Annual Smith Nature Symposium

The Annual Smith Nature Symposium, hosted at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, United States, is Brushwood Center's largest fundraising event of the year, directly benefiting programs for youth, families, and Veterans within the community. This year, the Symposium honors Amy Morrison Heinrich as the Honorary Chair and recognizes Karenna Gore with the 2026 Environmental Leadership Award. An author, climate activist, and founder of the Center for Earth Ethics, Karenna Gore has established herself as a significant voice in the climate crisis dialogue and works to address the ethical and spiritual dimensions of environmental issues.The event not only serves as a celebration of nature but also as a platform for raising awareness about pressing ecological challenges. Attendees will join a community of committed supporters aiming for a thriving and equitable world for both people and nature. The Center for Earth Ethics, under Karenna's guidance, focuses on shifting societal values from short-term material gains to long-term ecological health, advocating for sustainability and environmental justice. The history of the Smith Nature Symposium dates back to May 6, 1984, when over 350 nature enthusiasts came together for the inaugural event featuring Roger Tory Peterson. This gathering marked the beginning of a four-decade legacy honoring the contributions of Hermon Dunlap and Ellen Thorne Smith, philanthropists who significantly impacted the conservation landscape in the region. The Symposium continues to bring together individuals who are passionate about nature, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards building healthier ecological and human communities.