depends. Some say that the capacity of the land to support the people has already been exceeded, so what are we to do?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We need to act quickly on broad scope measures that will impact our negative global trajectory. Behavior changes are needed (such as eliminating incandescent bulbs, switching to biodiesel, and reviving public transportation) so that we can reduce our ecological footprint. And global lifestyle changes are needed (such as addressing population growth through family planning and boosting women's rights) so that we lessen the burden on our planet and live better lives.
Today's Date: 6 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
During my first camping trip hiking along the Appalachian Trail, I entered a clearing and came upon a family of eagles flying just above me. The sereneness of my surroundings and the majesty of the eagles filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. I was surprised to find that I can have such peak experiences without a belief in God or other supernaturalisms, and it led me on my path to humanism.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In childhood, I very much enjoyed a large garden that backed into a small stretch of open woods. In thrilled at finding my own spaces in the trees and bushes there and exploring the life that thrived there.
Now? Today there are so many beautiful places of such diversity that I've experienced that the only way to choose a favorite would be to first settle on a particular mood, set of companions, and state of mind.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Similarly, today it is a challenge to settle on a favorite animals, so I'll have to say orangutans for their fascinating reflections on humanity tempered by something positive that engenders respect.
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's greatest environmental challenge is grappling with how to raise worldwide standards of living in an equitable manner, while simultaneously addressing the steadily diminishing environment, upon which our very existence happiness depends. Some say that the capacity of the land to support the people has already been exceeded, so what are we to do?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We need to act quickly on broad scope measures that will impact our negative global trajectory. Behavior changes are needed (such as eliminating incandescent bulbs, switching to biodiesel, and reviving public transportation) so that we can reduce our ecological footprint. And global lifestyle changes are needed (such as addressing population growth through family planning and boosting women's rights) so that we lessen the burden on our planet and live better lives.
Martin Palmer
Secretary General, Alliance of Religions and Conservation (www.arcworld.org)
Today’s Date: 5 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing my first heron. I lived on a bleak public housing estate in Bristol in southwest England . It had been built by the Council in the 1950’s and was a place where all nature had been squeezed out. One day as I was walking home from school – I must have been about 9 – a heron flew overhead. I just stood and stared. I had no idea anything so big or beautiful still survived in Britain , and certainly not near or in cities. Its languid way of flying; its almost aristocratic poise and distain for the rest of the world took me by surprise. Since that day, whenever I have seen a heron, it has always been a sign of good luck for me. The heron has become my totem. It has taught me about how linked we are to nature and how vulnerable nature is to us. At one level you could say that my desire to protect nature comes from my desire to ensure that herons can always fly slowly across the sky; that they can always fish in plentiful waters and that they can live side by side with us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes. The Quantock hills in Somerset which are wild and free and windswept and where my magical godmother lived who taught me to read the landscape for its history, geology, wildlife and spirituality.
Now? Still the Quantocks but alongside this the mountains some sixty miles to the east of Ulaan Baator in Mongolia where on an otherwise frenetic trip to look at projects my charity was running there with the Buddhists and World Bank, I and my wife found peace, found ourselves held by nature and protected at a very difficult time after my father’s death.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Apart from the heron, which I don’t think counts as an animal in the sense you are asking about, it would be the sloth. I love their slowness, the extraordinary way they gradually move through the trees, the way they hang upside down, looking at us with huge astonished eyes. I love the story I was once told that they move so slowly mould grows on them! But also they are such a symbol of nature’s vulnerability. They cannot escape the hunter or the logger. So we have to save their habitat so they can continue to meander slowly through the trees as they have done for millennia.
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 today is being diverted into just focusing on “climate change” given that this has now become little more than a political battlefield and economic market. It is in serious danger of diverting us from long term solutions to destruction of habitat by human activity, population issues, power and poverty issues and – and the issue of adopting simpler lifestyles because they are right not just as a panic response to fear. Change is inevitable. Adaptation is possible.
In the future, the challenge will be what it has always been: balancing human demands against nature’s needs so that we begin to realise we should supply our needs not our wants. That is what lies at the heart of all the problems. Always has done: always will.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t panic. Plan for generations ahead not just for the end of your latest campaign.
Martin Palmer is the Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) and was instrumental in the creation of ARC in 1995 by HRH the Prince Philip. ARC specialises in projects related to religious, environmental and development issues and works with a variety of international organisations such as WWF, the World Bank, UNESCO, UNDP, the World Council of Churches, the China Daoist Association, the Islamic Foundation for Environment and Environmental Sciences and others. In 1997 he founded the Sacred Land Project which has expanded to involve projects all around the world, preserving sacred sites from Mongolia to Mexico .
Today’s Date: 5 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing my first heron. I lived on a bleak public housing estate in Bristol in southwest England . It had been built by the Council in the 1950’s and was a place where all nature had been squeezed out. One day as I was walking home from school – I must have been about 9 – a heron flew overhead. I just stood and stared. I had no idea anything so big or beautiful still survived in Britain , and certainly not near or in cities. Its languid way of flying; its almost aristocratic poise and distain for the rest of the world took me by surprise. Since that day, whenever I have seen a heron, it has always been a sign of good luck for me. The heron has become my totem. It has taught me about how linked we are to nature and how vulnerable nature is to us. At one level you could say that my desire to protect nature comes from my desire to ensure that herons can always fly slowly across the sky; that they can always fish in plentiful waters and that they can live side by side with us.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes. The Quantock hills in Somerset which are wild and free and windswept and where my magical godmother lived who taught me to read the landscape for its history, geology, wildlife and spirituality.
Now? Still the Quantocks but alongside this the mountains some sixty miles to the east of Ulaan Baator in Mongolia where on an otherwise frenetic trip to look at projects my charity was running there with the Buddhists and World Bank, I and my wife found peace, found ourselves held by nature and protected at a very difficult time after my father’s death.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Apart from the heron, which I don’t think counts as an animal in the sense you are asking about, it would be the sloth. I love their slowness, the extraordinary way they gradually move through the trees, the way they hang upside down, looking at us with huge astonished eyes. I love the story I was once told that they move so slowly mould grows on them! But also they are such a symbol of nature’s vulnerability. They cannot escape the hunter or the logger. So we have to save their habitat so they can continue to meander slowly through the trees as they have done for millennia.
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 today is being diverted into just focusing on “climate change” given that this has now become little more than a political battlefield and economic market. It is in serious danger of diverting us from long term solutions to destruction of habitat by human activity, population issues, power and poverty issues and – and the issue of adopting simpler lifestyles because they are right not just as a panic response to fear. Change is inevitable. Adaptation is possible.
In the future, the challenge will be what it has always been: balancing human demands against nature’s needs so that we begin to realise we should supply our needs not our wants. That is what lies at the heart of all the problems. Always has done: always will.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t panic. Plan for generations ahead not just for the end of your latest campaign.
Martin Palmer is the Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) and was instrumental in the creation of ARC in 1995 by HRH the Prince Philip. ARC specialises in projects related to religious, environmental and development issues and works with a variety of international organisations such as WWF, the World Bank, UNESCO, UNDP, the World Council of Churches, the China Daoist Association, the Islamic Foundation for Environment and Environmental Sciences and others. In 1997 he founded the Sacred Land Project which has expanded to involve projects all around the world, preserving sacred sites from Mongolia to Mexico .
December 18, 2007
John A Burton
CEO, World Land Trust (www.worldlandtrust.org)
Today’s Date: 3 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Far too many to list, but first memorable one was age 6, discovering a lizard (Lacerta vivipara) in my sand pit. Since then numerous others, dependent on time, place and circumstances. Wildlife and nature have simply had the biggest impact on my life than any other.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Depends on how you define childhood. But from 9-15 it would have been a local oak-wood, after that a sewage farm (birdwatching)
Now? Dry Chaco of Paraguay
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Have never had a favourite but tend to side with the unloved animals of the world – amphibians, reptiles, bats etc. Have a special passion for European Brown Hare
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?
a) human population
b) human population
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Persuade governments that human population increase is a very serious threat.
Today’s Date: 3 December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Far too many to list, but first memorable one was age 6, discovering a lizard (Lacerta vivipara) in my sand pit. Since then numerous others, dependent on time, place and circumstances. Wildlife and nature have simply had the biggest impact on my life than any other.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Depends on how you define childhood. But from 9-15 it would have been a local oak-wood, after that a sewage farm (birdwatching)
Now? Dry Chaco of Paraguay
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Have never had a favourite but tend to side with the unloved animals of the world – amphibians, reptiles, bats etc. Have a special passion for European Brown Hare
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?
a) human population
b) human population
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Persuade governments that human population increase is a very serious threat.
Loh Chi Leong
Executive Director, Malaysian Nature Society
Today’s Date: 5th December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It would have to be a visit to a palm forest on a mountain top in what is now the Endau Rompin National Park in Johor, Malaysia. It is an ageless place where you can see the balance of the ecosystem very clearly and things remain unchanged for years.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach and mangrove forests of Port Dickson, Malaysia. Unfortunately most of that is severely degraded today.
Now? It would still have to be Endau Rompin National Park.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
It would be the Grey Squirrel primarily because I enjoy interacting with an intelligent and relatively un-shy animal.
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 immediate emergency has to be climate change which threatens our environment, our food security, water availability and species survival. The challenge for the future is to reduce our impact of ecological footprint which can only be done if we curb rampant consumerism and wastage as well as take steps to reduce or control population growth. The truth is that the Earth’s ability to support us and our lifestyle is finite.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
That we must take responsibility of the problem and act in our own lives to reduce impact and lobby corporations and governments for more sustainable practices.
Today’s Date: 5th December 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It would have to be a visit to a palm forest on a mountain top in what is now the Endau Rompin National Park in Johor, Malaysia. It is an ageless place where you can see the balance of the ecosystem very clearly and things remain unchanged for years.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach and mangrove forests of Port Dickson, Malaysia. Unfortunately most of that is severely degraded today.
Now? It would still have to be Endau Rompin National Park.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
It would be the Grey Squirrel primarily because I enjoy interacting with an intelligent and relatively un-shy animal.
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 immediate emergency has to be climate change which threatens our environment, our food security, water availability and species survival. The challenge for the future is to reduce our impact of ecological footprint which can only be done if we curb rampant consumerism and wastage as well as take steps to reduce or control population growth. The truth is that the Earth’s ability to support us and our lifestyle is finite.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
That we must take responsibility of the problem and act in our own lives to reduce impact and lobby corporations and governments for more sustainable practices.
November 23, 2007
Anonymous*
Islamic Society of North America
Today’s Date: 11-14-07
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs and cats at home
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Now? Watching Tarzan goats jumping down the mountain
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Mountain goat, for its poise, dexterity, and grace
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?
garbage, plastic
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Costs of modern life far outweigh benefits
*Survey sent to Dr. Muneer Fareed, Secretary General, but no name/title was included on the reply
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 11-14-07
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Dogs and cats at home
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Now? Watching Tarzan goats jumping down the mountain
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Mountain goat, for its poise, dexterity, and grace
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?
garbage, plastic
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Costs of modern life far outweigh benefits
*Survey sent to Dr. Muneer Fareed, Secretary General, but no name/title was included on the reply
Received via postal mail
October 23, 2007
Leon Trembath
(private citizen)
Today’s Date: 15/10'07
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Local Snakes, I need to be aware of them constantly, a single incident could be fatal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach at Port Melbourne
Now? In the veggie garden at home.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
An impossible choice my 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 challenge is understanding "Climate Change" the other is learning to live with it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Read & practise the Tao.
Today’s Date: 15/10'07
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Local Snakes, I need to be aware of them constantly, a single incident could be fatal.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The beach at Port Melbourne
Now? In the veggie garden at home.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
An impossible choice my 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 challenge is understanding "Climate Change" the other is learning to live with it.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Read & practise the Tao.
September 09, 2007
Dan Shapley
News Editor / The Daily Green.Com (www.thedailygreen.com)
Today’s Date: Sept. 6, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up in Salt Point, NY, where there is a mixture of farmland and forests. The Wappinger Creek flowed through my parent's back yard, and a little inlet formed there on their property in the woods. I spent most of my playtime exploring those woods and the creek, and that experience shaped my interest in nature and the environment. My parents also took me and my sister hiking each Columbus Day in the Swawangunk Mountains, to Skytop. This too inspired my love of the outdoors. Later in life, I spent several years as the environmental reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, and this gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists and advocates in a variety of landscapes, and to focus on a variety of environmental issues. Crawling under the Mid-Hudson bridge to see nesting peregrine falcons, catching giant sturgeon in the Hudson River, searching for bog turtles in swamps, watching the annual hawk or Monarch butterfly migrations, catching shad and blue crabs with commercial fishermen -- all these experienced shaped my love of the outdoors and the environment. The added benefit of seeing other peoples' passion and expertise enhanced the experience.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
See above. Certain bends in the Wappinger Creek, and trails on the Shawangunk Ridge are important to me.
Now?
Those landscapes are still important. My favorite places now are in the Catskill Mountains, where the sense of remoteness and wilderness are easy to find. There's a sense of calm I get there like no other.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is my dog, Mookie. As for a favorite species, it's tough to say. I love monkeys but don't often interact with them. I love the birds that come to my feeder, particularly a red-breasted nuthatch that has lately been making the rounds. I've always loved hawks (and even vultures) and admired the way they soar high above. I don't think I have a favorite, but I love coming across new animals, or encountering them. Actually, I've got it. My favorite "animal" is the conglomeration of summer insects that buzz -- the crickets, katydids, cicadas and the like. That sound is not only a "favorite" but I consider it an essential piece of my happiness.
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 is a huge problem, and I worry about reports that indicators of significant change are occurring faster than scientists first predicted. Because of the significant negative effects that are to come, and because the potential solutions to the global warming problem have the potential to encompass so many other issues, it's the single most important issue of this day and of the future. In near-terms, suburban sprawl is a huge issue in my home in the Hudson Valley. The loss of species, wildlife habitat, water quality, air quality and productive farm soils are among the serious consequences of the unchecked development that has occurred, particularly in the past five-plus years.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Do one thing today. Do another tomorrow. And so on. Also, go outside and get inspired. And take a kid with you. It's essential to the future of the environment, because if we don't have a personal connection to it we won't care enough to do anything as it is degraded.
PS - I see you're in Ravena, NY. I did some writing about the cement plants in the Hudson Valley, and there's a biggie in Ravena. I'm curious if it had any bearing on your interest in environmental issues...
Today’s Date: Sept. 6, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I grew up in Salt Point, NY, where there is a mixture of farmland and forests. The Wappinger Creek flowed through my parent's back yard, and a little inlet formed there on their property in the woods. I spent most of my playtime exploring those woods and the creek, and that experience shaped my interest in nature and the environment. My parents also took me and my sister hiking each Columbus Day in the Swawangunk Mountains, to Skytop. This too inspired my love of the outdoors. Later in life, I spent several years as the environmental reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, and this gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists and advocates in a variety of landscapes, and to focus on a variety of environmental issues. Crawling under the Mid-Hudson bridge to see nesting peregrine falcons, catching giant sturgeon in the Hudson River, searching for bog turtles in swamps, watching the annual hawk or Monarch butterfly migrations, catching shad and blue crabs with commercial fishermen -- all these experienced shaped my love of the outdoors and the environment. The added benefit of seeing other peoples' passion and expertise enhanced the experience.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
See above. Certain bends in the Wappinger Creek, and trails on the Shawangunk Ridge are important to me.
Now?
Those landscapes are still important. My favorite places now are in the Catskill Mountains, where the sense of remoteness and wilderness are easy to find. There's a sense of calm I get there like no other.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My favorite animal is my dog, Mookie. As for a favorite species, it's tough to say. I love monkeys but don't often interact with them. I love the birds that come to my feeder, particularly a red-breasted nuthatch that has lately been making the rounds. I've always loved hawks (and even vultures) and admired the way they soar high above. I don't think I have a favorite, but I love coming across new animals, or encountering them. Actually, I've got it. My favorite "animal" is the conglomeration of summer insects that buzz -- the crickets, katydids, cicadas and the like. That sound is not only a "favorite" but I consider it an essential piece of my happiness.
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 is a huge problem, and I worry about reports that indicators of significant change are occurring faster than scientists first predicted. Because of the significant negative effects that are to come, and because the potential solutions to the global warming problem have the potential to encompass so many other issues, it's the single most important issue of this day and of the future. In near-terms, suburban sprawl is a huge issue in my home in the Hudson Valley. The loss of species, wildlife habitat, water quality, air quality and productive farm soils are among the serious consequences of the unchecked development that has occurred, particularly in the past five-plus years.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Do one thing today. Do another tomorrow. And so on. Also, go outside and get inspired. And take a kid with you. It's essential to the future of the environment, because if we don't have a personal connection to it we won't care enough to do anything as it is degraded.
PS - I see you're in Ravena, NY. I did some writing about the cement plants in the Hudson Valley, and there's a biggie in Ravena. I'm curious if it had any bearing on your interest in environmental issues...
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