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This calendar includes both events at the Institute and
lectures/workshops given by staff in other places. For questions
or pre-registration, please contact us: 518-672-0116; email:
info@natureinstitute.org.
Unless otherwise noted, the event takes place at The Nature
Institute, 20 May Hill Road, Ghent (Harlemville). For
directions, click here.
Click
here for lodging near The Nature Institute
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June 22 to June 28
2008 Summer Course: The Plant as a Teacher of
Living Thinking
A course with Craig Holdrege and Henrike Holdrege
Our modern culture cultivates abstract thought that leads to fragmented
modes of understanding and interacting with the world. But nature herself
is whole and integrated. Can we learn from nature how to think and act in
more living, whole ways? In this week-long course we will study plants
in various habitats: plant form, metamorphosis, and environmental
variation. Exercises in dynamic thinking will support the plant
studies. We will also explore how—in various walks of life—a
more living thinking can change our understanding of the world and the
way we interact with it.
For more information or a registration form,
click here. |
July 6 to July 12
Bringing Science to Life
A course with Craig Holdrege, Henrike Holdrege, and Jon McAlice
Designed for teachers, this course takes up the challenge of high school
science. How can we teach science in a manner that allows students to
experience and question the world? Through seminars, concrete practice
of phenomenological methodology, group project work, and collegial
dialogue we want to address and explore many still untapped aspects of
experience-based learning. For more information or a registration form,
click here. |
September 27, 2008 - June 6, 2009
In Dialogue with Nature
A course with Craig Holdrege and Henrike Holdrege
The course will be held one Saturday per month from 9 am to 5 pm. The
dates are:
In 2008: September 27, October 18, November 15, December 13
In 2009: January 17, February 14, March 21, April 25, May 9, June 6
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Registration is required by September 1. Course fee: $850.
For more information or a registration form,
click here.
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April 25 and 26
Miracle Tomato
A play written and performed by Jessica Cerullo and produced by Walking
the Dog Theater.
Location: Basilica Industria, 110 Front Street, Hudson, NY
Friday and Saturday, play begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Nature Institute is co-sponsoring “Small Revolution Expo,”
which has as its centerpiece the play Miracle Tomato, an
original and serious comedy written and performed by Jessica Cerullo
and produced here by Walking the Dog Theater. During the Expo on
Saturday afternoon, Craig Holdrege will speak about the unintended
“side-effects” of genetic manipulation and the widespread use
of GM crops in agriculture today. The “Small Revolution Expo”
surrounding the two performances of Miracle Tomato will feature
local organic farms and related initiatives in Columbia County. |
April 8
Whale Music
A lecture and demonstration by David Rothenberg
Location: Hawthorne Valley School (Music Room), 330 Route 21C, Ghent NY
Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., $12 (seniors and students $8)
David Rothenberg has traveled from Hawaii to Russia and Canada to make music with belugas, orcas, and the greatest of all animal musicians, the humpbacks. After years of investigating bird song, culminating in his book Why Birds Sing, and many recorded improvisations with his clarinet, he has turned his attention to whales. He will share his explorations of the underwater world of sonic mystery and his attempts to create interspecies music with whales in their native habitats. His book Thousand Mile Song: Whale Music in a Sea of Sound will be available later this spring.
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January 19 and 26 and February 2
Winter Wildlife Tracking
With Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott
Saturdays, from 9a.m. to noon
Pre-registration is required.
The Nature Institute and Woodland Ways are offering three Saturday morning tracking workshops. The first workshop, on January 19, will begin with an introduction that will give beginners a firm foundation for outdoor observation and track identification. Beginners and experienced trackers are welcome at all workshops. Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott have conducted workshops for adults and young people for many years. Meet at The Nature Institute on January 19 and 26 and at Hawthorne Valley School parking lot on February 2. Please come prepared for cold or rainy weather.
Each workshop: Adults $30, students and seniors $20, free for a child under 12 accompanied by an adult (not suitable for young children). Contact us for family rates. |
December 3
Disrupting Life’s Integrity: The Nontarget Effects of Genetic Manipulation
A talk by Craig Holdrege
Monday, at 7:30 p.m., $12 ($8 students and seniors)
Craig will speak about the Institute’s current research project investigating how genetic engineering causes unforeseen changes in the manipulated organisms. Through describing a variety of examples, he will provide a picture of the massive experiment with the earth’s organisms and discuss its implications. |
November 18
The Colors of the Heavens: Rainbows, Halos, and Glories
A talk by Johannes Kühl
Sunday, at 7:30 p.m., $12 ($8 students and seniors)
Johannes Kühl is a physicist and head of the Science Section at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland. He has been a high school teacher and has lectured widely to audiences around the world. This evening he will focus our attention on some common and rare celestial color phenomena. |
October 15
An Idea That Hasn’t (Yet) Saved the World
A talk by Steve Talbott
Monday, at 7:30 p.m., $12 ($8 students and seniors)
Waldorf education, anthroposophy, Goethean science--powerful and restorative ideas are at work in these undertakings. But every idea holding a power to heal and redeem also holds a power to weaken and enslave. The art of working with ideas is crucial today, and developments within science give us ample warning of the danger when ideas possess us instead of our possessing them. Drawing his illustrations from those aspects of science that have proven more oppressive to the human spirit, Steve Talbott will talk about a profoundly healing idea--and how easily it can be mis-used. |
Beginning September 29, 2007
In Dialogue with Nature
A new course at The Nature Institute with Craig Holdrege and Henrike Holdrege
One Saturday a month, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 29; Oct. 27; Nov. 17; Dec. 15; in 2008: Jan.12; Feb. 9; March 8; April 19; May 17; June 14
Registration required by Sept.1; course fee $ 800
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September 21 - 23
Gestures of Becoming a Human Being
Embryology Seminar with Jaap van der Wal
Friday, 5 - 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Seminar fee $160, preregistration required by end of August. Details. |
August 11-12
Sounds of the Wild
Weekend workshop with David Rothenberg
Saturday, 9 a.m. to Sunday noon
Workshop fee $120, please preregister by the end of July.
Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. Details. |
June 24 to June 30 - 2007 Summer Course
Coming Alive to Nature: Practicing the Goethean Approach to Science and Nature Study
For more information, click here. |
April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14, 21
Center and Periphery
A workshop in 6 sessions with Henrike Holdrege
Mondays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Workshop fee: $90. Please register in
advance.
In six sessions we will explore the theme of "Center and Periphery"
through exercises in geometry, plant observation and optics. The polarity
of a center and its periphery is central in our relations to one another
as human beings and also in our relation to the rest of the world. |
March 15
Why Birds Sing: A Journey into the Mystery of Bird Song
A lecture and musical presentation by David Rothenberg
Thursday, 7:30 p.m., at Hawthorne Valley School (Ghent, NY), Music Room.
Admission $12 (seniors and students $8)
In his book Why Birds Sing, David Rothenberg combines the insights
of science, music, and poetry to penetrate the mystery of the natural
symphony that resounds around us every spring. David Rothenberg is associate
professor of humanities at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is
a composer and musician who tries to blend the indigenous energy of the
world's primal music with the exploratory spirit of improvisation. He has
performed and spoken all over the world and has many recordings, articles,
books, and interviews reflecting his passion for the sounds that connect
the human and natural world. |
March 12, 19, 26 and April 2
Evolution Beyond Scientific and Religious Dogmatism
A series of four talks by Craig Holdrege
Mondays, at 7:30 p.m., admissions $12 (seniors and students $8).
The public discussion of evolution has become highly polarized. Material
and spiritual views of nature and humanity are presented as irreconcilable
opposites. Instead of nuanced arguments, we are offered oversimplifications
that gloss over deeper questions. One way to move beyond oversimplification
is to return to a careful consideration of the phenomena themselves, which
are always more complex than any simple scheme can encompass. In this
series of talks, Craig Holdrege will discuss the topic of evolution by
drawing on concrete examples from animal and human evolution. While
offering no pat answers, he will point to patterns and riddles that embrace
the physical-spiritual nature of evolution. The four evenings will build on
one another. Participation in all four is encouraged, although attendance
at single lectures is possible. Seating is limited so we suggest that you
register in advance. |
February 3
Winter Wildlife Tracking
Fieldtrip to Quabbin Reservoir
With Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at Hawthorn Valley School parking lot.
Fee $ 60, students and seniors $ 50. Please preregister.
For those who have some tracking experience, here is the opportunity to put those skills to good use in exploring the vast Quabbin Reservoir area. Thousands of acres of forest provide a superb refuge for wildlife. Bring a bag lunch. Transportation is provided. |
January 27
Winter Wildlife Tracking
With Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, meet at Hawthorn Valley School parking lot.
Workshop fee $30, students and seniors $20. Please preregister.
For those who have attended the previous workshop or have had some tracking instruction and experience. We will explore the valley and surrounding areas to trace the activities of local wildlife. |
January 20
Winter Wildlife Tracking
With Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, meet at Hawthorn Valley School parking lot.
Workshop fee $30, students and seniors $20. Please preregister. |
November 16
Who Was Goethe Anyway?
A lecture by John Barnes.
Thursday, at 7:30 p.m., admission $12 (seniors and students $8). |
October 21
Workshop on Bees and Beekeeping
with Gunther Hauk.
Enrollment is limited. Advanced registration required, phone 518-672-0116 or e-mail info@natureinstitute.org
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., workshop fee $85. |
October 20
The Healing Qualities of Bees
A lecture by Gunther Hauk.
Friday, at 7:30 p.m., admission $12 (seniors and students $8). |
October 6
The Problem of Genetically Engineered Food: What Is It and What Can We Do?
A lecture by Craig Holdrege at The NOAH Center.
Jointly sponsored by The NOAH Center and The Nature Institute.
Seating is limited and must be reserved by calling The NOAH Center at 413-528-0297.
The NOAH Center, 40l Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA.
Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., admission $10. |
September 29
Guess What's Coming to Dinner: The Unintended Effects of Genetic Engineering
A lecture by Craig Holdrege,
sponsored by the Hungry Hollow Coop in Spring Valley.
At the Green Meadow Waldorf School, Arts Building, in Spring Valley (Chestnut Ridge), NY.
Friday, at 8:00 p.m. |
September 23 (Rain date September 24)
Spectacular Tag Sale
The ultimate community recycle event. Turn your gently used household items into support for The Nature Institute and shop for nearly-new treasures. Furniture, tools, toys, housewares and more.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
June 25 to
July 1
Practicing Goethean
Science (Advanced Course)
For
more information click here. |
June
15
Open House at The Nature Institute
A festive evening featuring a display of the projects
by students completing the Goethean Science Studies.
Thursday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
June
1-2
Water as Activity: Moving
Beyond a Material Conception
A workshop with Michael D'Aleo.
Thursday, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
Advanced registration required, workshop fee $50. |
June
1
Images of Water: Probing the
Essence of Water's Nature
A lecture by Michael D'Aleo.
Thursday at 7:30 p.m., admission $12. |
May
25
Poetry as a Schooling of Perception
A workshop with Gertrude Reif Hughes.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Advanced registration required, workshop fee $50. |
May
24
What Barfield Thought
A lecture by Gertrude Reif Hughes.
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., admission $12. |
May
11
Goethean Science and Modern
Physics
A workshop with Arthur Zajonc.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Advanced registration required, workshop fee $50. |
May
10
Spiritual Perspectives on
the Rise of Technology
A lecture by Arthur Zajonc.
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., admission $12. |
April 25,
27, May 2, 4, 9, and 16
Opening the Gates of Knowledge:
Beyond Modernism and Postmodernism
A seminar (six classes) with Douglas Sloan.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Advanced registration required, seminar fee $90.
For more information, click
here. |
April 21
Tracking Dinosaurs Around
the World
A lecture by Martin Lockley.
Friday at 7:30 p.m., admission $12.
Note the location: Chatham High School Auditorium.
For more information, click
here. |
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April
20-21
Dynamic Patterns in Nature:
The Example of Dinosaurs
A workshop with Martin Lockley.
Thursday, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 10:45 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
Advanced registration required, workshop fee $50.
For more information, click
here. |
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April 2 to
June 16
Goethean Science Studies. Scientific Practice
Modeled After Life
A Full-time Immersion Course
To learn more about this
program, click
here. |
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January 14,
21, 28, and February
4
Wildlife Tracking. Together
with Woodland Ways, we are offering a four-session
workshop in winter wildlife tracking with trackers
Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan Talbott. This course
will give participants the opportunity to get out
into the winter landscape and learn to read the
sign and tracks of the many animals inhabiting our
woods and fields. The course is on four Saturdays
(Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4) from 9am to 12pm. The
introductory session on Jan. 14 is open to all as
a single session; otherwise, the four-Saturday course
is conceived of as one unit. Fee for the introductory
session only: $30; children under 12 w/ parents
free. Fee for complete course: $120. At The
Nature Institute. Please register ahead of time;
call 518-672-0116 or email info@natureinstitute.org. |
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September 20
to November 22
Projective Geometry
Extending our Boundaries and Experience of Thought.
Weekly course with Henrike Holdrege. Tuesday mornings
8:30 10 a.m.
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November 18
Celebrating The Nature Institute's
First Seven Years.
Please join us for this celebration, which will include
a talk (with slides) by Craig Holdrege on his new
research on the American Bison, music, and refreshments.
7:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne Valley School Hall in Harlemville
(one-half mile north of The Nature Institute on Route
21C).
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October 27
The Cow and the Cowherd in the
Context of a Biodynamic Farm. A talk by Steffen
Schneider. Steffen is the farm manager of Hawthorne
Valley Farm, which neighbors The Nature Institute. |
July 10 to July
16
Coming Alive to Nature: Reading
the Gestures of Life.
A week-long interdisciplinary summer course for people
from all walks of life. Details. |
June 26 to July
2
Advanced Course: Practicing
a Goethean Approach to Science.
This course is for people committed to the ongoing practice
of Goethean science. Details. |
May 21
Wildflowers of the Spring
Forest. Spring wildflower
walk with Craig
Holdrege from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring Newcombs
Wildflower Guide, if you have one. Meet at The Nature
Institute. Details. |
April 23
Here Come the Birds.
An early morning bird watching walk
with Harry Lazare from 7:30 -10 a.m. Bring binoculars
and a bird guide. Meet at The Nature Institute. Details. |
April 14
Grasping for Certainty,
Fleeing from Meaning The Dilemma of Science and
Some Thoughts on its Resolution. A talk by Steve
Talbott at The Nature Institute at 7:30 p.m. Details. |
March 29
Projective Geometry Course.
Henrike
Holdrege. 8:30 to 10 a.m. for ten consecutive Tuesdays.
Details. |
March 12
A Painter's Search for Meaning
in Nature. A talk and exhibit of new paintings
by Thomas Locker, followed by a panel discussion. A
Benefit Event for The Nature Institute. 7:30 pm, the
North Pointe Cultural Arts Center, Rte 9, Kinderhook,
NY.
Details. |
February 12
Introduction to Winter Wildlife
Tracking with Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan
Talbott. Details. |
January 27
Science at the Crossroads
A Battle Between Life and Death. A talk by David
Auerbach at Hawthorne Valley School. Details. |
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January 22
Introduction to Winter Wildlife
Tracking with Michael Pewtherer and Jonathan
Talbott. Details.
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November 11
The Trouble with Genetic Engineering:
New Developments in Biotech Food and Agriculture
A talk by Craig
Holdrege. Details. |
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November 5 and
6
Encountering Nature as a Conversation:
Our Responsibility as Human Beings for the Earth.
Public talk and workshop with Craig
Holdrege. Austin Waldorf School, Austin, Texas.
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November 4
From Wonderbread to GM Lettuce:
Genetic Engineering and our Food. Public
talk by Craig
Holdrege. Austin Waldorf School, Austin, Texas. |
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October 29
Thinking Through Metaphor:
Figurative Language as a Key to Understanding Goethe's
Phenomenological Approach
to Nature. A talk by Christina Jamison Root.
Details.
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October 13 - 21
Understanding the Wholeness
and Integrity of Nature. Craig
Holdrege teaches at Schumacher College (Dartington,
England) in a three-week public course on "Holistic
Science: Seeing With New Eyes" and also in the Masters
Degree in Holistic Science program. |
September 24 -
September 25
How Do Animals See the World?
- In the Footsteps of Painter Franz Marc. An
evening talk and Saturday morning workshop with Jan
Kees Saltet and Craig
Holdrege. Details. |
September 21 -
November 23
Projective Geometry - Extending our Boundaries and Experience
of Thought. A weekly course with Henrike
Holdrege. Details. |
September 10
The Nature of Drama and the Drama of Nature.
A talk by Slava Rozentuller. Details. |
July 25 to July
31
The World of Light and
Color. Summer course. |
July 11 to July
17
Reading the Gestures of Life. Summer course.
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June 27 to July
3
Practicing Goethean Science: Advanced Course.
Summer course. |
June 3-5
The Need for an Ignorance-Based World View.
Steve Talbott participated in this working conference
and gave a presentation, sponsored by the Land Institute
in Kansas. |
May 1 & 8
Wildflowers of the Spring
Forest: Ecology and Identification. Two Saturday
workshops with Craig
Holdrege. |
May 22
Spring Wildlife Tracking.
A Saturday workshop with Michael Pewtherer and
Jonathan Talbott. |
May 31
A Goethean Approach
to Understanding Genetic Engineering.
Craig Holdrege spoke (in German) at a conference
in Krakow, Poland; the conference has the overriding
theme "Touched by the Elements: Ecology and Art
in Polish-German Dialogue." |
April 21
How Ecological Can Farming
Be? A talk by Hugh Williams, Threshold Farm. |
April 17
Here Come the Birds.
An early morning bird watching walk with Harry
Lazare. |
April 7
The Promise and the
Gift of Plants. A presentation and slide show
by Jean-David Derreumaux about plants that heal. |
March 23 - June
1
Projective Geometry - Extending our Boundaries and Experience
of Thought. A weekly course with Henrike
Holdrege. |
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