This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Wilderness Act, one of the environmental movement’s key victories. But is the Act and the idea it represents still relevant in 2014? In an era of climate change, rapid technological change, and increasing urbanization, the concept seems to face existential questions.

On June 19, at 7 pm Eastern/4 pm Pacific, join a panel of writers, thinkers, and advocates—including Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro; David Sobel, author of Wild Play: Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors; and forest advocates Jimmy Gaudry and Doug Scott—for a live discussion of wilderness and its future. Another topic of discussion will be a national conference in Albuquerque this October, celebrating the Wilderness Act’s fiftieth anniversary. Visit www.wilderness50th.org to learn more.

“The Future of Wilderness” is free to join, will be moderated by Orion staff, and is open to all readers and friends. Register here.

Orion hosts live web events every month. Sign up to be alerted by e-mail when a new one is announced.