Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Author Event

Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Author Event

We look forward to welcoming Beth Norcross, co-author (with Leah Rampy) of Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, recently published by Broadleaf Books, for an in-person author event at Print: A Bookstore (273 Congress Street, Portland, Maine).

“Trees are critical to the stability and health of all of Earth,” the authors write. “They store carbon, regulate climate, mediate the water cycle, support soil health, and sustain ecosystems and biodiversity… It’s almost impossible to overstate the degree to which we humans, all living beings, and our Earth systems, depend on the gifts of trees and forests.”

Besides these practical contributions that trees and forests make that are essential for our well-being, they also possess great wisdom as our elders, as our spiritual companions and teachers, as our conversation partners, as sources of solace and insight, as our Earthly kin. When we pay attention, and when we connect intimately with them, we can deepen our spiritual lives and grow in the understanding that all beings are part of the fabric of the holy.

The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees encourages us to revel in the beauty and wonder of trees as they increase our capacity to bear witness to loss and grief and model adaptation and resilience. Integrating science and spirituality, Norcross and Rampy explore the knowledge held within the living world of trees and planted within each of us.

Join us for this in-person book reading and conversation with Beth Norcross who, drawing on her extensive experience in both forest ecology and spirituality, invites us into a deep mutual relationship with trees, whose wisdom provides comfort, resilience, guidance, and hope during these challenging times.

Here’s a sacred invitation: “For us, the trees, and Earth, these are liminal times. The ground is shifting beneath our feet culturally, ecologically, physically, and spiritually. Many of the stories that once guided us have lost their truth and luminosity; new ones are not yet formed to take their place. We can draw on the older, deeper wisdom of trees who have lived through times of great darkness, light, and the spaces in between to guide us as we wait on the threshold between times.”

See the event on the bookstore’s website

Praise for The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees:

“This book speaks the language of trees. The deep wisdom of the Standing Ones is that everything belongs; nothing stands alone. Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy powerfully convey this truth as they draw on the fascinating details of forestry science, the insights of spiritual masters from various traditions, and their own intimate, lifelong experience with trees. This isn’t just another ‘how-to’ book on spirituality. It’s a passionate call to listen to the magnificent teachers that surround us.”

— Belden C. Lane, PhD, author of The Solace of Fierce Landscapes, Backpacking with the Saints, and other books

5

“A beautiful meditation on the wisdom found in the natural world and the transformative power of being in relationship with trees. Norcross and Rampy are exceptional teachers and knowledgeable guides, graciously leading the reader down tree-lined wooded paths where they share scientific knowledge, insightful personal experience, compelling metaphors, and spiritual insights.”

— Carrie Newcomer, Emmy-winning performer, songwriter, and recording artist

5

“What a treasure! This book captures the extraordinary power of trees to engage humans in a reciprocal relationship that transcends words. May this valuable work, rich with scientific knowledge and spiritual insight, be widely read and enjoyed. This is a unique expression of what Thomas Berry meant by his phrase, ‘The universe is a communion of subjects.’”

— Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-author, Journey of the Universe; co-director, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology

5

“The Universe has been a spiritual reality as well as a physical reality since the beginning of time. To see every lifeform on Earth as an expression of the Divine is the wisdom we are being invited to recover, urgently, if humanity is to find healing. Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees witnesses with hope to the urgency of this moment.”

— John Philip Newell, author of The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home

5

Meet The Author

With extensive training and experience in both spirituality and ecology, Beth Norcross is a writer, teacher, and spiritual nature guide who invites people into deep, intimate relationships with their Earth kin. Beth is the founder and former Director of the Center for Spirituality in Nature, which offers experiences and communities in nature that open individuals to an active, loving, spiritual connection with the natural world. 

Beth’s work is informed by her experience working in the U.S. Senate and with American Rivers, a national environmental organization. She is the co-founder of the Green Seminary Initiative and adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary. Beth has written numerous articles and curricula related to ecology and spirituality, including her most recent work with Leah Rampy, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees (Broadleaf Books, 2025).

Meet Our Host and Partner

We’re proud to partner with Print: A Bookstore, our neighbors at the top of India Street in Portland and our favorite Indie bookseller. Print stocks contemporary titles in a cozy space with book clubs and author readings. Learn more: www.printbookstore.com.