The book
Golden Wings and Hairy Toes by
Todd McLeish is about 14 of New England's most rare and endangered flora and fauna. Todd followed biologists who are monitoring, researching and protecting these species and gives first-hand accounts on the
North Atlantic Right Whale, Ringed Boghaunter, Bicknell's Thrush, Northern Red-Bellied Cooter, Sandplain Gerardia, Indiana Bat, Atlantic Salmon, American Burying Beetle, Golden-Winged Warbler, Karner Blue, Canada Lynx, Shortnose Sturgeon, Jesup's Milk-Vetch, and Roseate Tern.
Each chapter tells the story of one of the 14 flora and fauna, allowing the reader to really connect with the –"critters"- while understanding the complexity of the whole ecosystem's role in their survival or peril. Some of the "why" these critters are rare is due to:
1. Human's destructive impact on the critters' land. Such as the wetlands and vernal pools in Massachusetts that are disrupted, destroyed or developed with limiting small buffers negatively effecting the Northern Red Bellied Cooter's homesteads and breeding sands.
2. Global warming. The few remaining Jesup's Milk-Vetch along the Connecticut River in New Hampshire is effected by the spreading of Poison Ivy as the planet warms. The aggressive growth of the ivy is swiping soil, water and nutrients from the sensitive perennial.
3. The elimination of their prey or breeding beds. The building of dams in the Sheepscot River in Maine prevents the Atlantic Salmon from moving up river to their breeding grounds. Some of the dams have been removed, but it may be too late.
4. While at other times human impact has helped as with the Canada Lynx return to the clear-cut Northern Maine woods. Leaving some of the land to rejuvenate on its own has lead to an increase population of snowshoe hare, which the Lynx prey on for food.
While reading the book my emotions fluctuated between wanting to volunteer to help with protecting efforts and other times I felt depressed at how we keep destroying our precious natural world. Why tell you all about this book?
First, it an easy and interesting read that will give you a little knowledge about New England's endangered critters. Mainly, though, because it is important that we all increase our awareness of nature so we can stop destroying it so our future can enjoy it and it can be our legacy. Lastly, the planet is one of my values and it influences my business decision and actions. It is important we run our business with values and ethics.
I would enjoy having you share some of the values that help you run your business and if you have read the book or do read it let us know what you think.