Florian Schulz is a professional nature photographer and a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP). His Freedom to Roam Project chronicles wildlife migration corridors and shows how each piece of the conservation puzzle connects with the others. This project documents the affects of global warming and human encroachment on wild spaces and makes clear the need for protected wildlife corridors to allow migrating species to be able to move throughout their ranges safely and freely.
Phase one of the Freedom to Roam project documents the wildlife corridor that runs from the arctic down along the coast and through the mountains of North America. The photography from this phase, known as Y2Y or Yellowstone to Yukon, was compiled into a book and selected photos are also on display at the Field Museum in Chicago. Schultz is now starting work on phase two, B2B or Baja to the Beaufort Sea.
The stunning video above puts a face to the conservation efforts and shows just what it is scientists and other conservationists are working to protect. The caribou in this video migrate over proposed oil drilling land, pristine wilderness that the oil companies would have us believe is barren and purposeless but for the oil that lies beneath it. With the effects of global warming diminishing arctic habitat it is more important than ever to protect that habitat, and to make more habitat accessible to arctic wildlife.
For more information on the Freedom to Roam project and award-winning photographer Florian Shulz visit visionsofthewild.com. The NY Times article Home on the Range also provides information on the proposed protection of the Y2Y wildlife corridor.
I first came across Icebreaker in the fall of 2007 by chance while browsing the racks at 45 Degrees in Stillwater, MN. The store had a display set up, and the light blue oasis crewe top caught my eye. The material was so soft, and the shopkeeper recommended I try it on, so I did. I was sure the sleeves were going to be too short or there would be some other fit issue that would keep me from getting the top. But I was amazed. It was a perfect fit, the sleeves hitting just below the wrist and the body snug but not tight. I was in love. I’ve accumulated quite the collection of Icebreaker clothing since then and I wear it year-round. I’ve got tanks for cycling and a neck warmer for cold winter days when a scarf would get in the way. And I’ve got quite a few additional pieces on my wishlist.
Other than fantastic fit, the main reason I adore Icebreaker is that the entire product line, from underwear to pants to winter coats, is made from merino wool. Merino is warm when it’s cold out, even when wet, but is breathable and wicks sweat and moisture away from the skin, keeping you cool when it’s hot out. Icebreaker merino washes fine in the washing machine, and while you shouldn’t put it in the dryer it’s very quick drying. Merino doesn’t hold odors, which makes it perfect for sweaty activities or for travel, and it doesn’t hold wrinkles. And it’s not scratchy on the skin, it’s smooth and soft. Really. I’ve given Icebreaker shirts to friends that start itching at the mention of wool, and they are now merino converts.
For the globally conscious, Icebreaker has been very upfront about their manufacturing processes, and holds all their suppliers and manufacturers to a high ethical standards. They encourage and maintain sustainable practices and ensure that the sheep that provide their wool are humanely treated. They also have introduced the BAA Code, which is a code attached to every item of clothing. You can enter the code into the website and find out which sheep farms the wool came from. The site then gives you the chance to see pictures and video of the sheep and the farmers who raise them. While I’d love to travel to New Zealand and personally thank the sheep that make this amazing fabric (sheep hugfest, anyone?), it’s not realistic, but the BAA code at least gives me a sense of who they are and what their lives are like. Clothes that I can not only feel good in, but about? Sign me up.
June 30, 2009, at 7:50 am
