Learning How to Protect the Planet

It felt a bit like the Griswalds in "Nature Vacation" last Friday, as our New York office went on a hike in the rain. Though the forecast did call for heavy rain showers, we had planned the date for a while, and, as our NY director pointed out, "Well we are the Nature Conservancy."

We went to Mianus Gorge, about an hour north of the city, and the original "place" protected by The Nature Conservancy, by some inspired Westchester residents who banded together, 60 years ago.

While there we learned about trees from foresters Bill and Tom (below), our finance guy, whose 'day job' is looking at conservation deals but taught us all a lot about the trees around us.

Saw some critters...

Mr. and Mrs. Frog

A salamander in full fall fashion

And lots of earthworms, which we discussed as being "invasive species", likely from Asia originally.

The beauty of nature, a sense of timelessness...and that intangible ability that nature has to balance and restore you, and slow you to 'nature's pace'. (Which is far far better than the pace most of us experience)

Some damage from Hurricane Irene last month.

The intrepid crew!

Every day I feel like I'm learning something completely new. And sometimes while the volume of information can be daunting at times, there's a sense of wonder and amazement about this wonderful planet we call home, that we rely on not just for beauty and restoration, but for critical life elements such as water, food and the air we breathe.

Yesterday I was at a global task force meeting with several members of our board of trustees, many who are seasoned business leaders from finance and consulting industries. Listening to them speak about how they personally got interested in conservation was inspiring and you almost saw the kid inside, that never stops learning.

Last night NBC Nightly News aired a wonderful segment about an educational program of ours called L.E.A.F. that helps to grow the next generation of conservation leaders. CBS Early Show aired a similar segment last month.

"...And while this learning isn't happening within the walls of a classroom, it may be the best learning of all..." - Brian Williams

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