Environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak at Appalachian State University, in Boone, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in Farthing Auditorium.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is presented by Appalachian State University's Division of Academic Affairs, University College, and the Sustainable Development program, in partnership with Appalachian Voices, an environmental advocacy group based in Boone.

Kennedy's lecture, titled "Our Environmental Destiny," discusses the role that natural resources play in our work, our health, and our identity as Americans. A passionate environmental speaker, he reminds us that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.

According to Dave Haney, vice provost for undergraduate education at Appalachian, "This appearance by one of the nation's most highly respected environmental advocates provides an opportunity to showcase the university's sustainability and environmental initiatives in our curriculum, outreach, and the campus itself, as well as the important work being accomplished by a valued community partner, Appalachian Voices."

Mary Anne Hitt, executive director of Appalachian Voices, said, "We are so pleased to welcome Mr. Kennedy to Appalachian State University, and to give our community the opportunity to hear from a true environmental hero.

Mr. Kennedy is an incredible speaker and a passionate advocate for the issues at the heart of our mission at Appalachian Voices -- clean water, clean air, and healthy communities."

Robert Kennedy Jr. is chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, and is the first among a new breed of environmentalist. A high-profile political speaker and activist, he has used numerous media outlets, including his 2004 book, "Crimes Against Nature," to call into question the environmental policies of the United States.

As a keynote speaker, he delivers a passionate defense of the environment and of how its continued neglect affects the future of the planet and the health of future generations. He advocates a direct and aggressive approach against entities whose policies accelerate pollution and maintain the status quo. Kennedy calls upon all people to actively make a difference in their world.

Kennedy's reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. He was named one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet" for his success helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group's achievement helped spawn more than 130 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe.

Kennedy serves as clinical professor and supervising attorney at Pace University School of Law's Environmental Litigation Clinic and is co-host of "Ring of Fire" on Air America Radio. Earlier in his career he served as assistant district attorney in New York City.

He has worked on several political campaigns, including the presidential campaigns of Edward M. Kennedy in 1980, Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004.

He has worked on environmental issues across the Americas and has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands. He is credited with leading the fight to protect New York City's water supply. The New York City watershed agreement, which he negotiated on behalf of environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers, is regarded as an international model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development. He helped lead the fight to turn back the anti-environmental legislation during the 104th Congress.

Among Kennedy's published books are the New York Times' bestseller "Crimes Against Nature" (2004), "St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy" (2005), "The Riverkeepers" (1997), and "Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr: A Biography" (1977). His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, The Nation, Outside Magazine, The Village Voice, and many other publications.

Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard University. He studied at the London School of Economics and received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Following graduation he attended Pace University School of Law, where he was awarded a master's degree in environmental law.

He is a licensed master falconer, and as often as possible he pursues a life-long enthusiasm for whitewater paddling. He has organized and led several expeditions in Canada and Latin America, including first descents on three little-known rivers in Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.

For additional information about the Oct. 23 lecture program, call (828) 262-7660.