L’Université dans la Nature becomes UNature
Being in connection with nature means learning how to adapt and evolve. In an act of biomimicry, l’Université dans la Nature is evolving, too.
We’re proud to announce a new name and visual identity which reflect our expanding focus and deepened commitment to making an impact in all the areas in which we work.
This symbol, based on the Hexagram of the Yi-King, represents strategic retreat, or a temporary retirement from daily life for wellness, health, and a deeper sense of meaning. A strategic retreat returns us to society with greater strength and clarity.
Co-Founder Hubert Mansion says this necessity for retreat is becoming even more important in modern life. “Calm and clarity of thought are getting harder to come by. They don't live in the city anymore, but in nature. Go into a forest or a park and find them. Only 15 minutes in nature will change your mind and positively affect your body.”
Contact with nature allows people to come back to themselves, their families, and communities stronger than before. We recognize the scientific evidence pointing to nature as a fundamental ally for public health, and aim to provide greater access to nature re-connection programs and community projects.
Why UNature?
For nearly a decade, L’Université dans la Nature has worked to amplify scientific knowledge on the benefits of living in close relationship with nature and put it into practice in our communities, schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Because our mission is grounded in this scientific research and education, “L’Université” was always an important aspect of our name.
But our mission does not rest squarely in the field of academia. Instead, it combines scientific research with action. Our aim going forward is to broaden efforts to ensure that research on nature is being applied to help people, especially those who need it most.
The “U” in UNature stands for the university and scientific research that will always be our foundation. It also stands for…
the universal good that comes from putting research into practice
the unity between YOU + NATURE
“That’s our evolution,” says Co-Founder Emilia Tamko Mansion. “We realized what is really important is what the knowledge is doing. We love the fact that the role we can play is not just staying in the realm of theory and giving people knowledge, but having a very concrete action in order for people to benefit from it. That is the essence of UNature.”
We are committed to building a bridge connecting scientific research on the benefits of nature with practices that make that happen for everyone.
We do this through programs and community projects designed to increase access to nature in order to facilitate retreat and help people become a positive force in the world. Two of these flagship programs include:
Ecoleader Course
This 7-week course teaches the historical, philosophical, and anthropological foundations of our connection with the natural world. These insights support participants in rediscovering their relationship with nature, and provide tools to improve personal well-being, the health of their organization and thus become “ecoleaders”.
Certified Guide Course
Upon completion of this course, participants will become Certified Guides, with the knowledge and skills to lead the Nature (Re)Connection program, an immersive forest experience that helps people deepen their connection with nature.
“This knowledge has empowered me to take an active role in positive change.”
