Naturalist Terry Tempest Williams Celebrates Earth Day with Millbrook

 

Millbrook was thrilled to welcome Terry Tempest Williams, naturalist and fierce advocate for freedom of speech, to campus on April 21st.

Ms. Williams addressed the community as part of our annual forum series and the 2016-2017 academic spotlight on environmental stewardship and joined us for Earth Day activities.

 

Her speech touched on a variety of topics related to the natural world, including the history of the creation of state and federal parks in the United States, which she fondly refers to as “public lands,” and short stories about her experiences with nature. A dynamic speaker, she also invited audience members to share their experiences with nature.

 

“You know the privilege that you have, and there is a burden and blessing that comes with that. What’s at stake is our future,” she said about the urgency to protect our environment and public lands. She urged Millbrook students to take action if they feel passionate about the issue of protecting our public lands—“you are so much more powerful than you know.”

 

The community responded to the forum with a standing ovation, and the following day, Earth Day, Terry Tempest Williams participated in classroom discussions, went on a campus wide nature walk with Environmental Science students, and toured the Trevor Zoo.

 

Stewardship of the natural world has been one of Millbrook’s core values since the inception of the school, and Terry Tempest Williams’ visit could not have been more appropriate in timing. Her shared experiences were valuable additions not only to our Earth Day celebrations, but also to our overall community efforts to remain steadfast in our mission of caring for our environment. 

View photos from Terry Tempest Williams' visit in our online photo gallery.