From Camels Hump to Patagonia: Who Saved the Parks Beloved by Millions?
with Tom Butler
Sunday, January 6, 4:00 pm
Richmond Free Library Community Room
Join us for a richly illustrated slideshow and inspiring talk with writer and conservationist Tom Butler. Alongside spectacular nature photography, Tom will tell stories of how some of the places that we most treasure came to be protected for the public for all time. From Muir Woods to Camels Hump to the far reaches of Chilean Patagonia, individuals and groups investing their time, influence, and wealth have secured some of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes as national parks and other protected areas. This tradition of wildlands philanthropy is little known but crucial to safeguarding beauty and wildlife habitat, and providing opportunities for recreation and nature-focused economic development. A particularly grand example of this conservation tool is the recent success of Tompkins Conservation to protect and expand national parks, work that has secured millions of acres in Chile and Argentina.
A resident of Huntington, Tom Butler is the author or editor of more than a dozen books including Wildlands Philanthropy: The Great American Tradition. He is a founding board member of Northeast Wilderness Trust and currently serves as vice president for conservation advocacy for Tompkins Conservation, a nonprofit that has helped create or expand 13 national parks in South America. In addition to having deep knowledge of global conservation issues, Tom is a dynamic speaker.
Event is free and wheelchair accessible.
Light refreshments will be served.
Save the date for the final program in the Wild Nature Speaker Series (first Sunday of the month, 4:00 pm):
The Real Eastern Coyote with Chris Schadler, Sunday, February 3
Dec 21, 2024, 9 AM to 1 PM
Metta Earth Winter Solstice RetreatDec 21, 2024, 10 AM to 9 PM
Cookie Walk Dec. 22Dec 22, 2024, 1 to 3 PM