NW Collaborative
Futures Conference

Ecotones: A New Conception of Borderlands

As areas of confluence in the natural world, “ecotones” are especially rich in biodiversity. Viewing ecotones as a concept, we can begin to apply their value in human contexts – in particular, life transitions or crisis moments such as seemingly-impassable conflict. This interactive presentation will offer: 

• A definition of ecotones and examples of their value in natural settings
• A means for “translating” the language of ecology into useful concepts in our work
• A vision for how ecotones, as boundary lands, apply to our mediation and peacemaking efforts

Learn how a new vision of borderlands can invigorate and expand our work.

Speaker: Jennifer J. Wilhoit, Ph.D.
Founder, TEALarbor stories

 Dr. Jennifer Wilhoit is a spiritual ecologist, author, mentor, and researcher who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies. For twenty-five years, Jennifer’s research and writing has focused on the inner/outer landscape: the interconnection between creativity and the natural world. She has been helping people navigate conflict and transition in myriad contexts including within special needs communities, hospice settings, crisis centers, ecological settings, intercultural contexts, restorative justice venues, and wilderness rites of passage circles. Dr. Wilhoit is the founder of TEALarbor stories, through which she offers nature-based mentorship to aspiring creatives and people in impasse. www.tealarborstories.com