“I go among trees and sit still.
All my stirring becomes quiet
around me like circles on water.
My tasks lie in their places
Where I left them…”
Wendell Berry
THE MYSTERY OF TREES
Spirituality and Ecology
October 19 – 22, 2022
Marquette, Michigan
(4 P.M. Wednesday – 1 P.M. Saturday)
PROGRAM: Since its founding in 1995, The Cedar Tree Institute has sponsored 25 retreats and seminars across North America that have brought together small groups to explore various experiences of “engaged spirituality.” Many of these events have focused on environmental and justice issues, others on the dialogue between East and West, some on the link between prayer and social action. Participants are invited to connect both inner (personal) and outer landscapes. Retreats have been held in monasteries, remote cabins, and on American Indian reservations.
This year’s seminar focuses on the mystery of trees. Presentations by foresters, poets, musicians, wild land fire fighters, and theologians provide an opportunity to explore the essential and sacred role that forests play in the health of the planet. There will be time for solitude and prayer as well as reflective dialogs about the role of trees in the Great World Religions and in Native American traditions. On our closing morning, participants will be collectively, prayerfully invited to assist in planting 100 small cedar seedlings in the Yellow Dog Community Forest.
RETREAT FORMAT:
Participants will have the option to begin the day with an introduction to mindfulness and Tai Chi exercises. Time together will be based at the historic Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay (a former summer retreat for Henry Ford). Two of our three evening meals and discussions will take place at cabins near the shore of Lake Superior. Saunas will be available for those who choose.
TRAVEL, MEALS, AND LODGING:
Meals will be nourishing and healthy. Transportation will be provided by the Cedar Tree Institute throughout the retreat. There will be a balance of informal and formal time together. Single rooms will be provided unless requested otherwise.
Marquette, Michigan is located in the State’s Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed by airline via Sawyer International Airport (a 25-minute drive from Marquette). Transportation will be provided from and to the airport for those traveling by plane. If choosing to travel by car, Marquette is a three-hour drive northeast from Green Bay, Wisconsin. A three-hour drive from Mackinac Island, located at the east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
FACILITATORS:
Ruth Almén has previously held leadership positions with hospice agencies and community mental health organizations serving the rural poor across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Most recently, she served as Clinical Manager with the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. She currently works as a coordinator for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, a progressive faith community in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
John Rosenberg is an environmental activist, theologian, writer, and fly-fisherman who served as a parish and university pastor in the Pacific Northwest. He continues his work as a writer, speaker, and organizer protecting the Columbia River Watershed.
Joseph Piccione is a theologian and ethicist holds degrees in theology from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC and St. Mary’s Seminary and University. He is the author of “Receiving God and Responding – In Breath Meditation.” (2020)
Jeff Noble is a forester and veteran forest fire fighter who has experience across North America in challenging and remote settings. He is retired from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and serves as a guide and technical consultant for Institute projects.
Kenton Fish is a retired ophthalmologist residing in West Texas. He is a leader in his faith community, a musician, and a long-distance runner, and a “field theologian.” Ken assists in facilitating Cedar Tree Institute retreats.
Kathleen Heideman is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most beloved poets. A writer, artist and environmentalist, Her newest collection of poetry is Psalms of the Early Anthropocene (Winter Cabin Books, 2017).
Jon Magnuson is Director of The Cedar Institute, a nonprofit organization that initiates projects and provides services in the areas of mental health, religion, and the environment. Working with faith communities and local American Indian tribes, since 1995 the Institute has planted 26,500 cedar trees across Northern Michigan.
*** NOTE on COVID-19. All Cedar Tree staff and presenters are fully vaccinated. In light of public health protocols and to insure safety for everyone, participants are requested to be fully vaccinated before arrival.
***SPECIAL NOTE RE: AIRPLANE CONNECTIONS AT MARQUETTE.
We have been recently notified that flights in and out of Marquette (Sawyer International Airport) are being restricted to only two flights a day. At this time, they are also expensive.
For those driving this is not a concern. For those traveling from a distance, three other options to consider. Fly into Escanaba, Michigan (1 hr. 20 minute drive from Marquette), Iron Mountain (1 hr 90 minutes from Marquette) or fly into Green Bay, Wisconsin, 3 hrs from Marquette.
Our local officials, of course, are working furiously to correct this decision by the airlines. We are the Upper Peninsula’s largest regional center, so we hope this will soon be corrected and we can return to a more affordable and convenient option for all of us who travel to and from this particular part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Ruth Almén, one of the Institute facilitators, will be happy to explore options with you for travel. She is currently located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Northwest of Chicago but. having lived here for 20 years, knows our part of the world like few others. Let us know if this might be helpful. If so, she will be in touch promptly with you.
Ruth will do her best to make this a possibility for you. Affordable and efficient time-wise.