jump to navigation

Welcome August 23, 2006

Posted by Annette H in : Letter , comments closed

Hello to all of you out there hiking through the internet forest. I’m Ranger Bob, the friendly mascot of Surf4theEarth. It’s my job to teach people about the importance of conservation and provide help to weary hikers. Feel free to take a rest along the trail and read some articles about getting involved in conservation and enjoying the outdoors.You might also want to visit my home at http://www.surf4theearth.com where you can promote your website and help charities around the world. Well, I’ve got to run now, I recieved a call about some raccoons getting into some files.

Sincerely,

Ranger Bob (the bobcat)

National Parks of Arizona August 28, 2006

Posted by Annette H in : Great Places to Visit , add a comment

Most of us think of Arizona as a hot and dry desert, however the natural beauties of Arizona can leave you in awe. The southern part of the state is swealtering most of the year, but the northern regions can dip below freezing due to its’ higher elevations. Also, much of the state is susceptible to monsoons (floods caused by rains) so it is advisable to check weather forcasts and information about the state when you plan your trip. I was priveledged to visit some National Parks in Arizona with my family a few years ago. The unusual landscapes and variety of wildlife were spectacular. You can check the National Park Service website for more information.

The Grand Canyon is probably one of the most recognizable parks. The Canyon was formed by the powerful current of the Colorado River. Visiters can hike around the perimeter and catch views of the river or take one of the park’s buses. Adventurers can brave the long trek down to the bottem of the canyon or ride a mule. Be sure to plan ahead because you need reservations for mule rides and hiking to the bottem requires at least one night stay. You can get details at http://www.nps.gov/grca/

The Painted Desert is in the northeastern part of the state. It also features the Petrified Forest. I really enjoyed this park. It was expansive, but less crowded and had more facilities than the Grand Canyon. You can drive around and stop at scenic overlooks as well as hike on some trails. It was amazing to see how many colors and hues the rock formations took throughout the day as the sun moved in the horizon. Visit http://www.nps.gov/pefo/ for more information.

Sunset Crater Volcano is estimated to have erupted about 900 years ago. Today, you can hike around the crater and walk through ancient lava flows. The colors are magnificent and you can visualize how the eruption changed the land. In the immediate area you can see tree covered mountain peaks, which must have covered the area before the eruption. Both Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument can be visited in one day. Sunset Crater is just a 14 miles from from Flagstaff and you can continue driving about 21 miles to Wupatki National Monument. http://www.nps.gov/sucr/

At the Wupatki National Manument you drive around and see desert scenery and visit the ruins of an ancient pueblo. Get more information at http://www.nps.gov/wupa/.

Reduce the use of Fuel August 23, 2006

Posted by Annette H in : What Can I do to Help? , add a comment

If you have filled your car lately you know that their is an economic reason as well as an enviromental reason to save gas. After all, oil is not a renewable natural resource. So what can we do as consumers?
1. If you are concidering a new car, look for a fuel efficient vehicle- purchase ones with good gas mileage. You may want to look at the hybrid cars. Be sure to mention to the sales people that this is one of the factors you are looking at. Vote with your money! As people demand more fuel efficient vehicles the manufactures will comply with research and deveopment and we may see the new technology prices fall over the years as they have done in other fields. (The USA just passed a bill that gives consumers tax credits for such purchases so you may want to check on those details.)
2. Keep those tires properly inflated by checking tire pressure when you fill up. Properely inflated tires can save you a few fill ups over time.
3. Consider biking or walking to the job and other places when appropriate. Citizens can also ask the local, state and Federal officials to spend more money on developing more safe biking paths.
4. Car pool to work with others that work in your area. Many areas give incentives to carpoolers such as special travel lanes.
5. Plan your errands and grocery lists so that you can pick up needed items on your way from work or other events.
6. Encourage our governments to improve and grow mass transit programs especially those that run on alternative fuels or renewable energy.
7. Drive your most fuel efficiant car on errends or when only one or two are traveling.
Ranger Bob is now offering gift certificates to Shell gas station to help relieve the expense for his members.