Washington Forum returns with fourth installment

The city of Mount Vernon, in partnership with Kenyon College’s Center for the Study of American Democracy, will host the fourth installment of The Washington Forum, a yearlong civic series presented as part of the community’s America 250 programming.

April’s forum, titled “Legacy of the Land: Conservation Across Ideologies,” will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 425 S. Edgewood Road, Mount Vernon. The event is free and open to the public.

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Joseph Klesner and will feature community leaders and subject-matter experts, including Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr; David Heithaus, Director of the Knox County Park District; and Amy Henricksen, Director of the Philander Chase Conservancy.

This month’s discussion will explore how conservation of land and natural resources, like farms, forests, streams and open spaces, can transcend political and ideological divides. The conversation will highlight collaborative efforts across perspectives while examining conservation initiatives at the local, state and national levels.

Attendees can expect a thoughtful and engaging discussion focused on shared values, practical approaches to land stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of natural resources.

The Washington Forum series aims to foster civil dialogue and deepen public understanding of key issues shaping American democracy, with a different topic explored each month throughout the year.

For more information, please contact the city of Mount Vernon at 740-393-9520 or at Questions@MountVernonOH.gov.