Our world is going through the greatest changes in its history. Only 100 years ago, most of our population was gathered in areas that could feed and equip all of their human occupants. New technology can now deliver food to distant places, at the cost of pollution and destruction of resources. Nature was balanced, and we destroyed that balance. We doubled our population in less than 100 years and have Global Warming with its destruction and pollution. To preserve Nature is to preserve us. Nature used to be on our doorstep, but we now live increasingly in distant mega-cities, and replace our connection with Nature by concrete, steel and plastic. This book warns us not to lose our contact with Nature, because it is our mother Nature who gives us a richer life than can be lived in a concrete box room in a skyscraper. Loneliness is now one of the saddest and most avoidable form of life. The book starts with the joy of sharing Nature with mammals, birds, fish and plants. Nature gives us discoveries, pleasures and lessons for survival. Our doorstep may protect the nest of a swallow, or the twinkling beauty of humming birds. Discoveries are more likely on one-day visits and on vacations. We can also take photographs to remind us of happy times. The book then looks at the wonderful link that Nature has provided, our pets bring Nature into our homes, to have companions and friends for life. Many people who are alone find their need to touch, to love and to play fulfilled. My great wish to pet a baby Grey Whales was fulfilled Getting close to Nature also shows us how humans are upsetting its balance, exterminating some of its members and poisoning our whole world by bad management and greed. Visits to Yellowstone, Scotland and Poland compare their problems and solutions with the USA. We learn of societies who devote their existence and finances to maintain a safe and lasting solution. This book is written for families, to remind them of the many benefits of living close to Nature. It helps to preserve our heritage, to live a healthier life, and to have a lot of fun while doing it.
About the Author: The author, Julie Ann Kolankowski, was born in Scotland in the year 1969. She showed great interest in all life and many plants from the age of 3 when she made sure that beetles arrived safely when crossing the road. This showed exceptional care for creatures that other people would ignore. Julie arrived in America in the year 1978 and is now a citizen of the United States. She spent her first years in a plant nursery. Fascinated by Nature, she earned a certificate in Animal Science and further certificates for Wildlife, Forestry, Conservation and Birds. She stayed and lived in Alameda near San Francisco, CA, where she continued to study Nature and enjoyed every experience with living creatures and plants. She worked with park rangers for almost 20 years, most of which were in Alameda, helping to enforce park laws, responding to medical emergencies and performing special projects while volunteering with the Trail Safety Patrol. In Brooksville, Florida, Julie now assists with environmental programs. She loves to travel and discover new things. She reported to the official Fish and Game Department her research about the birds in Alameda. She gave presentations about rare animals like the Orcas, also known as killer whales. She championed the cause of cats and dogs that had been thrown out of homes. This included work with animal shelters and relocating them in good homes through television programs. Aside from usual domesticated pets, she educated people about the dangers of exotic animals and pets. Julie had always wanted to be close to wild animals. Wild birds sometimes came to pick some food from the palm of her hand, but most of all, she wanted to pet a baby whale. Her tenacity at travels allowed her great desire to be fulfilled. Julie has been affected by a chronic condition called Fibromyalgia. Her attachment to animals and Nature has proved to be a therapy. Her writing helps to turn her pain into healing and physical weakness into strength. Her love for pets helped her to overcome her limitations caused by her condition. Her life's work and experiences have led her to become an author and create her first title, "Love of Nature".