Poet Laureate launches project to connect art and nature

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 with a poetic walk at Cape Cod National Seashore, where Limon, alongside National Park Service ranger Alicia Scott, celebrated the works of renowned poet Mary Oliver, known for her deep connection to nature.

\"You Are Here\" includes a segment called Poetry in the Parks, which features classic nature poems placed in various national parks, inviting visitors to engage with the poetry in the very landscapes that inspired it. Limon kicked off the campaign by featuring Oliver's poem \"Can You Imagine,\" printed on a picnic table, encouraging reflection and creativity among park-goers.

The initiative not only highlights the beauty of nature through poetry but also serves as a poignant reminder of the impacts of climate change on these cherished environments. Ranger Clay Hanna emphasized the importance of using poetry as a medium to communicate the realities of climate change, allowing visitors to forge a deeper connection with the natural world.

Limon's project spans seven national parks, each paired with significant American poems that resonate with the unique characteristics of the locations. Additionally, Limon has commissioned contemporary poets to contribute to an anthology that reflects the emotional complexities of living in a changing environment, addressing themes of grief and anxiety related to climate change.

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 collective action in the face of environmental challenges.

As Limon continues her journey through national parks, her work aims to remind us of our shared responsibility to the planet and the power of art to evoke awareness and change.