A movement is blossoming across the US– the creation, stewardship and netweaving of nearby nature spaces to help us heal – something we need today more than ever. Alden Stoner, CEO of Nature Sacred, will share where the science meets the soul through these community-led greenspaces, or Sacred Places. Her talk will dive into the process and outcomes of these spaces, and will highlight the book BenchTalk: Wisdoms Inspired in Nature, a collection of journal entries from visitors over the last 25 years. This will be followed by a moderated conversation with Ruby Olisemeka from the Westchester Land Trust and a Q&A session.

Nature Sacred (www.naturesacred.org) exists to inspire, inform and guide communities in the creation of public green spaces—called Sacred Places—designed to improve mental health, unify communities and engender peace. For over 25 years, Nature Sacred has partnered with over 100 communities across the country to infuse nearby nature into places where healing is often needed most. Each Sacred Place is bonded together by a common goal: to reconnect people with nature in ways that foster mindful reflection, restore mental health and strengthen communities.

Alden Stoner is the CEO of Nature Sacred, a US-based non-profit. Under her leadership, Nature Sacred transformed from a grant-giving organization to an operating foundation to improve individual and community wellness by expanding its existing 100+ community-led, contemplative green spaces – Sacred Places – across the US. She is the producer of the book, BenchTalk: Wisdoms Inspired in Nature, a collection of journal entries from the first 25 years of visitors to Sacred Places. Alden previously served as a member of the Board for a decade-and-a-half and co-directed and produced several short films about select Sacred Places supported by the organization. For 20 years prior to joining Nature Sacred, Alden mobilized organizations and the public around social issues, films, Fortune 500 brands, and start-ups. Alden graduated with a B.A from the University of Southern California, Phi Beta Kappa, and holds a dual Masters in Global Media and Communication from USC and the London School of Economics. She gets her 20 minutes a day of nature by paddle-boarding on the Chesapeake Bay, forest walks with her kiddo, and Japanese wood carving.

Alden Stoner