News

Acclaimed author, photographer, and filmmaker Dudley Edmondson will join us as the Keynote Speaker at the CLCC 2025 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference.

Dudley is a leading voice celebrating and advocating for African Americans in public lands. After traveling across America and interviewing people from all walks of life – government officials, biologists, park rangers, private citizens – he created a set of Outdoor Role Models for the African American Community by publishing his landmark book, Black and Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places.

His new book, People the Planet Needs Now, focused on heroes among us who are fighting for a better world by tackling issues from climate change and industrial waste to social injustice and poverty. The compilation of personal stories and perspectives will be published in early 2025 and available for purchase and signing at the conference.

Keynote Address: The Browning of America and its Impact on Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

As America’s demographics evolve, so does the face of conservation and outdoor recreation. In this thought-provoking keynote address, acclaimed author, photographer, and advocate Dudley Edmondson explores the intersection of race, representation, and environmental stewardship. Drawing from his compelling book, People the Planet Needs Now, Dudley shares powerful stories from 25 Black and Brown scientists and activists whose lived experiences and groundbreaking work offer new perspectives on addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.

Through vivid storytelling and full-color photography, Dudley will illustrate how these diverse voices are leading the charge for environmental justice and innovation—while emphasizing why the work of land trusts is essential to fostering meaningful connections to nature for all communities. By protecting the land and making it accessible, land trusts play a pivotal role in building bridges between people and the outdoors, cultivating a deeper sense of belonging, and inspiring future generations of environmental leaders.

Join us for this inspiring keynote to discover how representation and inclusion in conservation can spark solutions and affect global change. Leave empowered to amplify voices, broaden outreach, and ensure the natural world becomes a space where everyone feels at home.

Learn more about Dudley on his website and connect with him on Instagram.

Preorder his new book, People the Plant Needs Now.