The science is clear: we need natural and near-natural areas to stabilize climate, prevent massive biodiversity loss, and benefit public health and well-being. Right now, less than 4% of New England, and even less of Massachusetts, meets this protection standard. Can we address this gap? Yes! National parks have provided this protection since the designation of Yellowstone in 1872 as the world’s first national park. A campaign to designate a new generation of national parks offers a positive way to highlight important places, connect the public to our natural heritage, and enact strong legislative measures to provide permanent protection.

Michael Kellett will talk about a proposal to create 100 new national parks across America — including ten in New England. This presentation will feature a spectacular Berkshire National Park, which would reach from the Connecticut River Valley to New York’s Taconic Mountains, and from the Vermont border to the Litchfield Hills in Connecticut.

[photo: Deerfield River, Mohawk Trail State Forest, Chris Matera