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 challenges of climate change are impacting the Valley. 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 special presentation.

On Wednesday, April 28, from 6:30-8 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 in the area of the West Quabbin Woodlands (Pelham, Leverett, Shutesbury), including:

• Walter C Jones and Paul C Jones Working Forest conservation restrictions (totaling more than 5,000 acres)
• Buffam Brook Community Forest (Town of Pelham collaboration)
• Teawaddle Farm Conservation Restriction (a conserved farm, woodland and recreation area in Leverett)
  
• Pemberton/Gould/Butter Hill/Harkness complex in Pelham (promoting connectivity for wildlife habitat)

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

A link to the webinar will be provided via email upon registration.