Making Nature Whole: Ecological Restoration and the New Communion with Nature

Described by Michael Pollan as the “leading visionary” of ecological restoration, Dr. Jordan is widely recognized as an intellectual leader in this area. “Audubon” magazine described his book The Sunflower Forest: Ecological Restoration and the New Communion with Nature, as worthy of the pantheon occupied by thinkers such as Muir and Leopold. His new book Making Nature Whole: A History of Ecological, Restoration, will be published by Island Press in July.  Dr. Jordan is currently the director of The New Academy for Nature and Culture and co-director of DePaul University's Institute for Nature and Culture. He and his wife live in Woodstock, IL.

Attempts to restore whole ecosystems is a relatively new practice. It offers unique benefits, however, both as the key to the perpetuation of ancient ecosystems, and as a context in which to explore and negotiate the terms of our relationship with them. In his presentation, Dr. Jordan will examine current ideas about the distinctive value of this form of land management, allowing plenty of time for discussion.