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Beth Norcross, Founder and Executive Director
With extensive training and experience in both theology and ecology, Beth Norcross founded and directs the Center for Spirituality in Nature. She speaks, writes and leads numerous programs that offer spiritual guidance for developing deep, sustained, loving relationships with nature.
Beth has developed a number of educational resources, including a spiritual study of the Ken Burns film, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, and the popular six-week video series: The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (with Leah Rampy). She also wrote our two popular spiritual
guides: Inside Out: Practices for Going Deeper in Nature and Start SINGing: How to Form Your Own Spirituality in Nature Group.
Beth Norcross, MF, MTS, DMin
To help integrate spirituality in nature into theological education, Beth co-founded the Green Seminary Initiative, and as adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary, has created numerous classes, including one on Spirituality in Nature and Ecojustice.
After receiving a B.A. in mathematics from Duke University and a Master of Forestry degree, Beth worked for the U.S. Senate National Parks and Forests subcommittee and as Vice-President for Conservation for American Rivers. She then pursued further education in eco-theology, earning a Master of Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in eco-spirituality. Her dissertation focused on “The National Parks as Sacred Ground.”
Beth has three grown children and lives with her husband in Arlington, VA. She delights in
exploring nature while hiking, kayaking and skiing. She also loves listening to music and singing
as well as playing a variety of sports. She finds particular inspiration and guidance from slow
walks in nature with her five grandchildren.