Should We Invite Preditors Back Into Our Communities?

      I know I might get some flak from this but I truly believe that too many humans occupy Earth and there are not as abundant resources available to sustain the population. Consider:  humans are at the top of the food chain, people are starving, growing their families exponentially, and even reducing predatory animals to extension. If humans simply reintroduced Wolves and created safe havens for fish, there still lies an enormous demand for environmental change. Yes, it's a start. Natural disasters and wars help heal some of the Earth's problems with overpopulation.  Letting  wolves and other top of the food chain animals thrive, will kill people and weaker animals. I can't imagine the mere thought of my family being injured. Lessening the human population would be beneficial to the wellness of the environment.

               In many instances humans are to blame for our high demands that ultimately upset the balance of the environment. I cringed at the sight of the dead wolves hanging upside down by  their feet, the algae taking over the reefs, and most of all the thought of over fishing to the point of eventually having nothing left. Having the information provided to me in the video National Geographic  Strange Days on Planet Earth, leads me to truly believe that predators are a necessary part of the ecosystem and our future.

               A connection between third world and affluent countries is apparent in the respect of knowledge. In the video, the natives of the third world countries kept doing more harm than good because they just didn't understand. The same can be said for the community that is upset about the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone. The difference is that the affluent countries started realizing the problem, learning about why it exists, making a plan of action, implementing it, and following up with data collection and management. We can't sit around and do nothing! Try something and study the outcome. 

Entry #1: Where I Am On The Outdoors.

I don't have a professional understanding of the outdoors. Maybe I do but do not realize it yet. When I was a little boy, I practically grew up with my Grandparents. My Grandfather was one of the first nurseryman-landscaper in Naples, FL. He did not do it for the money. He did not do it because he had to. He started when he was a child and in retirement it grew into a passion. He loved his work.

               The staying up all night with plants in the green houses and a heater on were difficult. To see the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the plant life was very rewarding to his inner core. He is very much missed. He is very much remembered. He is very much alive in me! I have, thankfully, been afflicted with his enduring passion for the outdoors. Canoeing, camping, planting, hiking, observing, and a never ending thirst for knowledge are a few of the things I learned from my Grandfather when he was alive.

               I ran Cross Country and long distance Track. While running, I calmly observed my surroundings and in slow motion, outside of myself, reflected on what I saw in my many miles of paths. Running, even though fast paced, was a sort of escape from my wild and complicated life. It was a place in my mind that I was truly relaxed.

               Now I am on a path that will hopefully give me the mental tools to be able to improve the environment and peoples understanding of the changes needed. With this I leave you this thought: A greater understanding is achieved by learning about it on your own from the sources not by hearing about other people's opinions.