Laurie McBride on opening your heart to nature

What’s your connection with nature?

I was born in Pasadena, California, and I often camped in the mountains with my two older brothers. I love wild animals; in fifth grade, I wrote an essay about how I wanted to live on a ranch, and now I’ve been lucky enough to do so for 42 years. We’ve even permanently protected some 2,500 acres of land through a conservation easement, so no one can ever develop it. In fact, my husband John thinks that’s the best thing he’s done in his whole life.

What does WWF’s National Council mean to you?

This is a group of people closely connected by their love of the natural world and belief in saving it. I also think WWF’s process of partnering with people and communities to better manage their local ecosystems and wildlife is so important. It improves lives. I feel fulfilled by being part of that effort.

Do you have any advice for younger people?

Go outside. I think it’s impossible to spend time in nature without realizing how important it is to one’s whole being. It widens your perspective on other things, too, and it opens your heart. It changes the way you feel. If you’re really upset and you go for a walk outside, things begin to sort themselves out.