The connection between trees and our health will be the focus of "Our Woodland Legacy" on Dec. 4, 2013, in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The connection between trees and our health will be the focus of “Our Woodland Legacy” on Dec. 4, 2013, in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS – Our friends at Trees Forever are accepting registrations for what promises to be an inspirational event. The annual “Our Woodland Legacy” symposium, set for Dec. 4 in Cedar Rapids, will focus on the interconnection between trees and other natural areas and our health.

Here is more about the event:

Join Trees Forever and partners to learn how trees and natural areas are critical to our health and well-being.

Registration is open for the annual “Our Woodland Legacy Symposium,” held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 350 First Ave. NE, in downtown Cedar Rapids. The theme of the event, Green & Blue: A Natural Connection, will focus on the influence of nature on our health.

Richard Louv, international bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, will be keynote speaker, along with Dr. William Sullivan, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Sustainability and Health Lab at the University of Illinois.

With the selection of Cedar Rapids, Marion and Iowa City as Blue Zones communities, this is the perfect time to explore how our own personal health and well-being, as well as the economic vitality of our communities, can benefit from nature.

The registration fee includes not only these dynamic speakers, but a great “Blue Zones” lunch, and a choice of one of five afternoon workshops:

  • Nature and Comprehensive Planning
  • Nature and Faith
  • Nature and Healing
  • Nature and Learning
  • Nature and Cities

The day wraps up with a networking reception and inspiring reflections from Chuck Peters, President and CEO of the Gazette Company.

Fee: $50 for Trees Forever members; $75 for non-members. A limited number of scholarships ($25) are available to students and to Green Iowa AmeriCorps. CEU’s are available (self-reporting).

If you are unable to attend the symposium on December 4, please join us for a reception and book signing with Richard Louv on December 3, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Library, 450 5th Ave. SE. Books will be for sale by New Bo Books ($14.95 each).

For more information about the speakers or Blue Zones, visit these websites:
Richard Louv: www.richardlouv.com or www.childrenandnature.org
Dr. Sullivan: www.willsull.net
Blue Zones: www.bluezones.com

Thank you to our major sponsors: The Holloway Family Environmental Trust, the City of Cedar Rapids, and Linn County.  

With appreciation to our sponsoring partners: Skogman Realty, Mercy Medical Center, Hall & Hall Engineering, Shive-Hattery, Alliant Energy, and Jim Sattler, Inc.

 

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Trees Forever is a nonprofit organization based in Marion, IA committed to planting trees, encouraging community involvement and stewardship, and caring for the environment. Programs focus on improving air and water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, providing substantial energy savings and beautifying our landscape. For more information visit www.treesforever.org or call 800-369-1269.