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 kicked off at Cape Cod National Seashore, where Limon led a walk in the park, reading works by the late poet Mary Oliver, known for her deep appreciation of nature.

\"You Are Here\" features a segment called Poetry in the Parks, which brings classic nature poems into the heart of national parks. Limon's choice to start the campaign with Oliver's poem \"Can You Imagine,\" printed on a picnic table, invites visitors to reflect and engage with the environment. Limon emphasized the transformative power of poetry, stating that it fosters a deeper connection to nature and encourages contemplation.

The project is not only a celebration of poetry but also a response to the visible impacts of climate change on national parks. Ranger Clay Hanna highlighted the importance of using poetry as a medium to communicate these environmental challenges, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the landscapes and consider their relationship with the natural world.

Limon's initiative will see her visiting seven national parks across the country, each featuring significant poems that resonate with the unique characteristics of those locations. Additionally, she has commissioned contemporary poets to contribute to an anthology that reflects on humanity's connection to nature amid the ongoing climate crisis.

The project also encourages public participation through social media, inviting individuals to share their poetic responses and fostering a community of engaged citizens. Limon's collaboration with climate scientists further underscores her commitment to blending art with activism, demonstrating the potential of poetry to inspire change and raise awareness about environmental issues.

As Limon continues her journey through various national parks, her work serves as a reminder of the vital role that art plays in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.