MNN - Mother Nature Network

I haven't been in Seattle all summer. With my love for nature, I've been in the Canadian Rockies exploring via hiking, camping and the scenic highways in between the foot-to-ground adventures. If you need any ideas for a gorgeous vacation (and in an area where the forests magically stay spotless and free of litter!) I would suggest Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in Alberta.

 

I came back to Seattle on Tuesday and, this morning, realized how behind I am on the local news. So I went to King5.com's environmental news section. I've got good news and bads new, as it were, and I'd like to share with you.

 

I was raised with giving the bad news first, so here it goes:

 

Capitol Forest is located near Olympia, our state's capital. It, like many of our forests, is full of beautiful, fresh scenery with an array of native plants, trees and birds. It's a place where families and individuals alike can hike, mountain bike, picnic and enjoy other free and enjoyable activities...but, of course, at a cost (running off taxes and government funds).

 

Vandals have been messing with park, dabbling in unnatural arson and shooting up signs (which is not only going to cost money to fix but is also a mortality hazard). To see the video go here.

 

It bothers me that people can't find -- well, bluntly -- anything better to do. Here's the situation I imagine: some dumb young rednecks going through the park. "Hey, Bobby, watch, I'm going to shoot up this sign that warns people not to do things that could endanger their life or that of the forest with this dangerous weapon of mine. Haha, it's gonna be soooooooo funny, because it's a safety sign with bullet holes in it. Har har! And you KNOW I have nothing better to do since I'm an idiot, so this will be great and make me happy for about five seconds. Then maybe we'll set an unnatural fire, that'll at least distract us for about 20 minutes. Then we can go down to the Wal-Mart and harass employees and drink all their soda!" Please. I am amazed at the dumb stuff people find funny. Why don't they stay destructive on their own properties? I'm sure mom and dad who raised people like this wouldn't mind.

 

Ok, wooooh, calm down. 

 

I think this calls for happy news! Two eagle families in Bainbridge Island are being treated in a wildlife rehab facility after surviving falls. I know it's sad that the eagles are injured after the falls, but after the last story, isn't it refreshing to know that there are still people out there that do good, noble and conscious things with their lives? The eagles are in good condition and are expected to make full recovery. To see full story and video, please go here.