Work: A retired teacher, I am currently SWFL regional director and vice-chair for the Florida Rights of Nature Network, a board member of the SWFL RESET Center, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby liaison to Senator Rick Scott’s office.

Proudest Achievement: I had a wonderfully rewarding teaching career. That’s still number one. More recently, I believe articles I’ve written and presentations I’ve made about Rights of Nature have contributed to that rapidly growing movement in Florida. I also feel good about a presentation before the Collier County Commission regarding the need for a carbon fee and dividend program to effectively deal with climate change.

Expectations for the Future: Rights of Nature laws will become mainstream much sooner than most people think, and efforts toward curtailing carbon emissions will grow with increasing speed and effectiveness.

Favorite websites: FRONN.org, swflreset.org.

Local or global causes supported: Cape Coral Freecycle, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, Cape Coral Wildlife Trust, Sierra Club, Blessings in a Backpack, Harry Chapin Food Bank, FINCA, Oxfam, Guide Dog Foundation, Lee County Rights of Nature, Adirondack Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: I enjoy the magazine’s implicit focus on health and restoring mankind’s relationship to nature.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: I’ve been a vegetarian for decades. A person can find tasty, healthy food in most restaurants if they choose to.

How do you invest in your community: As a teacher, the education I provided students was my daily investment in my community. I’m still an educator, but I teach outside the classroom.

Favorite quote: “Instructions for living a good life. Pay attention. Be astonished.  Tell about it.” ~ Mary Oliver