Lessons from the River and Land Lecture Series

This series of hour-long lectures from guest speakers will be based on topics of interest from our Ralph Wilson Park programming visitor surveys. Topics will include environmental education, black and indigenous history and other topics relevant to Detroit's history and natural surroundings.

Time: 6pm - 7pm

Dates: June 15, July 20, and August 17

Location: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park (1801 W. Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48216)

Meeting Point: Outdoor Classroom

June 15th - Dr. John Hartig: Making Nature Part of Everyday Urban Life Through Ralph Wilson Park
A recent scientific study found that between 1800 and 2020, human connection with the natural world has declined by more than 60%. This decline was driven by urbanization, loss of nature experiences, and environmental degradation. Ralph Wilson Park has been designed to create memories through outdoor recreation, reconnect people with nature, and help make nature part of everyday urban life. On this walk through the park, you will see and learn about creative ways of bringing conservation to cities.

July 20th – Kim Simmons of the Detroit River Project (Black history and the river)

August 17 - TBD