The Nature of Health: A Science + Art Symposium

The Nature of Health is a multidisciplinary science and art symposium exploring how creative practice, the natural world and ecological vitality shape human health and wellbeing. Bringing together artists, scientists, health practitioners and cultural leaders, the symposium examines health as an interconnected system—one that depends on both human creativity and the health of the environments we inhabit. The symposium centers on three core themes:


  • Art and Health. How the arts foster emotional wellbeing, resilience, connection and collective care—supporting mental, physical and social health across communities.

  • Nature and Health. How time spent in nature—gardens, forests, wetlands and urban green spaces—supports psychological restoration, physical vitality and overall wellbeing.

  • Health of Nature. How biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are essential to sustaining life, highlighting stewardship, conservation and reciprocal relationships with the living world.

    • Through keynotes, interdisciplinary panels, breakout conversations and garden tours, this symposium invites participants to reimagine health as a shared responsibility nurtured through creativity, connection to nature and care for the planet. This is a biennial event held every two years at Denver Botanic Gardens. Registration is limited. We hope you’ll join us.


    What's included

  • All keynote sessions, panels and featured programming

  • Coffee and light refreshments in the Networking Lounge throughout both days

  • Concurrent breakout sessions

  • Thursday lunch on-site (buffet)

  • Friday lunch on-site (box lunch to enjoy in the gardens or grab & go)

  • Gardens admission is included with registration


    • Thursday schedule

    9 a.m. Check-in, coffee & snacks, networking


    9:30 a.m. Welcome + opening remarks, keynote and presentations


    Noon Lunch


    1:30 p.m. Keynote, presentations, breakout groups


    6:30 p.m. Optional Thursday evening gathering



    Friday schedule

    8:30 a.m. Optional tours


    9 a.m. Check-in, coffee & snacks, networking


    9:30 a.m. Keynote and presentations


    12:30 p.m. Closing and boxed lunch


    2 p.m. Optional tours



    Keynote presenters:

  • Julia Hotz – Author of The Connection Cure, exploring the growing global movement of social prescribing and how connection—to nature, community and purpose—can transform health outcomes.

  • Dr. Marc Berman – Environmental neuroscientist whose research demonstrates how exposure to nature improves cognitive function, mental health and overall brain performance.

  • Dallas May ( Leopold Conservation Award Winner) – A leading voice in regenerative land stewardship, demonstrating how conservation practices support both ecological and human health through working landscapes.

    • Questions? Email [email protected].


    Fee: $285, $225 member, $95 student

    Location: Freyer – Newman Center, 1085 York Street


    Please note: Only one ticket can be reserved per transaction. Please contact our Resource Center at (720) 865-3500 if you have any questions.

    Dates + Times

    September 17
    -
    Audience
    Adults
    Register

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