Keynote Speaker

Joe Walewski

Fostering Attentiveness: The heart of Naturalist Practices 

Joe Walewski has dedicated nearly 40 years to his practice as a Wolf Ridge Naturalist, including three decades leading the graduate program. As a curious grandfather and author of Lichens of the North Woods, Ferns of the North Woods, and Mosses and Liverworts of the North Woods, Joe has studied with both human mentors and the land itself. Joe’s work explores our kinship with the vibrant natural world, reminding us that we aren't just observers, but a functional part of the landscape's story. Joe’s approach fosters a shared practice of attentiveness, moving beyond imparting facts to embracing our roles as lifelong learners in the grand, wild classroom outdoors.

Abstract:

We often head into the woods to find something, but the real magic happens when we stay long enough to let the land find us. In this keynote, Joe explores Naturalist Practices - a simple, rhythmic framework of slowing down, noticing our surroundings, gathering information, and sharing those discoveries with others. Rather than a clinical checklist, these practices are a gateway into a deeper relationship with the world. We’ll trace the path from the first physical spark of a sensory observation to the quiet reflection that follows, eventually arriving at those "aha!" moments that change how we understand our place in the ecosystem. By embracing a bit of whimsy and treating the land as a wise co-teacher rather than a backdrop, we can disrupt our digital hum and reclaim the ancient, whispered stories of the landscape. Join us to rediscover the transformative, radical power of simply paying attention.