In a groundbreaking initiative, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon has launched a year-long project titled \"You Are Here,\" aimed at intertwining poetry with the natural world while addressing the pressing issue of climate change. The project was inaugurated at Cape Cod National Seashore, a site cherished by the late poet Mary Oliver, whose work serves as a cornerstone for this endeavor.

Limon's project, a collaboration with the National Park Service and the Poetry Society of America, seeks to enhance visitors' experiences in national parks by integrating classic nature poems into the landscapes themselves. During the launch, Limon read Oliver's poem \"Can You Imagine,\" which was printed on a picnic table, inviting park-goers to reflect and engage with nature through poetry.

The initiative not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also highlights the urgent impacts of climate change on these environments. Ranger Clay Hanna emphasized that the project serves as a unique medium to communicate the realities of climate change, encouraging visitors to connect more deeply with the natural world.

As part of \"You Are Here,\" Limon will visit seven national parks across the country, presenting significant American poems that resonate with each location. The project also includes an anthology of new works from contemporary poets, reflecting on the emotional complexities of nature in the face of environmental degradation.

Limon's vision extends beyond mere appreciation of nature; it aims to foster a community of engaged citizens through social media, encouraging individuals to share their poetic responses to the changing environment. This call to action underscores the role of storytelling and art in promoting democracy and collective responsibility for the planet's future.