Ecologist
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
bird watching
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
childhood: mountains now: rural
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
the horse because of their elegant beauty.
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?
consumerism food
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
consume less
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
March 13, 2010
Scott Smith
Ecologist - MD DNR - Natural Heritage Program
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one event - I have been studying animals my entire life (now approaching 50). However that said, while in undergraduate college a professor turned me on to plant identification and birds and my now "opened" eyes viewed the world differently - there is power in being able to name a thing, a person, a place - spiritual even.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The White Mountains of NH were my spiritual place - particularly the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. Mtns are sacred places. But the sea also held me in its grasp - both places can be places of utmost beauty and utmost peril - and that dichotomy speaks to the human soul I think. Now my favorite places are often on a smaller scale - quiet places with little or no non-native vegetation - special plant/animal communities like bogs, fens, deserts, etc.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That’s a tough one - 20 years ago I would have said bald eagle or any raptor because of the grace, power, and viewpoint from on high and also their fierceness without ill-tidings - "I'm just being an eagle when I kill". Today my interests are very broad but I would have to say its any turtle - I just like the indomitable will of turtles in general - the modern world continues to revolve at frenetic pace yet they survive living at a different pace, and in a different time. There is much to be learned from turtles!
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?
It all comes down to too many humans on the planet and increasingly following soul-less economic models. Until there is a wholesale change in the way EVERYONE views this planet and all its members, not just humans, I fear that we are on a death spiral as a species (irregardless of the current pop #s) - and unfortunately we seem to want to take the planet with us.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are NOT separate from nature - you are part of it - what happens to it happens to you, and vice versa - so be respectful and handle with care.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
No one event - I have been studying animals my entire life (now approaching 50). However that said, while in undergraduate college a professor turned me on to plant identification and birds and my now "opened" eyes viewed the world differently - there is power in being able to name a thing, a person, a place - spiritual even.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The White Mountains of NH were my spiritual place - particularly the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. Mtns are sacred places. But the sea also held me in its grasp - both places can be places of utmost beauty and utmost peril - and that dichotomy speaks to the human soul I think. Now my favorite places are often on a smaller scale - quiet places with little or no non-native vegetation - special plant/animal communities like bogs, fens, deserts, etc.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That’s a tough one - 20 years ago I would have said bald eagle or any raptor because of the grace, power, and viewpoint from on high and also their fierceness without ill-tidings - "I'm just being an eagle when I kill". Today my interests are very broad but I would have to say its any turtle - I just like the indomitable will of turtles in general - the modern world continues to revolve at frenetic pace yet they survive living at a different pace, and in a different time. There is much to be learned from turtles!
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?
It all comes down to too many humans on the planet and increasingly following soul-less economic models. Until there is a wholesale change in the way EVERYONE views this planet and all its members, not just humans, I fear that we are on a death spiral as a species (irregardless of the current pop #s) - and unfortunately we seem to want to take the planet with us.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
You are NOT separate from nature - you are part of it - what happens to it happens to you, and vice versa - so be respectful and handle with care.
Lynn Braband
Senior Extension Associate, NYS IPM Program - Cornell University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in a rural environment with easy access to outdoor areas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marshes, lakes, and woods in the county where my grandparents lived. The farmland creek near where I grew up. Currently, close by: several marshes and a railroad bed turned hiking trail; further away: the Adirondack backcountry
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian tiger. Top of the food chain predator.
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?
Combination of human population growth and materialistic lifestyles.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get to intimately know a natural area. You cannot love what you do not know.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up in a rural environment with easy access to outdoor areas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Marshes, lakes, and woods in the county where my grandparents lived. The farmland creek near where I grew up. Currently, close by: several marshes and a railroad bed turned hiking trail; further away: the Adirondack backcountry
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Siberian tiger. Top of the food chain predator.
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?
Combination of human population growth and materialistic lifestyles.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get to intimately know a natural area. You cannot love what you do not know.
Dave Alfred
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am impacted each day. The spider that just crawled across my desk
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Freshwater Lake
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The one that just went extinct
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?
Humans, humans
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"Think Little" - Wendell Berry
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am impacted each day. The spider that just crawled across my desk
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Freshwater Lake
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The one that just went extinct
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?
Humans, humans
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
"Think Little" - Wendell Berry
Michael Mooradian Lupro
Lecturer - North Carolina A&T State University
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having a spider monkey pretend to pick bugs out of my hair.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
No. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Raptors...vision and flight
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?
Anthropocentrism
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't shit where you eat (literally and figuratively).
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having a spider monkey pretend to pick bugs out of my hair.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
No. Yes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Raptors...vision and flight
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?
Anthropocentrism
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't shit where you eat (literally and figuratively).
Susan Moore
Private Citizen
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I love nature and all animals. I have had 4 cats over the last 28 years and can't imagine not having animals in my life. I am a volunteer zoo keeper at Flamingo Gardens and work with all native species and some non natives. I love my volunteer job and being with other animal lovers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I lived in NY until I was 13 and my favorite place was the Bronx Zoo. I could go everyday and love going to the zoo. Now my favorite place is the Everglades and Flamingo Gardens. My husband and I love to bike in Shark Valley and observe the birds and alligators and the peacefulness of the Everglades. We also love the mountains in Co. We feel very spiritual in the mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a difficult one as I love them all, but I would say I'm partial to the cat family. I love the similarities between the bob cat, panther and my domestic cats. Since working at Flamingo Gardens I have fallen in love with our native birds as well.
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?
Restoring the Everglades is a huge challenge and dealing with global warming. I am a huge recycler and I believe everyone in their small way can make a huge difference.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should all enjoy and protect nature. The environment is very fragile and it is our responsibility to ensure that we don't destroy it.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I love nature and all animals. I have had 4 cats over the last 28 years and can't imagine not having animals in my life. I am a volunteer zoo keeper at Flamingo Gardens and work with all native species and some non natives. I love my volunteer job and being with other animal lovers.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
I lived in NY until I was 13 and my favorite place was the Bronx Zoo. I could go everyday and love going to the zoo. Now my favorite place is the Everglades and Flamingo Gardens. My husband and I love to bike in Shark Valley and observe the birds and alligators and the peacefulness of the Everglades. We also love the mountains in Co. We feel very spiritual in the mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
That is a difficult one as I love them all, but I would say I'm partial to the cat family. I love the similarities between the bob cat, panther and my domestic cats. Since working at Flamingo Gardens I have fallen in love with our native birds as well.
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?
Restoring the Everglades is a huge challenge and dealing with global warming. I am a huge recycler and I believe everyone in their small way can make a huge difference.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We should all enjoy and protect nature. The environment is very fragile and it is our responsibility to ensure that we don't destroy it.
Shannon Pederson
The Wildlife Society
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising dogs and researching canine subjects has had the biggest impact.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Running along the C&O Canal and Potomac River has been a favorite place of mine since childhood. How about now --absolutely. Same place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves and coyotes - for different reasons. Wolves - because of their social interactions and problem solving (i.e., hunting in packs) and coyote - because of their intelligent mind to problem solve individually.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Now - teaching the public that natural resources are not renewable when overharvested. Not everyone in the world can live like "The Joneses". Future - water and food shortages, energy sources.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We don't know everything about the environment or what it can produce, so respect it and don't overuse (leave natural resources for future generations). Live within your means!
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Raising dogs and researching canine subjects has had the biggest impact.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Running along the C&O Canal and Potomac River has been a favorite place of mine since childhood. How about now --absolutely. Same place.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Wolves and coyotes - for different reasons. Wolves - because of their social interactions and problem solving (i.e., hunting in packs) and coyote - because of their intelligent mind to problem solve individually.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Now - teaching the public that natural resources are not renewable when overharvested. Not everyone in the world can live like "The Joneses". Future - water and food shortages, energy sources.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We don't know everything about the environment or what it can produce, so respect it and don't overuse (leave natural resources for future generations). Live within your means!
Stephen P. Kunz
Senior Ecologist - Schmid & Company, Inc.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I can't think of just one. Every time I go on a hike, or walk in the woods, or go camping, I get a better appreciation of the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods behind my house, and the undeveloped park 2 blocks away. Now it is anyplace where evidence of human disturbance (roads, buildings, etc.) is least.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagles, hawks, condors. I think they are beautiful and graceful.
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?
Right now: climate change, due to burning fossil fuels. It is causing so many little and huge problems. Future: I worry most about loss of woodlands and loss of clean water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out of your car, turn off your cell phone, and visit/enjoy as many of the following as possible(especially if you have never been there before): the ocean/beach, a mountain lake, a desert, a prairie, a farm, a forest, a wetland, a river/stream, a mountain. Here in the US we are so fortunate to have so many different kinds of ecosystems. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience every one of them at some time in their life. It is only by experiencing the natural world first-hand that we can get a better understanding of what we have and what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I can't think of just one. Every time I go on a hike, or walk in the woods, or go camping, I get a better appreciation of the natural world.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
The woods behind my house, and the undeveloped park 2 blocks away. Now it is anyplace where evidence of human disturbance (roads, buildings, etc.) is least.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Eagles, hawks, condors. I think they are beautiful and graceful.
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?
Right now: climate change, due to burning fossil fuels. It is causing so many little and huge problems. Future: I worry most about loss of woodlands and loss of clean water.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Get out of your car, turn off your cell phone, and visit/enjoy as many of the following as possible(especially if you have never been there before): the ocean/beach, a mountain lake, a desert, a prairie, a farm, a forest, a wetland, a river/stream, a mountain. Here in the US we are so fortunate to have so many different kinds of ecosystems. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience every one of them at some time in their life. It is only by experiencing the natural world first-hand that we can get a better understanding of what we have and what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
Joshua Castleberry
Central Carolina Technical College
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to say, really. I have been an 'outdoorsman' all of my life. I was out fishing and shrimping the coast with my dad from a very early age (I don't even remember learning to cast a net, I was so young when it happened). My family also camped out a lot. I have also gone out into the woods by myself to catch snakes, lizards, and frogs for as long as I can remember.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Coastal SC...probably Hunting Island SC. I can hunt snakes, shrimp, crab, and head to the surf for shark all in the same day.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I can't really have a favorite. I am in general a herpetologist, but my 'favorite' varies by what I have in front of me at the time. If I had to narrow it down to my top 5 (in no particular order): Crotalus adamanteus, Caretta caretta, Malaclemys terrapin, Drymarchon couperi & Dendrobates spp (I know that's a genus, but I couldn't pick just 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?
The greatest threat to the environment right now is human population. More people = more ignorance. Our challenge is to teach the entire populous to tread lightly so that there are enough resources to go around.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Natural resources are finite, and small actions add up (good and bad). Make a conscious decision to help the environment.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to say, really. I have been an 'outdoorsman' all of my life. I was out fishing and shrimping the coast with my dad from a very early age (I don't even remember learning to cast a net, I was so young when it happened). My family also camped out a lot. I have also gone out into the woods by myself to catch snakes, lizards, and frogs for as long as I can remember.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
Coastal SC...probably Hunting Island SC. I can hunt snakes, shrimp, crab, and head to the surf for shark all in the same day.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I can't really have a favorite. I am in general a herpetologist, but my 'favorite' varies by what I have in front of me at the time. If I had to narrow it down to my top 5 (in no particular order): Crotalus adamanteus, Caretta caretta, Malaclemys terrapin, Drymarchon couperi & Dendrobates spp (I know that's a genus, but I couldn't pick just 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?
The greatest threat to the environment right now is human population. More people = more ignorance. Our challenge is to teach the entire populous to tread lightly so that there are enough resources to go around.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Natural resources are finite, and small actions add up (good and bad). Make a conscious decision to help the environment.
Anonymous
Ph.D Student
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't know
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My parent's back yard/the local parks. I still like going to the parks and their back yard, but now that I work in nature, my favorite places are the forests where I do my surveys.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite animal. I love all animals and have favorites within taxa. For example, my favorite beetle is the hercules beetle, Dyanastes tityus
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 huge size of the human population and lack of connection, concern, and understanding of the natural world is the greatest challenge now and will continue to plague us in the future
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself.
Jul 23, 2009
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I don't know
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood? How about now??
My parent's back yard/the local parks. I still like going to the parks and their back yard, but now that I work in nature, my favorite places are the forests where I do my surveys.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
I don't have a favorite animal. I love all animals and have favorites within taxa. For example, my favorite beetle is the hercules beetle, Dyanastes tityus
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 huge size of the human population and lack of connection, concern, and understanding of the natural world is the greatest challenge now and will continue to plague us in the future
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate yourself.
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