EarthVision: Actions for a Healthy Planet

EarthVision: Actions for a Healthy Planet is a 4-day summit, hosted by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and scheduled for April 24-27, 2008, in Washington, DC.

== Overview ==

According to the SCA, the aim of EarthVision will be to connect the best and brightest of today’s young conservation leaders with leading resource managers, elected officials, corporate executives, scientists, advocates and others to craft citizen-driven solutions to an array of environmental challenges. Produced in partnership with the National Park Service, EarthVision will also feature conservation service projects at capital area parks following an opening session at the Department of the Interior.1

"EarthVision is about exchanging ideas, developing strategies, and – above all – taking action," states SCA Executive Vice President Valerie Bailey. "Our objective is to harness the expertise and energy at this summit to change the course of conservation for a more healthy, sustainable future."2

Activities/Schedule

Over four days, the SCA will host numerous speakers in the conservation field. The full list of scheduled speakers is available here.

Keynote speakers include Billy Parish, climate champion and co-founder of the Energy Action Coalition, and environmental and social justice leader Iantha Gantt-Wright.

EarthVision will focus on four major program tracks:

1) Cooler Heads Prevail: Countering Climate Change
Climate change itself can be altered if enough of us take action now. See the latest projections on this global issue and provide your take to policy makers and others. Learn new ways to reduce your ecological footprint and help launch plans for organizing in schools, communities and the private sector.

2) Unplug & ReRoot: Connecting Youth to Nature
The outdoors offers discovery, vitality, fulfillment and more, yet today’s youngsters are more distant from nature than ever – a troubling trend for our society and our environment. Hear the hidden risks of "nature-deficit disorder" and train to become an Outdoor Ambassador for children in your neighborhood.

3) Answering the Call: Preserving Parks & Public Lands
Yellowstone, Great Falls and The Washington Monument belong to all of us, and so does responsibility for their protection. In this session you’ll devise new conservation plans, explore resource management careers, support urban parks, advance environmental justice – and keep the "public" in public lands.

4) Reflecting Nature’s Diversity: Ensuring the Outdoors is Relevant for All - Sponsored by REI
The American people represent a broad mix of cultures, interests and values. For certain segments, wilderness is a magnet. For others, it is a mystery. Get to know others’ perspectives on the land, enhance your own, and craft strategies designed to help all audiences experience the wonders of nature. 3

The opening ceremony and plenary session will take place at the historic Department of the Interior Auditorium and will be attended by members of the United States Congress, federal land management officials, national conservation leaders and other dignitaries. The Saturday and Sunday sessions will be held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.4

Attendees will take part in Conservation service projects at historic park sites in the Washington, DC area. Some of the locations planned are Rock Creek Park, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Anacostia River.

The SCA will also host the career-advancing Conservation Cafe, a networking opportunity with top environmental, government, and nonprofit leaders.5

Registration

Early-bird registration, including lodging, meals and complete ground transportation for the four-day summit, is $145 for students through March 1, 2008; after this date the fee increases to $185. Additionally, groups of six can register for the price of five.6

More information and a registry form can be found here.

Links

EarthVision: Actions for a Healthy Planet official web site
Student Conservation Association Wikipedia page
National 4-H Youth Conference Center official web site
Wikipedia List of Conservation topics