This week we welcome our newest columnist, Virginia Anson, OFS. Virginia is a Secular Franciscan and has written extensively in the field of spirituality, both Catholic and Native American and also to the conservation of the natural world. Twice each month, she will bring us informative and inspirational material in the world of wildlife, ecology, nature and faith.

CATCH HER COLUMN!

The Wildlife Conservation Society

 www.wcs.org  

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of  

life on Earth.

The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895, has the clear mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Our story began in the early 1900's when we successfully helped the American bison recover on the  

Western Plains.

With a commitment to protect 25 percent of the world's biodiversity, we address four of the biggest issues facing wildlife and wild places: climate change; natural resource exploitation; the connection between wildlife health and human health; and the sustainable development of human livelihoods. While taking on these issues, we manage more than 200 million acres of protected lands around the world, with more than 200 scientists on staff.

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Wildlife Alliance

www.wildlifealliance.org  

When our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team rescues animals from poachers, traffickers, markets or restaurants, those that are healthy and suited for the wild are immediately released into protected areas. But many of the animals that are rescued are injured and need the help of our specialists at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center to aid in their recovery.

Wildlife Alliance ensures that the rescued animals receive proper medical attention and care prior to their release. Sometimes, however, animals that are too young, not suited for release due to injuries or trauma, or are in need of long-term attention will spend the duration of their lives at the rescue center.

Wildlife Alliance is the leader in direct protection to forests and wildlife in the Southeast Asian tropical belt. Our mission is to combat deforestation, wildlife extinction, climate change, and poverty by partnering with local communities and governments.

Honey Bees: Are You Helping or Hurting the Work They Do?

~by Susi Pittman

This week's website is centered on the wildlife about us. It brought to my mind the invaluable place that the smallest wildlife, the honey bee has in the sustainability of this planet and its species. It led me to question what could we be doing that is either helping or hurting their work?

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Looking for Jesus 

~by Father Ron Camarda

This week, Father Ron reflects on how each of us can find Jesus in our daily lives.

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A Pledge of Total Surrender 

~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.

We all have made a pledge, perhaps many, many pledges in our lifetimes. Some we kept, some we did not. Sister Rene has a pledge she is asking each of us to take and to keep.

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She was the first woman follower of St. Francis of Assisi and it just so happens that Mary's birthday falls upon "her" feast day. Who is she?

Love, a Sublime Word 

~by Louis Templeman

What would be "the most sublime word in the world?" Everyone is sure to have an opinion, but, there is a stand-alone word that is #1. Louis has it for you.

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Once again Steward Joe brings us another two-part series, lovingly researched, on one of the least known, yet most cherished and celebrated saints in the Catholic Church. If you think you know who he is, you might just want to check this out.

How often have you heard a cat owner exclaim,

That darn cat! Too many times frustration with kitty can lead a cat owner to give the cat up or worse. ENTER THE SOLUTION!

Michele has a MUST READ book for every cat lover who "darned" their cat.

The Tear of the Pine

~by Virginia Rhys Anson, OFS

This week we welcome our newest columnist, Virginia Anson, OFS, currently hailing from Concordia, Kansas. Virginia is a Secular Franciscan and has written extensively in the field of spirituality, both Catholic and Native American and also to the conservation of the natural world. Twice each month, she will bring us informative and inspirational material in the world of wildlife, ecology, nature and faith. This week she introduces herself in her inspirational piece THE TEAR OF THE PINE...a true Franciscan tribute.

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Rare White Buffalo named, revered by Native Americans as a symbol of peace and unity  

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SNOOTY, world's oldest manatee celebrates his 64th birthday in Florida  

SEEING THE SKY by Mike Lundin   

Mike Lundin got his Bachelor of Arts in English from Oregon State University. After becoming a technical writer, he discovered that he enjoyed writing code more than he enjoyed writing documentation. He has spent the last 10 years working with programming languages and databases while designing and maintaining software used internally by credit unions. But, it was his blog on SEEING THE SKY that rang our spirit with truth!

NEW AFFILIATE SHOPPING for YOU!  

We continue to build a small but, well focused group of vendors, offering products in line with stewardship of the earth and its creatures. By visiting these product sites from our page, you are helping to support our mission.

is a small batch coffee roaster operated by the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming through an online gourmet coffee bean store. Many consider their website the ultimate source for gourmet coffee where it is easy to buy coffee online. The monks carefully craft each freshly roasted coffee to perfection for dark roast coffees, espresso, ground coffees, whole bean coffees, single origin coffees, fair trade coffees, flavored coffees and especially the monks' special gourmet coffee blends. Try our special auto delivered coffee subscriptions also for the best coffee online.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS has always taken a formidable and uncompromising stand when it comes to the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This complex and venerable planet produces all of the products we share with you, and it is simply a matter of appreciation and respect that must be given. Not only do we lead the industry in environmental stewardship, we also adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved with the production of our products; both domestically and overseas.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

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A Division of Engineering Services & Products Company, FarmTek was founded in 1979 with the purpose of bringing the highest quality products at the most competitive prices with exceptional customer service directly to the agricultural, horticultural, building and retail trade communities.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMTEK

Evelyn McCorristin Peters 

evelynmccpetersart.com  

The work of Evelyn McCorristin-Peters springs from a lifelong fascination and dedication to the natural environment. She creates to express commitment to the preservation of native flora and fauna in hopes of celebrating its diversity while documenting its fragility. Evelyn's work is represented by Rhea Chiles' Studio at Gulf and Pine on Anna Maria Island Florida and held in private collections throughout the US, Australia, France, Spain and the Netherlands. She serves on the governing board of Myakka River State Park with a dedication to bring artists and nature together. WILD: Artists and Animals of Myakka, an annual fundraiser featuring top artists of the Sarasota area is curated by Evelyn.

My work evolves from a lifelong fascination with and dedication to the natural environment. I create to express my commitment to the preservation of our native flora and fauna, to celebrate its diversity and document its fragility.

The Catholic Association  

The Catholic Association (TCA) is dedicated to being a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena. TCA is responding to the call of the Catholic Church for members of the lay faithful to apply Catholic teaching, wisdom, and principles to the issues of the day.

Partisan politics is what divides many Catholics - we want to focus on what unites faithful Catholics in order to build a powerful coalition to positively influence our world.

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Catholic Spiritual Direction  

Dan Burke is above all, a passionate Catholic. Beyond his "contagious" love for Jesus and His Church, Dan is a grateful husband and father of four. Dan is the founder of Catholic Spiritual Direction, the most widely read blog on the topic of authentic Catholic spirituality. Dan is also the Executive Director of and writer for EWTN's National Catholic Register, a regular co-host on Register Radio, an author and speaker who regularly travels to share his conversion story along with the great riches that the Church provides us through authentic Catholic spirituality. Dan has been featured on EWTN's Journey Home program and numerous radio programs. Dan's book Navigating the Interior Life will be published by Emmaus Road Publishing in late 2012.

Don't Forget To Garden for Wildlife  

Spread the Word About Gardening for Wildlife. Make your support for wildlife go even farther by spreading the word about the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife and the benefits of creating a wildlife habitat. Help protect wildlife all across the country by encouraging others to take part in this special month!

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Hey Kids! DISCOVER THE FOREST 

This campaign brought to you by the Ad Council and the US Forest Service aims to inspire "tweens" (aged 8-12) and their parents to re-connect with nature, experiencing it first-hand. The campaign brings to life the joy and excitement kids have when they discover the wonders of nature, helping create interest in their environment and a lifelong relationship with it.

Nature gives teens the ability to explore, use their imagination, discover new animals and plants, and engage in adventurous play. Being in nature frees them from their crazy, scheduled days and offers the ability to get lost in something totally unmanaged, unexpected and utterly surprising. Nature instills a peace and calmness that they can't experience in their daily lives, and the more they discover the natural world around them, the more they will feel connected to the world and better understand their relationship to it.

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Trouper the Raccoon  

Trooper is the survivor of animal cruelty and now is an animal ambassador for wildlife with The Trouper Wildlife Project.

The mission of The Trouper Wildlife Project is to provide a structured wildlife education program for youth known as Trouper's Teachings that promotes a lifelong respect for wildlife, inspires a desire to learn about wildlife, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for the protection of wildlife.

Environmental Youth Alliance-Canada

The Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA) is a local, youth driven non-profit organization dedicated to the health of our urban environment, our planet, and the well-being of its people.

Here at EYA we are working to engage and empower youth to create meaningful, positive change for the sake of our community and environmental health. We connect with children and youth through the delivery of 5 perennial programs, multiple community projects, and an extensive volunteer program. Thousands of young Canadians have benefited from EYA training, field experience, and the lasting legacies created by youth in the communities we work in.

Environmental Youth Alliance, helping children and youth discover their inner nature!

Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?

Just for this week, we are not talking about your back yard garden. We asked this question in the bigger scheme of things and found an intriguing and astonishing article.

Americans live in a post-agricultural age. Today, fewer than two of every 100 U.S. citizens owe their living primarily to the land. A century ago, two of every five did.

Yet even though very few of us contribute to food production, we all still eat - and food comes from somewhere. But where?

FIND OUT MORE... 

23 HEALTHY SALADS Nutritionist Eat

Salads have so much potential -though that's not always a good thing. Topped with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and homemade dressing, they can make the perfect nutrient-packed meal. But when words like "buffalo," "bacon," and "blue" are involved, their real potential is for packing on pounds. Thankfully, you don't need to nosh solely on plain lettuce leaves to stay slim and healthy. We asked top nutrition experts to reveal their favorite recipe for a hearty, healthy salad. Their answers were even more mouthwatering than expected. Check out all 23 expert's meal ideas-and try not to drool!

FIND OUT MORE...  

10 Unexplained Space Mysteries

Do you ever feel like a tiny speck of dust in a vast universe? Well, you're actually way, way smaller. Each human is like an atom in a skin cell (Earth) within a speck of dust (our solar system) floating in an ever-expanding abyss (outer space). Given that this is the case, it's not shocking to learn that despite centuries of research, we know very little about the world outside our world.

FIND OUT MORE... 

FINNEGAN, the Baby Squirrel Dog

(This was a story that occurred in 2005 and still inspires us today)

Sept. 9th when Debby Cantlon got a call about a newborn squirrel found at the base of a tree near Renton. Cantlon, who often takes in injured and sick animals, took in the squirrel and began caring for it. About that time, her dog had a litter of puppies, and the orphan squirrel joined the five pups and nursed with them.

When Finnegan was 8 weeks old, Cantlon decided he was old enough to be on his own and began putting him outside. He'd run around but would stay in the yard. Each night, he would scratch at the back door or at Cantlon's daughter's window to be let in for the night.

But one day when Cantlon put him outside, he didn't come back. She didn't see him for two weeks, but then he returned with four squirrels. He disappeared again and returned Thanksgiving Day. Finnegan is now free and living with his new squirrel family.

"Animals have always been the love of my life, so to set them free and watch them fly and join their own kind, that's what I get out of it."