About the Director

The Cedar Tree Institute, now celebrating over 25 years of nonprofit work, based in Northern Michigan was born of a vision in the Cascades of Washington State. I was on a cross-country skiing venture in 1994 with good friend and colleague John Rosenberg (a CTI Research Fellow) when we came to a ridge facing a snow-covered mountain range.

I’ve come to believe each individual’s journey is shaped by their past experiences, guided by a set of peculiar personal values, and pulled forward by an unfolding dream. That winter, that moment, I was gripped by a feeling. I knew then it was time for something new to be born.

So, who are we?

Barry Lopez, an author and naturalist, often refers to the “ecotone” when he’s invited to describe his writings. Originating in the emerging world of environmental sciences, the ecotone is the thin landscape where larger ecosystems come together. It’s often an overlooked space because of its modest and fragile presence, yet it’s the birthplace for 80% of life in the natural world (I.e. wetlands, seashores, tree lines, riverbanks, meadows).

That’s where we live out our mission: In cross-cultural settings, on the edges of educational and medical institutions, in the boundary country of spirituality and mental health. I’ve always felt most at home living and working in such “in-between places.” I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, later was educated and trained as a Lutheran pastor, social worker and psychotherapist. In 1995 after teaching and serving in university ministry settings at Oregon State University and the University of Washington and working closely with Pacific Northwest Indian tribes for fifteen years around issues of Treaty Rights and protection of traditional religious practices, I chose to return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with my family where I had spent my youth.

Jon Magnuson in Nepal — Peace Corps Volunteer years in Nepal, 1967 – 1969

The work of the Institute continues as quiet and focused. No one can do anything alone. Board and Advisory members know and the value the essential importance of collaboration. We’ve continued to do that, initiating projects and providing services in the areas of mental health, religion, and the environment. Partners along the way have included representatives of five regional American Indian tribes, ten religious denominations, the US Forest Service, juvenile courts, hospice organizations, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The Northern Great Lakes Basin is itself an ecotone. Protection of its threatened natural resources and healing of its peoples are the focus of our efforts. With a sense of gratitude and grace, we carry on.

Jon Magnuson, MDiv., MSW
Director, The Cedar Tree Institute