Having read Thoreau's work in high school and college and having been influenced by his writings, I was shocked to learn that Walden Woods was vulnerable to the pressures of commercial development. My reaction to the disheartening news was immediate. I needed to do what I could to preserve this historic and ecological treasure. If we failed to protect Walden Woods, where the concept of land conservation first took root, then what would be the fate of thousands of other "Waldens" throughout the world? We need these places - they help us reconnect with the natural world and inspire us to become better stewards of the environment.
In 1990, a group of friends and supporters joined me in founding the Walden Woods Project, a nonprofit organization. Fortunately, we successfully purchased and preserved the sites in Walden Woods threatened by commercial development. To date, the Walden Woods Project has protected nearly 150 acres and is continuing to lead the effort to preserve more endangered sites in Thoreau's Walden Woods.
During the past 18 years, I have had the honor of meeting individuals from around the globe who are passionate and committed stewards of our natural world, and I have learned that every community has a Walden. I hope you find your Walden, take a stand for your environment, and let World Wide Waldens help you tell your story. I look forward to hearing about your success! Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our planet.