Adult Education Classes: Symposia

Dr. Stephen R. Kellert has authored more than 150 publications and produced a the documentary Biophilic Design: the Architecture of Life.

Read more about Dr. Kellert here.

Laura Sewall, Ph.D., is the Director of Bates-Morse Mountain, a 600-acre research and conservation area on the coast of Maine.  

Read more about Laura Sewall here.

Chicago Regional Forum on Ethics and Sustainability
Healing Nature

Tuesday, October 16, 2012
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Registration fee: $35 lunch option/$15 no-lunch option

Register for full program
Register for no lunch option

To register by phone, call (847) 835-8261.

The Center for Humans and Nature and the Chicago Botanic Garden present this forum for the Chicago region that continues to focus on the ethical dimensions of conservation issues.

This forum is designed for members, leaders, and volunteers in conservation-minded organizations like Chicago Wilderness. Additionally, members of the public and academics/practitioners with a focus on ethical issues will enjoy engaging with like-minded peers who have the same goal of increasing sustainable impacts on the environment.

Why is nature critical to human well-being? Why is it important that we contribute to the well-being of nature? A robust body of research from across disciplines—including ecopsychology, city planning, landscape design, evolutionary biology, conservation psychology, and the health professions, among many others—points to the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual benefits of interacting with nature. This research also offers insights into encouraging sustainable behaviors. This year's Chicago Regional Forum on Ethics and Sustainability, presented in partnership between the Center for Humans and Nature and the Chicago Botanic Garden, brings together local and national experts to present their perspectives on the relationship between nature and personal and social health. Engage in a discussion about how our current knowledge can inform ethical relationships to a particular area, community goals and policies for shared natural areas, and effective conservation strategies.

Click here to check out our previous Chicago Regional Forums on Ethics and Sustainability.

Scholarships

A limited number of student scholarships for this symposium will be provided by the Center for Humans and Nature. Contact Beth Pinargote, manager of symposia and special programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden, at (847) 835-8278 for more information.

Symposium Location

The symposium will be held in the Alsdorf Auditorium of the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. Directions to the Garden can be found here.

Lodging

The Regenstein School of the Chicago Botanic Garden recommends the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel for accommodations.

Transportation

If you prefer to take public transportation to the event, the Chicago Botanic Garden is offering free trolley service pick-up and drop-off for all forum attendees at the Glencoe and Lake Cook stops. Pick-up and drop-off times can be found here.

8 – 9 a.m.

Registration

9 – 9:30 a.m.

Welcoming remarks

Introducing the Forum

Botanic Gardens as a Healing Space

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Morning Keynote Address
All Sorts of Healing: Nature and psyche together

Laura Sewell, director of the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area (Maine) and Ph.D. in visual psychology and neuroscience

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Stretch Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Healing Nature — Local Perspectives

Panelists will share their research and experiences regarding the mutual healings that are possible between nature and people.

William Sullivan, professor of landscape architecture, University of Illinois

Frances Whitehead, professor of sculpture, School of the Art Institute

11:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Question & Answer Session

Noon – 1 p.m.

Lunch — Enjoy good conversation and food!

1 – 1:30 p.m.

Speaking of nature: Healing Through Poetry

Kevin Stein, Ph.D., Illinois' Poet Laureate, Caterpillar Professor of English at Bradley University

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Healing Nature — Local Perspectives

Panelists will share their research and experiences regarding the mutual healings that are possible between nature and people — across generations and life stages. 

Keith Cerk, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Waukegan

Barbara Waller, director of First Baptist Church Cool Learning Experience

Dr. Martha Twaddle, Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Stretch Break

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

Afternoon Keynote Address
The Human Need for Nature and the Restoration of Nature and Humanity

Dr. Stephen R. Kellert, Tweedy Ordway Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology and Senior Research Scholar at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

Question & Answer Session

3:45 – 4 p.m.

Closing Synthesis, Curt Meine, senior fellow of the Center for Humans and Nature

4 – 4:45 p.m.

Optional Tour of Horticulture at the Garden

End your day with a walking tour led by knowledgeable staff of the horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden.