MCLA's Green Living Seminar Returns with 'Nature and Spirituality' Series
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' (MCLA) popular Green Living Seminar series returns this spring with "Nature and Spirituality," a 12-week exploration of how faith, religion, and spiritual traditions shape our relationship with the natural world.
The series launches Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 5:30 p.m., in The Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121 with poet David Crews presenting "Land & The Spiritual Journey."
All sessions are free and open to the public.
"This semester's theme examines the profound connections between spirituality and environmental stewardship," said Dr. Elena Traister, MCLA professor of environmental studies and the series' organizer. "From Indigenous perspectives to climate activism rooted in faith, these conversations are more relevant than ever."
Spring 2026 Schedule (All sessions Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in FCSI 121):
Jan. 28 – "Land & The Spiritual Journey" with David Crews, Poet
Feb. 4 – "Faith Under Fire: How Religion Shapes Climate Concern in the Middle East" with Dr. Nimah Mazaheri, Professor of Political Science and Dean of Academic Affairs, Tufts University
Feb. 11 – "Mindful Birding and the Science of Awe: Improving Our Health & Saving the Planet" with Dave Edson, Educator and Naturalist
Feb. 18 – "How Religion Influences Our Relationship with the Environment" with Dr. Alexander de Sherbinin, Director
and Senior Research Scientist, Columbia Climate School's Center for Integrated Earth System Information (CIESIN)
Feb. 25 – "Tribal Historic Preservation in the Stockbridge-Munsee Ancestral Homeland" with Bonney Hartley, Tribal Historic Preservation Manager, Stockbridge-Munsee Community
March 4 – "Nature, Well-Being, and Indigenous Perspectives on the Interconnectedness of People and Creation" with Wahieñhawi "Hawi" Hall, Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services and Community Liaison for Indigenous Students, Cornell Health
March 11 – "Emerson's Transcendentalism and Ecology: Politics Beyond Cynicism" with Russell C. Powell, Research Associate, Harvard Divinity School Center for the Study of the World Religions
March 25 – "Caring for the Sacred in Nature: The Role of Cultural and Spiritual Values in Landscape Stewardship" with Jessica Brown, Executive Director, New England Biolabs Foundation
April 1 – "How the Church Can Engage with the Urgent Moral Crisis of Climate Change" with Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Denominational Leader, Activist, and Public Theologian
April 8 – "How Laws Protecting Birds Strengthen Human Communities" with Meredith Barges, Chair, Lights Out Central NY, PhD Student, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
April 15 – "The Call of the Ecozoic: Religions Enter Their Planetary Phase" with Sam King, Project Manager, Journey of the Universe
April 22 – "Landscapes of the Secular: Law, Religion, and American Sacred Space" with Dr. Nicolas C. Howe, Professor of Environmental Studies, Williams College
All presentations take place Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in MCLA's Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121 and will be recorded as podcasts available at www.mcla.edu/greenliving.
For more information, contact Elena Traister at elena.traister@mcla.edu or 413-662-5303.
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