Nature-Connected Professionals: Summer Gathering 2026

The Nature-Connected Professionals gather to cultivate depth through community building, engage broadly through networking, and steward care for life by generously sharing skills, knowledge, and the wisdom of experience.

This year's Summer Gathering will focus on community care for the human and more-than-human relationship. The Gathering's facilitators will collaborate to provide a guided nature immersion, an eco-art therapy experience for climate-related anxiety and grief, and meaningful conversation to process distress and move toward inner harmony, even though there is an atmosphere of unrest. We find the courage to do this work because of our common-unity within the natural world.

Our Intentions:

1) Deeply connect the NCP community in an abundant natural environment.

2) Provide guided experiences for somatic restoration and emotional processing related to climate change and ecological distress.

3) Meaningful discussion about climate change and how it impacts our lives, with frameworks and practices to take home for support.

Arrive Prepared: We will be outside. (We will move indoors if the conditions are poor.)

• Wear clothing that supports your comfort.
• Consider sunscreen, bug spray, sun hats, and sunglasses.
• Bring water/hydration & snacks.
• Bring something simple to sit on, like a small blanket or sit pad, if desired.
• The start time is at 4:00 pm. Late arrivals are welcome until 4:30 pm.

🎉 Optional social time following the main event!

Picknicking and swimming at Bush Lake starting at 6:30 pm! Late arrivals, friends, and family are welcome to join!

Facilitators:

Richard Bonk, Wellness Coach & Health Educator (https://www.richardbonk.com/)

Becca Manthe, Eco-Arts Climate-Aware Therapist (https://www.intuitivetherapyclinics.com/becca-manthe-ma-lamft)

Daniel Griffin, Climate Scientist (https://griffinlab.umn.edu/)

Anika Wold, Environmental Leadership Professional (https://www.mnawwa.org/page/YPC)

Questions? Contact Becca Manthe: [email protected]