Followed by a discussion with Samantha Look of Vineyard Conservation Society and local Earth Protector Laurisa Rich
Earth Protectors addresses our need to adapt as a species to the Anthropocene: the new era in which the impact of humans overwhelms natural cycles with fires, floods, pollution, super typhoons and a deadly virus. These challenges provide incontrovertible evidence for the necessity of systemic change. On Anne’s expeditions creating her art installations, she meets a new generation of women and men who are working to save our planet and is inspired by their commitment and their achievements. Her narrative recounts the stories and the diversity of these young protagonists whom she calls “Earth Protectors”
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Photo by Brooke Bartletta
Laurisa Rich is the driving force and lead volunteer behind the VCS Beach BeFrienders. What began as a simple monthly beach cleanup has grown into a dynamic initiative dedicated to restoring local beaches, meticulously tracking trash data, and engaging Island youth through the MV Charter School’s Experiential Learning program. Laurisa also organizes regular events at local libraries, where community members craft upcycled beach bags and other creative, practical items.
Samantha Look is the Executive Director of the Vineyard Conservation Society, a local environmental nonprofit dedicated to the protection of the Island’s land and water. VCS is always looking for solutions to the Vineyard’s environmental challenges. Among various projects, Samantha has helped advance the Island’s plastic bag ban, the West Tisbury “Big House” bylaw, assisted with the development of the Land Use, Natural Resources and Biodiversity portion of the Vineyard’s Climate Action Plan and helped launch the Island Climate Action Network.
Sam was lucky to grow up on the Island spending much of her time exploring and better knowing the Island’s wild spaces. It was these experiences that developed a love of place and passion for nature that drives her work today.
