In my first weeks working in Denver, Colorado, I met Frances Jo Hamilton. She used to (1) _______ the Main Street Director in Delaware, Ohio, and now she leads the Main Street program for all of Ohio. Frances Jo shared a memorable story about (2) _______ she organized a team of volunteers to clean the sidewalks downtown using fire hoses. This wasn't just a random idea; her grandmother remembered people doing this decades ago, before the downtown area lost (3) _______ charm.

Hearing her story reminded me of something many Main Street leaders share: a love for the places we serve. Her volunteers did more than clean sidewalks; they built (4) _______ . The work was challenging, with volunteers outside all night, but they connected deeply with each (5) _______ and with their community, making the experience unforgettable.

1. Many of the world's most sought-after destinations—forests, coastal regions, and protected areas—are home to unique ecosystems and rare species. The influx of tourists and the development that follows unfortunately often causes habitat destruction and disrupts animal behavior.

2. As tourism grows, natural areas are cleared to build hotels, roads, and recreational spots. This is especially harmful in places with lots of biodiversity, like tropical forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. For example, building resorts along the coasts of Southeast Asia has destroyed important mangrove forests. These mangroves not only protect the land from flooding and erosion but also provide shelter for many animals, including endangered sea turtles.

3. Clearing forests for tourism divides animal habitats, making it harder for wildlife to find food, safe spaces, or mates. This isolation of animals weakens their populations and threatens their survival.