In times of peace or turmoil, on good days and on bad days, we all have a constant companion — Mother Nature. Each of us can look to her to find happiness, solace, perspective or inspiration. Here in America, we are especially blessed with iconic lands and animals who not only bring us personal joy but also spark our commitment to wildlife and the wild places they, and we, need to thrive.
Defenders’ supporters of all ages and backgrounds reflected on the love of nature that unites us. They shared powerful stories of the earliest moments they discovered their own love of nature, with family members and in the peace of their own solitude.
In honor of this passion and expression, we are proud to share a few of our favorite narratives from Defenders’ members across the country. We hope you not only enjoy them as much as we did but also are inspired to appreciate the natural world around you every day!
Jill S. from Florence, OR:
Sunday afternoons were magic! My father and I would explore the local woods together watching birds, frogs, creeks, trees, moss and more. He ignited a lifelong love and fascination for our natural world. I kept a log of what I found and learned more through books (no internet in those days!). This love and awe of Mother Nature flourished throughout my life, taking every opportunity to travel, hike, camp and explore our amazing world. I feel relaxed, stress-free, fortunate and that all is well when I’m in nature. Although I have seen and experienced a lot, I still get shivers down my back, when I see an eagle take flight, a whale swim by or the tiny but mighty hummingbird. I developed a desire to share, not only the wonders and excitement of our wildness, but also the responsibility we all have as guardians and defenders to respect what our planet has blessed us with. As a wilderness instructor, humane educator and role model for many, I hope I made an impact that will resonate to future generations of custodians and explorers! Thanks, dad!
Keri S. from Soldotna, AK:
I live in the woods of Alaska, on the border of the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. Wilderness and wildlife are essential to our existence. Like canaries in a mine shaft, if they do not thrive, then neither do we. I treasure the beauty and resilience of wild animals in how they seek out a living with only the resources available. They are a huge part of my life, and even when not seen, I am reassured just knowing they are there. The future of human existence depends on it.
Jim S. from Redwood City, CA:
I am so thankful my eyes were opened up to nature when I was 8 years old on a vacation to California. Just the sheer beauty of nature is amazing in itself. Not to mention nature provides food, medicine, oxygen, building materials, stores carbon and so much more. I am so thankful for national parks, marine reserves, open spaces and protected spaces. They are places of inspiration, solace and healing. It’s so important to protect, care for and to be a good steward of these spaces. Nature does not discriminate and is there to be discovered for persons of every age, color, race, creed or background.
Ruth R. from Harrison, MT:
I'm sure my father was just waiting for me to learn to walk on my own, because almost as soon as I did, he began taking me on his walks through the woods at the end of our road. Just him and me. Once, stopping on a hillside to rest, he pulled a chocolate bar from his pocket, split it exactly in half so my half was equal to his. I understood I was equal to him. If he could climb a mountain, I could. If he could camp in bear country, I could. If he could watch the sun set over Fox Lake; ride his horse along mountain trails; gaze for hours at a herd of pronghorn or elk or deer; spot April's first bluets, I could. There are wildlands he couldn't teach me, because there are wildlands he didn't know. But I've learned them enough that they have become my life, the subject of the writing that is my work.
Rayden T. from Galveston, TX:
A few weeks of summer were spent at my grandparents' place in central New Jersey. It was at the end of an unmapped dirt road and surrounded by woods farther than a child could go. There, Mother Nature took me by the hand and taught me her secrets and wisdom. Hours I'd be there alone and exploring, often wearing nothing more than a swimsuit, navigating by instinct. It was the only time I felt peace and belonging in my life. Later experiences on weeklong field trips in 6th and 7th grade to camps Greenkill and Frost Valley added to that kinship when I managed to catch a legendary one-legged rust-colored frog in the lake and hiked up icy trails without fear. One piece of wisdom Mother Nature taught me as a child was when something stops growing, it starts dying, so I've never stopped learning, continuing to accumulate a vast amount of scientific knowledge and appreciation for how ecosystems work. My career has pivoted to the marine ecosystem, surviving out on the open sea, and I hope to one day join a research vessel and contribute to the vast work needed to understand our Earth and heal the damage humanity has done to the biosphere.
Kim B. from Mattoon, IL:
I've always loved nature. My first visit to Alaska amped that love into an undying passion. In just a few hours after arriving, I saw so much. I stood before my first glacier, larger than I ever imagined and glowing in shades of blue I'd never seen. Later, from a walking bridge, I saw bright red salmon packed together in a small stream as they swam towards their spawning grounds. To top off that first day, I traveled the Seward Highway and saw my first volcanoes - four of them! Those few short hours gave me a purpose: to fight for the conservation and protection of nature.
Patricia D. from Fairfax, VA:
My parents instilled the love of nature and animals from day one, and that love and respect continues to this day. The beauty given to us to care for and nurture is a blessing everyone should appreciate to the fullest extent. The simplicity and peace of flowers, trees and, most importantly, the animals - humans need to look deeply within themselves and realize one day it can be gone. Loving and caring for nature and animals should be a priority in our existence.
Nancy D. from Uniontown, OH:
Being outside in nature is relaxing, and I've always loved exploring Ohio's forests and seeing the wildlife: opossums, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and birds. It wasn't until recently that I saw a bald eagle in the wild, as I had only ever seen one in a zoo. It was a very moving experience to watch it fly and soar free in the sky. I strongly encourage others to explore our state parks and lakes, and to discover your own moment with wildlife, so it reminds you to protect and preserve our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.
*Note: Some stories were edited lightly for length and clarity.
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