As we all gear up for Nature Sacred’s next chapter, we know how important it is to grow awareness of the power of nature, and Sacred Places, to improve the health of people and communities. Endorsement for these ideas via awards is an excellent means to do this. Which is why we are particularly happy to share that three people within the Nature Sacred Network — one, a member of our Board; and another a Firesoul — have been named 2020 SHIFT Award recipients, which recognizes initiatives and individuals leveraging outdoor rec for conservation gains and/or advancing the health benefits of time outside.
The three are:
- Fred Smith, Director of Grants and Partnerships at the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, and member of our Board, who is being awarded together with the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama for their Sacred Place initiative, which is responsible for 15 new Sacred Places across 9 counties served by the foundation. Among the sites of these new Sacred Places: an HBCU, a low-income housing facility, a Civil Rights trail, and a cultural center honoring the Cherokee Nation.
- Teresia Hazen, horticultural therapist and coordinator of gardens at Legacy Health Systems in Oregon; and Firesoul of A Nature Place at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland; she is being recognized for her work with Legacy Health Therapeutic Gardens Program (LTGP), which includes A Nature Place, a Sacred Place created as part of the National Nature Sacred Awards Program.
- Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix – and long-time collaborator of Nature Sacred; Florence’s work to help advance and mainstream ideas around nature’s restorative benefits, and to further the health and nature movement, earned her a 2020 SHIFT Award.
And just to put their win into perspective: More than 200 people and organizations were considered.
We’re thrilled for these amazing trailblazers, humbled to help support their essential work — and excited about what this indicates for the road ahead.
We thank SHIFT for recognizing this impactful work, and congratulate all of the winners.
