Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Preservation

It's important to recognize that these two activities are inextricably linked.  Humans, as a species, cannot hope to accomplish one without also acknowledging the importance of the other.  If we continue our destruction of wildlife habitat — such as the clearing of land in the tropical rainforest for the raising of cattle or for agriculture — then we are effectively consigning wildlife to an existence only within zoos and captive breeding programs.  In our opinion, this is not the same as wildlife in its natural habitat.  Although we may be able to conserve species in this manner, they will certainly lose their designation as wildlife.  In fact, there is little difference between this type of animal conservation and that of domesticated species — other than the fact that we may not eat the so-called wild species saved in this fashion.

Somehow, we need to realize that in order for wildlife to be truly considered wild, it necessarily follows that it must be allowed to coexist with humans in its natural, or wild, habitat.  Although great strides have been made in the humane treatment and the living conditions of wild animals kept in captivity, they are still captive.  We do not discount the wonderful educational and research opportunities for gaining knowledge about our planet's wildlife that zoos and aquariums offer.  And, in fact, they provide the means for individuals to see firsthand many species that they would otherwise never have the opportunity to see in the wild.  However, in order for wildlife to fulfill its natural purpose of enriching our planets biodiversity — simply by its sheer act of existing — we must also make the connection that only when species can live in their original and unaltered habitat can they be considered truly wild.

This is exactly why we support both wildlife conservation and habitat preservation as part of our mission and vision.  For it is only by accomplishing both that mankind can claim to be living in peaceful coexistence with wildlife — where both mankind and wildlife equally represent the full richness of biodiversity that is the natural state of our planet.

Help us fulfill Our Mission and Vision by forwarding this issue of Eyes Alive to others!

"Saving wildlife together!" in 2009 !

Our goal to sell 100,000 of our Wild Animal Eye Collectible Pins before December 31st, 2009 is underway!  And, we know we can do it with your help and ongoing support!

As we mentioned in the Premiere edition of our newsletter, we chose to focus on our Collectible Pins for many reasons.  In light of today's economy, our decision was a good one!  At only $7.95, our pins still cost less than:

• a sandwich, chips, and soda
• a matinee movie ticket
• a dozen donuts
• a regular car wash
• a plain cheese pizza

The photograph you see here was taken by a friend of mine, Matt Fassett.  He has captured some of the most amazing photos of eagles that I have seen.  But, do you realize that this majestic bird, the symbol of our Nation, was almost lost forever?

For over 200 years, the Bald Eagle has served as the proud symbol of the United States.
It was adopted as the national emblem by our country's Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress in 1782, and has since stood for independence, timeless ideals and a long tradition of excellence and integrity.

In the early 1960s we almost lost this beautiful bird due to our own carelessness.  It had once flourished in the lower 48 states, but became an endangered species due to years of indiscriminate shooting and widespread use of the pesticide DDT.

However our people and government became vigilant in its protection.  They worked resourcefully together for decades to bring the eagle back.  At last, they were successful.  Today, bald eagles have substantially expanded in virtually every state in the union.  The bald eagle was delisted from its Threatened status on June 28, 2007 in the lower 48 states.

Although the original reasons for almost losing this species are gone, the main concern for their continued recovery is now ensuring sufficient habitat.  Once again demonstrating the link between wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.

We are now fortunate enough to be able to see these beautiful birds not far from our own home.  To find out more about our National bird and what you can do to help protect bald eagles, you can read this document.

(portions excerpted from American Eagle Foundation)

I recently read a series of articles in an art magazine that focused on the green art community.  The articles talked about what various artists were doing to help our planet: from re-using packaging materials to using digital photography instead of film and switching to water-based paints.  Although I've been in the art business for a little over a decade, doing "the right thing" for our planet has always been a consideration when making decisions on my art material purchases.  I wouldn't even touch oil paints because of the toxic chemicals involved in proper clean up.   But, then I found out about water-soluble oils, and have been using them ever since.

I said "good-bye" to my 35mm camera about 6 years ago when Jim bought me my first digital camera.  This has not only saved me thousands of dollars in film processing, but I can't imagine the trees saved by not printing and the amount of chemicals that have not been dumped after processing my pictures.  Although I need a lot of light in my studio and along with natural light, have several lamps throughout my studio, every single one is fitted with a compact fluorescent light bulb (and so is our home!)  Over 20 years ago, when Jim and I first moved to New Hampshire, we immediately volunteered to be part of our town's efforts to start a recycling program.  A program so successful that it eventually became the model for recycling programs in towns throughout the state.

So, we've been environmental protectors long before it was "in" to be green!  It's only natural that through Eye Help Animals we are continuing our tradition of caring for and doing our part to save our planet.

Visit www.EyeHelpAnimals.com to find out more!