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Neil Barker's avatar

I like Dan's point about borrowing "something from a friend, I am sure to return it in as good or better shape than when I got it. I would hope to do the same thing for my planet, that it would be as good as or better for our future generations." I like how he puts this as not that the planet is 'ours' but something we are borrowing rather than owning. Subtle and yet important point. Thank you for sharing, Jeanne!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

You’re welcome, Neil … and yes, wasn’t that a great point? I love how he expressed that.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

The thing that struck me most about Dan's answers was how love of nature is a bonding and binding thread that runs through our lives. He shares it with his partner & with his friends. I think of families raising their kids together to also love & respect nature. Thank you, Dan Whitten!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

“…a bonding and binding thread” …. love that, Janisse.

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Gardener Cherie's avatar

I planted a Serviceberry today!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Yayyy, Cherie! I hope it grows well for you. 💚

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Irwin Epstein's avatar

Oh you people are so blessed and bless you for it. Living and loving in New York City is not “a walk in the park”. It’s brutal. But we can live vicariously through souls like you. Keep doing what you are doing and saying what you are saying. 🪴IE

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Ah, Irwin … I hope you can find some greenness in NYC. It’s there, somewhere! (I used to live in Murray Hill, decades ago. Isn't there a teensy pocket park there?) Or … Plan B … come down and visit us all in the Southern Appalachians!

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Jim Melvin's avatar

Dan is one of the bright lights in Upstate South Carolina when it comes to championing nature.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

I agree, Jim!

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Sharon Watson's avatar

“Dan the Mountain Man” is a great human. I have learned so much from him through the years.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Another Dan fan! I love it, Sharon.

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Jenny Wright's avatar

Thank you for introducing us to Dan! Native plants are of critical importance and his work in conserving them is crucial. Dan's answer to question #4 I cannot agree with more, as well as endeavoring to leave the planet in as good a shape or better. Native plants are my favorites also. On the ranch I grew up on in north central Montana, there are multitudes of service berries. We used to pick them (oh, the taste of sun-warmed service berries!), and Mom would make syrup and jam. The service berry syrup on her sourdough pancakes was heaven!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

You’ve made me hungry for that breakfast, Jenny!

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Katie Weinberger's avatar

Loved this interview! I recently joined the SC native plant society and looking forward to meeting Dan in person some time 💚

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Welcome to SCNPS, Katie! If you get a chance to go on one of Dan's field trips, grab it!

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Betsy's avatar

I am so glad to see you featuring Dan. He’s a wildfire of knowledge, energy and commitment. Hopefully some of those high school students he met will follow in his footsteps.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

I agree, Betsy: Dan's the man!

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Karen Davis's avatar

Just wonderful!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you so much, Karen!

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