Smith Nature Symposium

Be inspired. Be bold. Be together.

Join the call for change. The 38th Annual Smith Nature Symposium explores climate justice and healing through the power of community. Learn from artists, scientists, leaders, and activists during this series of programs, exhibitions, and concerts running through October. Help our community emerge from the pandemic with collective strength, empathy, and renewed passion for the people and nature we love.

JOIN THE VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY ON OCT 2

BECOME A SPONSOR

AWARDS CEREMONY HONORING WINONA LADUKE

Celebrate environmental leadership at our virtual Awards Ceremony on October 2nd

EVENTS & ACTION

Join outdoor, in-person, and virtual programs through October

EXHIBITION

Our Future:
Youth Perspectives on the Environment

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Gold Sponsor

Nancy and David Levi
Adele Simmons

Silver Sponsors

Amy and Robert Heinrich
Mike Levin
Ed and Melanie Ranney
Jean Meilinger and John Schneider

Ambassador Sponsor

Andy and Richard Amend
Beth and Harry Drucker
Jonathan Huisel
Judy and John McCarter
Ellen Rudnick and Paul W. Earle

Supporter Sponsor

Jerry Adelmann
Shaun and Andy Block
Joan and Russell Game
Mary and Bruce Hamming
Arnold and Carol Kanter

In-kind Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Hunter Family Foundation

Photo Credit: Midwest SOARRING Foundation, Michael Kardas

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods hosts the 37th annual Smith Nature Symposium in memory of the significant civic legacy of Hermon Dunlap and Ellen Thorne Smith, who donated their land and cabin to help form Ryerson Woods. Hermon "Dutch" Smith was chair and CEO of Marsh & McLennan, and led The Chicago Community Trust, Newberry Library, and many other Chicago Institutions. Ellen was a philanthropic leader and champion of nature with organizations such as The Field Museum and Chicago Zoological Society. She authored the book Chicagoland Birds: Where and When to Find Them. Proceeds from the Smith Nature Symposium support Brushwood Center’s COVID-19 response and our work to advance equitable access to healing, learning, and empowerment through nature and the arts.

Host Committee

Lele and Henry Barkhausen
Barbi and Tom Donnelley
Amy and Robert Heinrich
Judy and Tony Iacuzzi
Patricia and John Leonard
Mike Levin
Jean Meilinger and John Schneider
Judith Stockdale and Jonathan Boyer
Lorra Rudman
Adele Simmons
A. Gail and William Sturm
Martha Twaddle and Tom Millar