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The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees:
Insights from Our Elders

You've heard that the trees are speaking to each other...

but what are they
saying to us?

Examine the science and Spirit of the forest to explore the ancient wisdom trees offer us for deep connections with each other and Earth.

Explore lessons from our tree elders, such as: 

  • How to survive and thrive
     

  • The importance of living in community
     

  • Loss, resilience, renewal, and gratitude
     

  • Living in the light, dark and in-between times

See more details and register below. 

When Beth Norcross asked me to work with her as the filmmaker for "The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees," I had the great pleasure and privilege to experience firsthand how our trees, these “sentient beings,” are the essential anchor for the web of life. This transformative adventure reconnected me to my own spirituality. It has renewed my sense of purpose and commitment to do all that I can to protect and preserve the natural world.

- Jane Pittman, Filmmaker

OVERVIEW

The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees is currently available in a self-guided format.

It includes six sessions containing a beautifully-filmed 15-20 minute video and a spiritual practice and reflection guide around a specific theme.

The Self-Guided program is also open to groups at a special rate

Cracking Open

Collaboration & Communion

Light & Dark

Bearing Witness

Hope & Healing

Gratitude & Reciprocity

Session Themes

Self-Guided

Open Now

  • Engage with the six themed sessions, with videos and spiritual practices, at your own pace.

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  • All materials, including closing and additional resources, are available to you immediately and remain open to you for 12 months.

  • Course fee: $95 

Please contact us with any sign-up issues. 

For Groups

Open Now

  • We would love to help you offer a special experience to your community. Use our Self-Guided for Groups program to lead a meaningful experience in a flexible format on your schedule. 

  • Gather weekly or so to view a session's video, then invite individuals to engage the accompanying spiritual practice for a time before gathering again to discuss and share experiences.

  • Course fee: $295

Please contact us with any sign-up issues. 

It is always the Center's goal to make our programming accessible. If you find that finances are a barrier please contact us for scholarship information.

Details
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Exciting News!

Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees by Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy is now available. 

Order Yours Today

YOUR GUIDES

Bringing decades of spiritual and ecological training, leadership, and beautiful filmmaking to this provocative course. 

Guides
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Beth is educated in forestry, eco-theology and spirituality and is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Spirituality in Nature, where she has led numerous spiritual deepening programs in nature. She has recently co-authored the new book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, with Leah Rampy which will be released Earth Day 2025. 

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Leah brings extensive experience in leading contemplative programs, retreats and pilgrimages; she is the founder of and guide for Church of the Wild Two Rivers. She has recently co-authored the new book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, with Beth Norcross which will be released Earth Day 2025.

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Jane is an award-winning director, cinematographer and editor based in Washington, D.C. Her films have appeared on PBS and in film festivals throughout the world.

MORE SPIRITUALITY IN NATURE

The Center offers many more ways to deepen your experience in nature. Learn more about our other programs, events, and offerings. 

ATTEND

Center-Led Events

On-Going

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Seasonal Spiritual Nature Walks

We have adapted our local seasonal walk programs into five printable self-guided curricula to be used by individuals or groups anywhere and anytime.

Self-Guided Materials 

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Online, Self-paced

Start anytime

Take part in this popular program on your own schedule with our self-guided online course. 

The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees | Self-Guided

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And God Saw That It Was Good 

A Spirituality Course Accompanying Ken Burns's film The National Parks: America's Best Idea

A one-of-a-kind 4-session spiritual study companion to the award-winning Ken Burns film. Through written guides paired with stunning footage, you'll explore how the national parks can teach us about our relationship with Earth & Divine Mystery. 

Online, Self-Guided

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Custom Programs

Founder & Executive Director Beth Norcross is available to give talks, programs and retreats offering nature’s wisdom for living with connection, resilience, joy and hope. Learn more about Beth's speaking here.

In-Person or Online

Inquire for Availability

SUMMER
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Climate Talks for Everyone

Online

Rev. Payton Hoegh out of Los Angeles addresses the topic "Nature, Spirituality, & Earth's Intersecting Systems of Healing and Wholeness."

May 30, 2 pm ET

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Monday Meditations

Online

A monthly series for communal nature-based meditation and reflection, led by Center program director Payton Hoegh.

Donations welcome.

June 8, 12pm ET

Forest Stream View

Wild Gathering: Summer

Online

Join the Center for our quarterly program exploring the sacred wisdom open to us as we journey through the seasons. Our summer guest is Center board member and Episcopal priest Father Pete Nunally.

June 18, 7 PM ET

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Monday Meditations

Online

A monthly series for communal nature-based meditation and reflection, led by Center program director Payton Hoegh.

Donations welcome.

July 13, 12pm ET

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Virtual Forest Therapy Walk

Online

Center Executive Director Heidi Holliday will lead a virtual forest therapy walk.

July 18, 1-3 pm ET

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Summer SING Leaders Gathering

Online

Join other SING leaders for this quarterly virtual gathering.

August 20, 7 pm ET

FALL
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Mindful Art mini-retreat

Online

Center Executive Director Heidi Holliday will lead a virtual forest therapy walk.

Sept. 12, time TBD

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Slowing Down in the Wild: Women's Backpacking Trip

Journey with us on a mindful Slow Forest Bathing Backpacking Trip to experience first-hand what nature teaches us about hope and spiritual resilience.

- Equipment and food provided

- Beginners welcome

Oct. 2 - 4, 2026

MIchaux State Forest, PA

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