The Connecticut Audubon Society, Lyme Land Conservation Trust and Old Lyme Land Trust are sponsoring a community forum on Nov. 29 to discuss the role that will be played by future generations of Americans in the preservation of the nation’s natural resources.
The forum is entitled "Where is the Next Generation of Conservationists Coming From?"
It will address a concern among conservationists, outdoorsmen, sportsmen, environmentalists, foresters, and public health experts that young people are not spending enough time in nature and wilderness activities, and as a result, will not embrace and pass on to future Americans our country’s long commitment to conservation of its natural resources.
“How can we get our kids outdoors and connect them with the natural world?” asks a joint statement from the three organizers. “Can nature compete with computers and smartphones and with organized after-school and weekend activities? What can parents and grandparents, schools, churches and synagogues, non-profit organizations and government do to help?”
The forum will be made up of a panel of local conservations, parents and educators and will be moderated by Milan Bull, Senior Director for Science and Conservation, and Michelle Eckman, Director of Education for Connecticut Audubon Society.
The panelists are: Arthur Lerner, co-founder and executive director of F.R.E.S.H. (Food, Resource, Education, Security, Health) in New London; John Sargent, an artist and retired teacher who is active in the New London County Environmental Educators Coalition; Emily Bjornberg, a steward for the Lyme Land Trust and co-founder of its Trekkers youth group; and Heather Fried, science teacher at the Lyme Old Lyme High School and advisor to the student Environmental Club.
Members of the audience will be encouraged to share their ideas, experiences, and suggestions.
The forum will be from 7 PM to 9PM, at the Old Lyme First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme. It is free and open to everyone; refreshments will be served.
The forum was originally scheduled for Oct. 30, but was postponed because of Hurricane Sandy.
