Human nature thrives in connection not only with others but with the natural world where the inherent energy uplifts and can heal us. If humans can restore the connection we have had throughout the ages with each other and with the natural world, life would be transformed for the better.

I have always had an affinity for the natural world. As a wildlife biologist, the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know about just how interconnected, supportive and awe-inspiring it is. Any absence of the will to protect the natural world originates from not knowing the natural world and its value, its power.

When I work on trails, I imagine it enables others to get into more wild places, to connect with, experience and learn from the natural world. We will never fight for things we don't love and we can't love what we don't know. Maybe if people fall in love with the natural world, they will fight for it, to protect and preserve the diversity of life on earth.

That is my dream, a world filled with people who appreciate the natural world with its astounding diversity of life, feel connected to it and choose to protect and cherish it.