Community conversation: Understanding Precolonial Native land stewardship in Columbia County

Community Conversations is an opportunity to join local experts and community members virtually. This program series addresses important issues, from affordable farming to precolonial Native land stewardship and their connection to conservation. One-hour Zoom sessions will include brief presentations, time for questions and answers, and the opportunity to connect with others. 

This month, we will explore the following question: how can interpretive signage at CLC public lands center the history and legacy of historical Native land stewardship?

During this program, Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley will discuss the process of writing Columbia Land Conservancy’s Conservation Lands: A Journey into the Precolonial Era, an ethnoecology report focused on the precolonial history of CLC-managed public lands, alongside Kira Gruber, a former CLC intern who utilized this report to guide the creation of an interpretive signage plan.

Register to join the conversation.

Meet the speakers:

Justin Wexler, a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, has devoted his life to sharing his love for the natural world and for the region’s original inhabitants. Obsessed with nature from his earliest years, he has spent most of his life either in the outdoors or in his research on local history and ethnoecology. He has studied regional Algonquian languages, history and folklore for over two decades, sharing discoveries with scholars and with tribal language departments. He has a BA in History and Anthropology from Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT; a Professional Certificate in Environmental Policy from Bard College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bard College.

Kira Gruber has both an undergraduate degree and a master’s in political science from the University at Albany, specifically the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs. This past summer, she served as the Education and Outreach intern for the Columbia Land Conservancy, where she participated in initiatives to promote public land visits, conservation, and inclusivity. Currently, Kira is placed at the Thruway Authority through the New York State Excelsior Fellowship program in the Office of Media and Government Relations. A nature lover, she enjoys hiking with friends and spending time outdoors whenever possible. Kira is passionate about making a positive impact in both public service and environmental efforts.

Mark your calendars! The next Community Conversations will take place on: January 21 and February 18.