On June 5, 2025, Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of The BTS Center, hosted a lunchtime “Let’s Talk!” conversation with Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy, co-authors of a beautiful book, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, recently published by Broadleaf Books.

“Trees are critical to the stability and health of all of Earth,” Beth and Leah 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, co-authors Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy explore the knowledge held within the living world of trees and planted within each of us.

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.”

We enjoyed this conversation with the authors who, drawing on their extensive experience in both forest ecology and spirituality, invite us into a deep mutual relationship with trees, whose wisdom provides comfort, resilience, guidance, and hope during these challenging times.

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

“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

“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

“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