2023 Nature and Health Symposium: Healing Connections
On April 21-22, 2023, community members were invited to gather for the Healing Connections: Nature and Wellness Symposium and Community Day to celebrate Earth Day. The symposium was held at the Pagoda in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA.
The Nature and Wellness Symposium explored the healing connections we can make with the natural world around us. Through talks, walks, and panel discussions during this two-day event, we explored the science and practice of healing with nature. Some specific topics included: equitable access to nature, climate anxiety, the importance of bringing youth outside, and stress reduction activities in nature.
The Community Day on April 22 allowed community members to participate in a number of free outdoor activities, including a morning meditative sit, a bird walk, and a guided forest bathing session.
Speakers
Speakers highlighted a diverse collection of skills and backgrounds.
- Trina Colburn, PhD
Clinical Research Manager, Seattle Children’s Hospital - Leslie Davenport
Founding member, Institute for Health & Healing
Climate Psychology Educator and Consultant - Mike Evans
Honorable Chair, Snohomish Tribe of Indians
Skipper, Blue Heron Canoe - Jessica Gigot, PhD
Poet and Farmer
Owner, Ecointegral Coaching - Quincy Henry
Owner, Campfire Coffee - Joseph Hulbert, PhD
Program Co-Director, Forest Health Watch - Adrienne Ione, PhD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Certified Dementia Specialist, and Senior Personal Trainer - Maria Jost
Artist
Science Instructor, Tacoma Science and Math Institute - Sangkros Lok
Recreation Coordinator, Pierce County Parks - Sarah C. Low
Ecologist and Mindfulness Teacher, Strategic Nature - Teruko Nimura
Visual Artist - Celeste Reed
Forest Therapy Guide - Sarah Sutton
Co-Founder, Environment & Culture Partners
Organizers and Sponsors
This event was organized by community members with the support of Strategic Nature, LLC, and sponsorships from Nature and Health and Cascadia Forest Therapy.
Strategic Nature, LLC is a Washington State certified women-owned business led by Sarah C. Low, a business management consultant, ecologist, educator, and mindfulness teacher with 20 years of experience in government, non-profit, and private sectors. We help organizations find adaptive solutions to address changing conditions and identify sustainable and meaningful actions to help realize their goals.
Annual Nature and Health Symposium
Nature and Health has been hosting an annual symposium since 2019. View our other symposia.