The rallying cry “Think Global, Act Local” is just as relevant as ever, as the challenges of climate change hit home here in the Valley. Does the way we use the land in our own communities impact the global climate? How can land conservation make a difference? Find out at this special presentation.

On Wednesday, January 22, from 6:30-7:45 pm at the Forbes Library in Northampton, join us for a discussion with 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. He is also chair 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 Kestrel’s conservation partnership with the City of Northampton, with the goal of assisting the City in permanently protecting 1,000 more acres by 2025. This builds on Kestrel’s efforts over the past 8 years to assist the city in permanently protecting conservation areas such as the Saw Mill Hills and Burts Bog Greenway, which includes a newly opened multi-use trail linking three Florence neighborhoods. Plus, learn about the Brewer Brook Forest project in which Kestrel helped conserve the 119-acre Fields property — the highest point in Northampton.

This program is free, however space is limited and registration is required.

The snow date for this event is January 29th (6:30-8pm).