Book Discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass

Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Robin Kimmerer shows how other living beings—asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass—offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return. (Milkweed Editions)

This program is part of the Year of Trees– a program celebrating Awbury as a museum of trees, that includes a variety of native, state-champion, flowering, specimen, and heritage species.

Presenter Biography:

Sheryl Wright grew up on a tree-lined street in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia where she discovered her affinity for trees at a young age. For as far back as she can recall, she has been very grateful for the presence of trees, on her street growing up and elsewhere. As a child, Sheryl wished to see the redwood trees in Northern California—a wish that she later fulfilled as an adult.

After graduating from college, Sheryl lived in New York City for 23-years. She is grateful to have had the good fortune to reside on tree-lined streets in Brooklyn for much of that time.

Having returned to Philadelphia to live, Sheryl’s reverence for trees led her to become involved at Awbury, where she currently serves as a board member. She is facilitating the Year of Trees’ book discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass to join with others in a conversation that uplifts and honors our symbiotic relationship with all living things.

Suggested donation – $15