Why Oceans Matter

This recording is from Wright-Locke Farm's free monthly speaker series. Learn more about the farm and our educational programming at WLFarm.org

September 25th 2019 – Laura Parker Roerden

Why the Ocean Matters: It’s Probably Not Why You Think

Solutions to climate change require us to think differently about how the land and sea connect to communities. Laura Parker Roerden, founder/executive director of Ocean Matters and fourth generation farmer will take us on a journey into a new paradigm for farms informed by oceans that optimizes climate mitigation through integrating regenerative soil practices with other ocean conservation efforts such as the protection of our beloved and iconic right whale, our quest to stop algal blooms and dead zones, better management of water resources, and the need to address ocean acidification. Furthermore, engaging with this paradigm in holistic ways can help communities build resilient youth, expand our notion of tribe, and give us new ways to belong.

Laura Parker Roerden
Executive Director and founder of Ocean Matters, Laura Parker Roerden has over twenty-five years of experience in environmental education and educating for social responsibility. She is a lecturer and author of many books, curricula and articles on young people’s social, emotional, and ethical development. She is the former publisher and managing editor at Educators for Social Responsibility and former managing editor of the magazine New Designs for Youth Development. Laura currently serves on the board of directors of both Women Working for Oceans (W20) at the New England Aquarium, as well as Earth, Ltd. of Southwicks Zoo and is a member of the Pleiades Network of Women Leaders in Sustainability. She lives on a fifth generation family farm in the Blackstone Valley of Massachusetts.