For centuries, poets and philosophers have extolled the benefits of a walk in the woods. Intrigued by our storied renewal in the natural world, Florence Williams set out to uncover the science behind nature’s positive effects on the brain. She made her way to Town Hall to uncover the powers of the natural world to improve health, promote reflection and innovation, and ultimately strengthen our relationships. Williams was joined in conversation with Diane Regas, CEO of The Trust for Public Land. From forest trails in Korea, to islands in Finland, to groves of eucalyptus in California, Williams and Regas investigated the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health, and creativity. Together, Williams and Regas invited us to consider how, as our modern lives shift dramatically indoors, the insight and answers we receive from the natural world are more urgent than ever.

Florence Williams is a journalist, author, podcaster, and public speaker. She is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and a freelance writer for the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Review of Books, Slate, Mother Jones and numerous other publications. She is also the writer and host of two Gracie-Award-winning Audible Original series, Breasts Unbound and The Three-Day Effect, as well as Outside Magazine’s Double-X Factor podcast. 

Diane Regas joined The Trust for Public Land in the spring of 2018 as president and CEO. Prior to The Trust for Public Land, Diane worked for more than a decade at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), most recently as executive director, where she helped EDF advance solutions that promote prosperity for all people and for the planet.

Promotional Partners: Harvard Club of Seattle, Harvard Alumni for Education, Seattle University College of Science and Engineering. Recorded live in the Forum at Town Hall Seattle on October 3, 2019.