How to get educated on our national parks | Emma Lankford | TEDxWilliam&Mary
The land we call wilderness has a story—one that goes far beyond national parks and scenic trails. In her TEDx talk, Footsteps to the Past, Emma challenges us to rethink the way we view National Parks—not as untouched nature, but as places with layered histories, shaped by the people who lived, worked, and stewarded them for generations. Emma Lankford is a senior at William & Mary studying Biology and Integrative Conservation and her life has been defined by a passion for uncovering the hidden histories of the landscapes we cherish. Emma is a Trip Leader for the Tribe Adventure Program, a Student Sustainability Council member, and an avid rock climber. She's also checked off every Virginia State Park, once opened for a touring production of Hamilton, and—perhaps most impressively—somehow got lost on Disney's Lazy River as a kid. For Emma, TEDx is an opportunity to inspire others to think deeply about the spaces they inhabit. Given William & Mary's own Native history, she believes these conversations aren't just important—they're necessary. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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