On Tuesday, Oct. 21, journalist and author Richard Louv visited the New Paltz campus to speak on “The Nature-Rich Life” as part of the College’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Louv’s presentation also served as the culmination to the campus’ string of fall events held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
In his talk, Louv emphasized the importance of connecting children and their families to nature and community—noting that small steps can make a big difference on the path to living more sustainably.
“If you ask [Americans and Westerners] to conjure up an image in their mind about what the far future looks like…what pops into most peoples’ heads are images that look a lot like ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Mad Max,’ and at best, ‘The Hunger Games’ where at least there are a few trees,” said Louv.
Louv went on to describe various examples of how nature or the lack thereof has affected different populations. He underscored an increasing trend of children disconnecting more and more from nature, citing examples of cut recess time in school and the increase of technology use.
“The greatest challenge that we face is to talk differently to our children, and to ourselves about the future,” said Louv. “[We must] begin to see an alternative to that dystopian set of images; images that conjure up beauty and wonder, greatness and health, and images of a nature-rich future…a nature-rich life.”
Louv also acknowledged the importance of the Wilderness Act—one of the most important federal environmental policy acts of the 20th century. “The Wilderness Act is extraordinary, not only in itself, but it’s extraordinary that we’re remembering it,” said Louv. “It’s about time we remember the successes of environmentalism.”
About the Distinguished Speaker Series
Founded in 2008, the Distinguished Speaker Series aims to connect SUNY New Paltz alumni, students, faculty/staff and community members with highly accomplished alumni, authors, policy makers and leaders, scientists, media experts, business people and other luminaries. The Series hosts speakers twice every academic year.
SUNY New Paltz’s 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series is supported by the generosity of the following major sponsors: Bruderhof, C2G Environmental, Campus Auxiliary Services, Central Hudson, Empire State Bank, The Dorsky Family, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mohonk Mountain House, SUNY New Paltz Foundation, Sodexo, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Viking Industries.
