Life Outside the Box #2 – Rhett Butler
– Carl Bidleman
Rhett Butler is my new hero. No, not THAT Rhett Butler. The Rhett Butler who publishes MONGABAY.COM, the comprehensive environmental science website. Rhett is a one-man operation. 100-hour work weeks have yielded an enormously valuable resource about the state of the environment with specially formatted sections for kids that have been translated into more than 30 different languages. He now generates enough traffic to make his travels, research and website self-sustaining. I’m in awe. To be able to make a difference and make a living is something many of us aspire to.
As a world traveler, Rhett has his favorite places and in this video episode of Life Outside the Box, he shares his love (and some of his photos) of Madagascar and, closer to home, Big Basin State Park where he goes when it’s time to log off and live. And he tells the story of how he got his name, too. Enjoy.
November 11th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Thanks, Rhett, for all the work you’re doing and for taking time with us. I had a family emergency the day we were to tape with you and couldn’t join Carl and Jim Wirth for the interview. They came back very impressed, and it’s clear why. Thanks also for the tip about Big Basin. It’s in the mountains near Santa Cruz and was established as California’s first State Park in 1902. Just as you’re working to help us understand and protect tropical forests, Big Basin and its endangered old growth Redwoods were saved by activists long ago. We owe them and now you a huge debt of gratitude. There’s a terrific visitor’s facility in Big Basin and a nature education center down by the mouth of Waddell Creek near the ocean and Highway 1. The nature center was inititated by the late Hulda Hoover McClean who grew up in that piece of what is now Big Basin Park. She was Herbert Hoover’s niece and a wonderful woman we got to meet and interview a few years ago. Over time, as our resources permit, we’ll try to get up all of our Big Basin videos, old and new. They help tell a tale of a place that launched the most diverse state park system in America. And by the way, if you want to go surfing or kite boarding, the Waddell Creek beach area is one of the best locations in the country. Nice waves and lots of wind. Then head up the road about 2 miles in the next few months, and check out the Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Reserve. But that’s another story.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:04 am
The kid we all want!
November 12th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
In 1967 I had the privilege of attending a dedication of a Redwood Grove in Big Basin – the legacy of Samuel Leask (the father of my uncle by marriage) of Santa Cruz. It was quite moving and I remember at a young age being so impressed that this grove would be protected forever by his generosity.
December 7th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Thanks for a really enlightening interview with Rhett. I can’t make it to Madagascar any time soon but certainly will place Big Basin at the top of my local destination shortlist. Rhett, you’re doing amazing work raising critical awareness about the environment. Thanks to the OpenRoad team for highlighting our local heroes and their special places.
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
True friends are those who really know you but love you anyway.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Hi nice post, i read your blog from time to time but i was wondering something. I also run a blog on a similar topic, but i get 1,000’s of spam comments and emails every day does that happen to you.. Any ideas to stop it? I currently have commenting disabled but i want to turn it back on.. Thanks!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:54 am
How do you think the current recession will affect the travel business? Maybe people still want to travel – just cheaper?
April 27th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Thank you for your help!
August 30th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I loved reading this and I dont really like to read
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I dont usually reply to posts but I will in this case. WoW !!
April 11th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I just found this website recently when a buddy of mine recommended it to me. I’ve been a regular reader ever since.