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. How does the way we use the land in our own communities make climate change worse–or help slow it down? Can land conservation make a difference locally? What can YOU do to make a difference? Find out how your town fits into the bigger conservation picture at this special presentation.

On Wednesday, December 11, from 6:30-7:45 pm at the S. White Dickinson Memorial Library in Whately, 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.

Local land conservation plays an integral role in mitigating climate change. In Whately, you’ll learn about Smith College’s MacLeish Field Station and how they worked with Kestrel to conserve an 190-acre block of forest identified by the Nature Conservancy as a “resilient” landscape supporting plants and wildlife as they adapt to climate change. You’ll also learn about current land conservation efforts that need your help, including the 120-acre Whately Center Woods, which hosts a diverse forest with vigorous, large trees and a network of recreational trails.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is not required, but RSVPs are appreciated. Please join us!