Kawartha Land Trust and Trent University collaborate on an exciting new lecture series
By: Zoë Mager
Kawartha Land Trust and Trent University are excited to announce a collaborative lecture series that will be happening in the spring and autumn of 2015. The theme of the series will be “A Sense of Place: Perspectives on Relationship to Land and Water in the Kawarthas”, and through speakers from related disciplines with diverse approaches, we will explore ways in which people connect to place in this beautiful area where the fertile St. Lawrence Lowlands meet the rugged and raw Pre-Cambrian Shield. Through the lenses of: biology, wildlife ecology, psychology, traditional ecological knowledge, history, and certainly personal interest and lived experience, Trent professors and renowned experts in their field will explore our relationship with this very special place and the importance of maintaining undeveloped natural spaces, for ecosystem and human health and well-being.
The first talk in the series will be held at Market Hall (140 Charlotte Street,
Peterborough) on Tuesday March 31st, and will feature Dr. Lisa Nisbet, Assistant Professor at Trent University in the Psychology department. Dr. Nisbet focuses her research on nature relatedness, which encompasses the importance of having access to natural spaces, examined though looking at the effects of access to nature on health, well-being, and environmentally-sustainable behaviour.
The second talk, held on Thursday May 14th at Market Hall, will be given by Rick Beaver, Research and Restoration Coordinator at Alderville Black Oak Savanna, and member of Alderville First Nation. Rick’s interdisciplinary background, drawing from rich experience as a Restoration Ecologist and Artist, and with a depth of understanding about ecosystem health, drawn from his background in biology and as a holder of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, provides very multi-faceted and dynamic ways of understanding and connecting to land.
Doors will open at 6:30 pm for both events, with time to eat, drink and mingle, and lectures will begin at 7:15 pm. Attendees will get to enjoy some delicious nibbles provided by local catering companies, the cash bar at Market Hall, and visit information tables hosted by local environmental organizations. The lecture series will continue in the fall with two other engaging speakers at Trent University.
This event will be free to all, however donations will be gladly welcomed.
Sorry we missed you on Tuesday!
It was a great night with more than 200 people in attendance. Guests engaged with various environmental organizations from the area, and Dr. Lisa Nisbet spoke about nature connectedness and how it affects our happiness and well being as humans.
The evening was recorded and we’ve included the YouTube video below. We hope you enjoy. Please feel free to share with your friends.
If you’re feeling inspired to look for some new ways to engage with nature, take a look at our upcoming events for ways to join in.
We’d love to see you at the next talk with Rick Beaver of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna on May 14th at Market Hall. More details to come shortly. Have a great long weekend!
