This program is a continuation of our “Climate Change & Your Community” series, which highlights climate challenges and solutions right here at home.

The rallying cry “Think Global, Act Local” is just as relevant as ever, as the causes and challenges of climate change are “unequivocal” (according to the 6th assessment report recently released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). We are feeling the effects of a changing climate here in the Valley every day. How does the way we use the land in our own communities impact the climate? How can land conservation make a difference? Find out at this virtual presentation.

On Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, join us for a webinar presented by Scott Jackson, a University of Massachusetts Amherst professor of Environmental Conservation who studies the impact of climate change on wildlife and the land. He has developed landscape-based tools to assess the health of ecosystems and how they are connected to each other to help us make science-based land-use decisions. Scott is on the Executive Committee of Kestrel’s Board of Trustees.

You’ll learn about the fundamentals of global warming and climate change, examples of climate change that are already occurring, as well as projections for the future in New England. Scott will discuss how climate change is likely to impact wildlife and ecosystems, and give examples of what can be done to protect and conserve vulnerable ecosystems through climate adaptation.

You’ll also hear about past and future land conservation efforts, including the 128 acres on Horse Mountain in Williamsburg, the new 120-acre Whately Center Woods, and Northampton watershed lands including the 190-acre Macleish Field Station owned by Smith College.

This program is free, though donations are welcome. Registration is required.

A link will be provided via the registration confirmation email to access this virtual event via Zoom.