Cal and National Parks Start Second Century of Science

February 27, 2015

Conference with National Parks and National Geographic Society

A scientist takes notes from a cliffside perch in Yosemite National Park

A scientist takes notes from a cliffside perch in Yosemite National Park; Photo: Steven Bumgardner

UC Berkeley in partnership with the National Park Service and the National Geographic Society look toward the 2015 National Park Service centennial with the conference "Science for Parks, Parks for Science: The Next Century". The conference will take place on March 25-27 at UC Berkeley. 

Scholars, conservationalists and public officials will gather on the campus to dicuss the future of our National Parks. The keynote speaker is Harvard Research Professor and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Edward O, Wilson, presenting his address, "Setting Aside Half the World for the Rest of Life." National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and National Geographic Society Chief Content Officer Chris Johns will present opening remarks. US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will join a distinguished panel for a special public program moderated by KQED Forum's Michael Krasny.

The 2015 centennial conference will focus on the critical scientific and social issues that impact the future of the parks, as well as global reach of science in parks, such as understanding the impacts of climate change.

The conference is open to registrants only, however the plenary sessions will be live-streamed at parksforscience,berkeley.edu with virtual participation features for National Park Service employees and the public.