University of Nature: Schuylkill Center to Hold Nature Conference
August 25, 2014
This fall, the Schuylkill Center is holding the inaugural University of Nature, a unique nature conference inviting participants to learn more about the natural world and urban environmental systems. University of Nature, on September 27, is a one-day, intensive learning experience, a mini-conference offering nine great workshops and lectures from leading experts on topics from climate change to environmental art: Columbia University's Ethan Coffel explores the specifics of climate change in our region; botanist Ann Fowler Rhoads walks through the future of our forests; University of the Art professor Cristine Larson examines how art demonstrates and influences relationships with the natural world.
But learning about the natural world is about more than simply enjoying the beautiful weather and finding out what the relationship between butterflies and biodiversity is. As Director of Education Gail Farmer puts it, "Understanding how the natural world works is really about understanding ourselves and how the whole world works."
Indeed, as Farmer explains, we all enjoy a walk in the woods, and we can all feel our minds and bodies relax when we step outside, but we need to know more. Understanding soil formation is crucial for sustainable food production; understanding evolution helps us develop effective treatments for many illnesses; knowledge of the water cycle clarifies why cities like Philadelphia are so prone to flooding.
Farmer continues, "People sometimes fail to recognize that the ecological processes that govern the natural world are essentially the same processes that govern cities and the human/built world." In essence, to understand the world we live in � a human, urban world � we need to understand the natural world too.
University of Nature aims to answer to this need by offering a full day of learning that will move from the cursory to the meaningful and in-depth. In hosting the event, the Schuylkill Center continues its work connecting people and nature, allowing participants to gain deeper knowledge, which in turn offers a more full understanding of how we live with our urban and natural environments.
The day will also be a chance to honor the 2014 Henry Meigs Environmental Leadership Awardee, botanist Ann Fowler Rhoads, one of the region's most distinguished scientists. The day kicks off with the presentation of the award. Later, after the field workshops and lectures, the day wraps up with the opening reception for Process & Progress, a show in the environmental art gallery exploring artistic process and the LandLab environmental art residency.
For more information about University of Nature, see the Schuylkill Center website at www.schuylkillcenter.org or call 215-482-7300.
