The Nature Connection Leadership One-Credit Class

Nature Connection Leadership

at the Morven Sustainability Lab, University of Virginia

ETP 3500 Spring, 2026

Why enroll in Nature Connection Leadership?

Welcome Retreat

During the four-hour retreat on March 13th, you will be introduced to the science of nature connectedness and nature connection practices in five exploratory areas - belonging, savoring, restoration, meaning making, and kinship care. You will also be introduced to the main facilitation skills and community engagement practices that you will cultivate throughout the course. A Nature Connection Concept Map will be provided to support your learning.

During the welcome retreat, you will connect with other like-minded individuals.

Community Engagement

To build confidence in leading nature connection initiatives, all students partake in a community engagement project at Morven. Projects are highly flexible to fit within the class schedule. Faculty leaders of the program will be available to support you at every step of your project, from program design to feedback collection.

Projects integrate the program's foundational knowledge concepts, exploration areas, and facilitation skills.

Participants may be invited to join from the larger UVA community.

Independent Exploration

To develop the expertise needed to promote the science and practice of nature connection, students engage in a study of a self-chosen focus area. All of the materials are selected to prepare you to work within a wide range of settings, from urban office buildings to remote wilderness areas.

Concepts may be incorporated into community engagement projects and into a final personal mission statement shared at the closing retreat.

Closing Retreat

During the closing retreat, you will have the opportunity to share your personal mission statement that reflects your knowledge of foundational concepts.

During the close retreat, there will be opportunities for leading activities.

At the completion of class, students may say:

-I have expertise that allows me to educate others about the science and practice of nature connectedness.

-I have expertise in leading community engagement experiences to promote nature connection through events, retreats, workshops, and projects.

Instructors: Carolyn Schuyler is a UVA Visiting Scholar, a Morven Sustainability Lab Community Scholar, a psychotherapist/ecotherapist, and the founder of Wildrock and Nature Connection Lab, two local nonprofit organizations seeking to promote nature connection for health and happiness. Her joy is joining with others to find meaning and purpose in a relationship with nature.

Assisting the class is Dorothe Bach, Associate Director and Professor at UVA's Center for Teaching Excellence. She is committed to helping students create a life for themselves that is in keeping with their deeply held values and considers their natural and social environments.

Page updated

Report abuse