This is the year of homage to "biodiversity". I was very lucky to be introduced to this powerful message by Robert Bateman, renowned Canadian painter and naturalist. A loved and respected resident on Salt Spring Island, Bateman's message, through his incredible renderings of the natural world in his extraordinary paintings, his speaking engagements, his challenges to youth to pay attention to the natural world, his mentoring of those who follow his example, is a testimonial to both the struggle to preserve the natural world and the charting of the historical preservation of same. Robert Bateman turned 80 on May 24th (yes, it's also Bob Dylan's birthday), and he continues to record the beauty of the earth in his evocative paintings and to remind us of the important message of husbandry. It is up to each one of us to practice the individual response to Nature, to "pay attention" to our role as overseers of the Earth. It is true that one picture equals 1000 words. Ponder a Bateman painting..... And you are doing what, to save the amazing diversity of what we call "home"?...and yes, I do mean the Earth. Take Robert Bateman as your guide...you are in good company!