Peter Harnik

In this discussion, Carlo Invernizzi-Accetti, a political philosopher, dissects the complexities of democratic socialism through the lens of NYC's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Joyce Vance offers insights on the critical importance of the rule of law in safeguarding democracy. Education consultant Jared Fox promotes experiential learning, emphasizing the need for community engagement in science education. Randi Weingarten highlights the essential role of teachers in nurturing democratic values amidst current challenges, while Peter Harnik shares the evolution of rail-trail conservation.

Peter Harnik, co-founder of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and director at the Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence, shares his passion for transforming abandoned railbeds into vibrant multi-use trails. He delves into the origins of this movement, highlighting Mae Watts's pivotal role in its inception. Harnik discusses the charm of these trails, as experienced by numerous enthusiasts, and tackles the challenges posed by legal disputes and community opposition. The discussion also touches on innovative reuse models, like rail banking, and celebrated examples such as the High Line.