Intro to The Fight for America’s Public Lands

America’s public lands are a vital part of the nation’s heritage, offering unparalleled opportunities for recreation, conservation, and cultural connection. These lands, spanning forests, grasslands, wildlife refuges, and national parks, belong to all Americans, serving as a shared treasure to be enjoyed and preserved for future generations. However, these lands face significant threats from privatization, resource extraction, and political interests that prioritize profit over preservation. Understanding the value of public lands and the challenges they face is essential to protecting them from irreversible damage and ensuring they remain a pillar of American identity and environmental resilience.

What Will You Learn?

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance and challenges surrounding America’s public lands. By the end of this course, you will:

• Recognize the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of public lands.
• Understand the historical and ongoing efforts to privatize or exploit these valuable spaces.
• Discover the threats posed by activities such as resource extraction and insufficient conservation policies.
• Explore the inspiring role of communities, Indigenous peoples, and activists in fighting for the protection of these lands.
• Learn actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to support conservation efforts.

Armed with this knowledge, you will be prepared to advocate for the preservation of public lands and inspire others to join in the mission to protect these shared resources.

How to Approach This Course

Begin by watching the video, which dives into the history, challenges, and success stories of protecting America’s public lands. Pay close attention to the key examples and actions highlighted, as these will underpin the quiz questions provided. Treat the course as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of public land preservation and consider how you can contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.