More than 140 environmental stewards and community members gathered at Bainbridge High School for the 2023 BI Environmental Conference March 25.

The theme was “Our Island Home on an Unruly Planet,” a title inspired by keynote speaker Madeline Ostrander, environmental journalist and author of the book “At Home on an Unruly Planet.”

Ostrander has written extensively on issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice. Her speech focused on the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for collective action at all levels of society.

“I wrote ‘At Home on an Unruly Planet’ hoping it could start meaningful conversations about climate responses in people’s communities,” Ostrander said. “I couldn’t have dreamed up a better or more inspiring place for that than at” the Environmental Conference.

The 2023 Jerry and Elane Hellmuth Environmentalist of the Year Award was awarded to Lara Hansen, chief scientist and executive director of EcoAdapt. She is the 25th islander to be recognized with the award, first presented in 1991. Hansen shared her passion during her speech on climate impacts to BI. Hansen “approached climate change with such vivid knowledge and enthusiasm to rally us and the world to find solutions,” conference organizer Frank Stowell said.

Attendees participated in breakout sessions led by BI leaders from environmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. They examined the impacts of climate change on BI’s shorelines, forests, air quality, transportation, infrastructure and sense of place. The sessions encouraged actionable insights and strategies toward a more sustainable future for BI.

The BI Land Trust, with its partners, work to protect and steward the places that plants, wildlife and people will need to survive. Nature-based solutions, like land protection and watershed restoration, will be critical in addressing climate change. Conference organizer Christina Woolf said: “We need to understand what that means for us as a community and individuals, and what we can do to make a positive difference for now and the future.”

For details go to islandwood.org.