Business-as-usual will not suffice. Now is the time to create a stronger and more resilient future. This year, the Smith Nature Symposium offers a seven-part live-streamed series of conversations to explore a more just and sustainable future in the aftermath of COVID-19. The series begins in August, and culminates in the Smith Nature Symposium Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 9, with our 2020 honorees: Bill McKibben and Sue Halpern. All presentations will be available in English and Spanish. |
2pm CDT / Featured Speakers: Youth from Cool Learning Experience
The Smith Nature Symposium opens with the most important voices in this series: our future. Young leaders from Cool Learning Experience, a distinguished environmental education program and partner with Brushwood Center, share their vision for a more just and sustainable future using art and poetry. Click here for more information. |
An Artist and Biochemist Explore the Beauty of Water and Danger of Pollutants
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Arica Hilton, Janet Angel Welch, and Gail Sturm (Moderator)
Featuring a special musical performance, "Reflections on Earth - Oceans," created by Sibylle Szaggars Redford, The Way of the Rain Artistic Director with music by Tim Janis and spoken word by Robert Redford. From biochemist Janet Angel’s powerful invention to transform oil spills into food for marine life, to artist Arica Hilton’s art advocacy for the oceans, you will not want to miss their underwater stories of life’s most critical resource. This panel is moderated by Gail Sturm, Chair of the Brushwood Center Board of Directors. Click here for more information. |
Reducing Floods, Healing Ecosystems, and Protecting Human Health through Natural Solutions
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Elena Grossman, Vidya Venkataramanan, Aaron Feggestad, and Ted Haffner (Moderator)
It’s raining, it’s pouring, there’s no time for snoring. The global implications of climate change reverberate in our homes and communities in the form of floods, impacted ecosystems, and increased public health threats. Join this dynamic conversation to learn how we collectively address these challenges. Click here for more information. |
Policies, Practices, and Implications of Renewable Energy in Illinois
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Craig Sieben, Kelly Shelton, Jen Walling, and John Wasik (Moderator)
During the COVID-19 crisis, the fossil fuel industry crashed while clean energy remained both economically and environmentally resilient. Transitioning to renewable energy is critical to solving the climate crisis and addressing environmental injustices linked to fossil fuel pollution. llinois ranks second in the Midwest for installed renewable power capacity. This roundtable will explore the future of renewable energy from the private and public sector, current incentives, and policy needs. Click here for more information. |
Advocacy and Education for Clean Power in Lake County
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Celeste Flores and Dulce Ortiz
Clean Power Lake County organizes within frontline environmental justice communities to shift Lake County to healthy, renewable energy and to achieve the self-determination of immigrant, low-income, and working-class families. This community-driven coalition is committed to local action to secure environmental, economic, and racial justice. Learn about the power of this effort from the leaders of Clean Power Lake County. Click here for more information. |
The Power of Nature Inside and Out
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Bill Sturm, Maria Smithburg, and Martha Twaddle (Moderator)
Nature permeates beyond our forest preserves and parks into our homes, communities and businesses. The elements of natural design create vital conditions for human health and wellbeing. Join this conversation moderated by Martha Twaddle, nationally-renowned palliative care physician, to learn how nature-based design and healing garden features can manifest in our lives. Bill Sturm and Maria Smithburg will share examples and stories of based on their experiences designing both interior and exterior spaces. Click here for more information. |
Cooking for You and the Planet
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2pm CDT / Speakers: Dr. Disha Narang, Endocrinologist, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital; Monica Joyce, Dietitian, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital; Catherine O’Meara, Chef, Heller Catering
Gather around our virtual table and prepare a delicious Smith Nature Symposium plant-based dinner from home! Brushwood Center has teamed up with Dr. Disha Narang, Monica Joyce, and Chef Catherine O’Meara to bring this live demo and discussion to Smith Nature Symposium participants. Narang and Joyce will share the many health benefits of plant-based eating, and Chef O’Meara will demonstrate the featured recipe with step-by-step instructions. Click here for more information. |
AWARD CEREMONY / OCTOBER 9 / 7PM
Smith Nature Symposium live-streamed program
with Sue Halpern and Bill McKibben,
2020 Environmental Leadership Award Recipients
With Masters of Ceremonies Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, Surprise Guest Appearances for Q & A, and more.
Smith Nature Symposium live-streamed program
with Sue Halpern and Bill McKibben,
2020 Environmental Leadership Award Recipients
With Masters of Ceremonies Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, Surprise Guest Appearances for Q & A, and more.
NEW DATE! OCTOBER 9, 7pm CDT / Featuring: Sue Halpern, Bill McKibben and Masters of Ceremonies Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra. Click here for more information.