Dr. Suzanne Simard

Roots of Resilience: Hidden Connections of Forests and Society

The 28th Annual Wege Speaker Series will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 4pm. This year’s event will return to a virtual presentation.

Presenting is Dr. Suzanne Simard, Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and author of Finding the Mother Tree. Her groundbreaking research has reshaped our understanding of forests, revealing them as deeply interconnected communities. At the heart is the Mother Tree—a central figure in forest resilience and regeneration.

Dr. Simard will explore how the wisdom of forests can guide us in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, and environmental justice. Just as trees in a forest collaborate to ensure their collective survival, human societies must embrace cooperation and reciprocity to build more sustainable and resilient communities.

A pioneer in forest ecology and a vital advocate for Indigenous-led land stewardship, Simard has profoundly influenced the fields of conservation, climate adaptation, and stewardship. This lecture will highlight how applying these natural principles can lead to more effective conservation strategies and a healthier planet for future generations.

Dr. Simard has presented at conferences around the world, including her TEDTalk “How trees talk to one another”. In addition, her work has influenced filmmakers such as James Cameron with the Tree of Souls concept in the blockbuster movie Avatar. She was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for 2024.

Date:

Wednesday, April 24, 2025

Time:

4pm

Registration for virtual presentation:

https://wegespeaker2025.eventbrite.com

About the Wege Speaker Series

The origins of who we are and what we do

About the Series

Every spring since 1997, the Wege Foundation has invited scientists, authors and thinkers to present a free public lecture on environmental and social justice issues and their connection to healthy economies and communities. Although the Foundation’s founder Peter M. Wege passed away in 2014, his work lives on. A visionary and leader, Peter believed in planting seeds that develop leaders in health, education, arts and Economicology, a term he coined to connect environmental with economic issues.

About the Foundation

The Wege Foundation’s main focus is Western Michigan, mainly in Grand Rapids. Peter M. Wege, founder of the family foundation, felt strongly about keeping the mission local because it honored the wishes of his father Peter Martin Wege, who created the Foundation’s resources. Peter Martin Wege founded Metal Office Furniture, today’s Steelcase, in 1912. His metal-working genius and entrepreneurial gifts started the company that became the world’s largest producer of office furniture.