© Bill Draper Photography | Canaan Valley Arlington, Virginia has chosen violence, guns, and bloodshed over science. Arlington County Board members, Takis P. Karantonis, Matt de Ferranti, Maureen Coffey, Susan Cunningham, and JD Spain Sr., have ignored demands from Arlington residents to stop the acquisition of sharpshooters for the purpose of systematically slaughtering deer in Arlington Parks. After the 23% decline in deer population, from 290 deer in 2021 to 222 deer in 2025, the Arlington Deer Management Staff, Mr. John Marlin and Mr. Alonso Abugattas did not reconsider and revaluate the cost and effectiveness of a humane, science-based, effective, non-lethal solution to peacefully coexist with Arlington deer. Arlington citizens were denied the opportunity to provide public input and voice their concerns about establishing a successful, non-violent plan that would preserve and protect the substantial decline in deer population. The Arlington County Government has awarded a sh...

© Bill Draper | Highland County, Virginia 2021 Our most important collective asset is Nature. With increased population and urban sprawl, it is imperative that we preserve and protect the natural world which includes the habitat of the many sentient animals that live in our oceans and on land. HARMONY IN NATURE is the state of balance and mutual support among all the elements within an ecosystem. Our ecosystems of plants, animals, microorganisms, and elements such as air, water, sunlight, and soil are complex, interconnected, and contribute to the well-being of the whole. HARMONY WITH NATURE  is how we humans behave and emphasize respect, balance, and interconnectedness in our relationship with Nature. Humans are part of the ecological system. We must live in balance with Nature through peaceful coexistence, not dominate and control Nature. Parks promote our physical and mental wellbeing and enhance the quality of our lives and communities. Our ability to easily access gr...

  © Jeannette Louise Smith   As a young girl, I developed a love for all animals. My parents always encouraged my appreciation, tenderness, and responsibility for animals. They supported learning about the many species that grace our earth. I still watch nature and animal-related documentaries to improve my knowledge. However, as a child, I clearly remember covering my eyes in fear, not comprehending  scenes that depicted natural predation and the brutality that exists in nature. As an adult, I accept and understand the duality of Nature’s brutality and beauty. What is unnatural and unacceptable are the numerous ways humans control animals, inflict horrific and senseless cruelty, exploit, kill, and destroy habitats. An enormous diversity of people worldwide oppose violence. I advocate for peace among people. Equally, I oppose violence against animals and champion peaceful coexistence. I have been vocal about my opposition to sharpshooting deer in Arlington, Virginia ...