Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

I moved to this desert in 1998 for my health. I would walk an hour to Rt. 247 and return to my house with one large bag of garbage and one of recycling material which I would put in my containers. This continued until a few years ago when someone dumped 50 tires in my path. I continue to search for who will take responsibility in removing them since I use a cane and cannot do it by myself.

I recycle 90% of whatever I use weekly and only throw a minimal into my garbage monthly.

I belong to 5 environmental groups and call Code Enforcement when I see violators. I stop on the side of the road to pick up trash and put into my trunk and take home to put into my bin.

All leftover food items go outside for consumption by birds, squirrels, rabbits or coyotes. It is gone within the hour on my property. I bought the three empty acres next door to stop any further building since the land needs to breath and the animals need to live. I was certified a few years ago by San Bernardino County as a Wildlife Habitat since I provide fresh water for all of my birds, rabbits, hawks, lizards and coyotes.

I encourage my friends and neighbors here to become involved with local government to protest newer housing and building which will kill our protected species of Desert Tortoise, Kangaroo Rat, and several birds.

I adopted and fenced in six stray dogs which used to eat these wild animals to live so now I take care of them and the wild animals are able to thrive. Last Spring I counted 40 quail and two dozen rabbits in my yard.

I attend two meetings per month at our local Planning Commission and Town Council meetings and speak in regards to retaining our rural lifestyle.

I am fiercely devoted to this land since it cured my asthma and put my MS into remission.
When I used to live in Illinois, I was paralyzed and legally blind, due to my multiple sclerosis.
It is my goal to help my newly adopted land which helped me to regain my health.