Dec 11, 2025 | Announcements, Symposium

2026 Northwest Nature and Health Symposium

Since 2016, the Center has been hosting symposia to bring together researchers, community members, and decision-makers to learn about new discoveries, discuss new policies and programs, and advance partnerships in the field of nature and health.

We strive to invite speakers who work hand-in-hand to understand the needs of communities who have borne the brunt of social and environmental injustices; who work to address health and access inequities; and who bring critical insights and perspectives on environmental history as well as outdoor recreation.

Our symposia are:

Led by our core values of integrity, environmental equity, multiple ways of knowing, and resilience
An opportunity to cultivate your network
Filled with inspiring talks and panels from leading experts and the community

Learn More and Register

Invited Speakers

Invited speakers will give 30-minute presentations and participate in a Q&A session.

A headshot of Courtney Aber smiling. A canyon is in the background.

Courtney Aber (she/her)
National Director, Outdoor Initiatives
Bold & Gold

Aileen Cassinetto (she/her)
Laureate Fellow
Academy of American Poets

Sasha Chavez, MS (she/her)
Kinesiology Doctoral Student
University of Maryland

Anders Rydström, PhD (he/him)
Postdoctoral Scholar
Natural Capital Project

Restorative Justice Panel

Speed Talks

Logistics

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 4 PM PT
Location: Intellectual House, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Registration: Advanced registration is required and closes on April 15, 2026.
- Registration includes:
  - Plant-based breakfast
  - Coffee and tea service
  - Plant-based lunch
  - Networking reception
  - 1 drink ticket
- Professional registration: $75
- Student registration: $35
- Email us if the cost is a barrier to your attendance

Supporters

We are incredibly grateful to the REI Cooperative Action Fund for their unwavering support of Northwest Nature and Health symposia and their tireless efforts to help build an enduring nature and health movement. The REI Fund brings together the collective strength of the outdoor community to support organizations that advance inclusivity, access and belonging outside. The REI Fund announces new investments each year in the spring and the fall to provide unrestricted funding to nonprofit partners across three specific areas: connecting people outside, creating space outside, and centering health outside.

Learn more