Women in Nature - Autumn Walk, Stromlo Park Bushfire Memorial
Event description
Join Landcare ACT for nature connection walks in Autumn as part of Women in Nature - a program supporting women from all walks of life to come together and connect with nature for health and wellbeing. Landcare ACT's Women in Nature program is supported by a community grant from ACTEWAGL.
Personal and planetary health are deeply intertwined, but increasing urbanisation and time spent on devices can leave us feeling estranged from the natural world. For these reasons, it's important to carve out time to intentionally restore our connection with nature. Nature connection pertains to our emotional and psychological relationship with nature. Cultivating nature connection has been shown to support mental and physical health, whilst fostering a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and fulfilment contributing to overall quality of life. Importantly, nature connection is also a driver for pro-conservation sustainability actions which makes sense, because once we truly value something, we are more likely to protect and care for it.
In times of struggle, grief, and loss nature can be a welcome place of solace and comfort. The ACT Bushfire Memorial is located in University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park. The memorial was commissioned by the ACT Government to acknowledge the impact of the 2003 bushfires and mark the process of recovery.
Designed by Canberra artists Tess Horwitz, Tony Steel and Martyn Jolly, with significant advice and input from the Canberra community, the Bushfire Memorial takes us on a journey from the day of the fire, through the process of recovery, to the honouring of memory. The design of the surrounding landscape and the stream are an integral part of the Memorial. Most of the plant species selected by the artists are native, many of which are indigenous to the area.
Explore your connection to nature as a source of resilience through a range of facilitated activities. There will be opportunities for personal reflection and group discussion.
Please wear enclosed walking shoes, sun protection and bring a drink bottle to keep hydrated.