In this session, attendees will view the film and learn about the Second Century Stewardship Initiative.
At the dawn of the second century for the US National Park Service (NPS) and Acadia National Park (ANP), the opportunity exists to more powerfully engage science for the benefit of parks and society. More than 400 parks in the US national park system attract more than 300 million visits annually. These parks provide a remarkable platform for public engagement in science.
This initiative aims to:
- Advance conservation science and provide science that informs stewardship of natural and cultural resources by expanding scientific research programs in parks;
- Strengthen and broaden public understanding of the value of parks for science and science for parks and society by building on the positive public perception of national parks;
- Enhance science understanding and appreciation among the public by leveraging park science for education and public outreach.
This collaboration between The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Schoodic Institute, and NPS will advance science and engage with and inspire audiences of all ages, inviting visitors and others to view national parks through a “science lens” and providing authentic, park-based experiences to enhance understanding and appreciation of science.
