Adult Programs

To Life: Jews Exploring Nature with author Joel Greenberg

Hear compelling stories of history and science from author Joel Greenberg.

Content Detail

Through understanding the people who helped build the body of knowledge of the natural world that we rely on today, we gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our present science knowledge. In this lively talk, author Joel Greenberg will share the histories and insights he has uncovered in writing his new book, To Life: Jews Exploring Nature.

The book explores Jewish engagement with nature through compelling biographies of eight selected subjects. Each person manifested different aspects of Jewish identity and made significant contributions to their fields. The accounts place the contributions of these diverse individuals into a richly biographical context that connects the personal with the professional, providing insights into their lives and work. In addition, the scientific and environmental topics addressed will become more accessible to a wider array of readers who are drawn to the personal narratives.

Books will be available for purchase and the author will sign books after the program.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Joel Greenberg, author and naturalist

Age: 16 and older

Course number: N180

Instructor

Joel Greenberg, author and naturalist

Joel Greenberg has spent most of his life in the Chicago region and has been interested in natural history since childhood. He spent his career in environmental protection working for governmental and private entities. He has written numerous articles and authored or co-authored four books, including A Natural History of the Chicago Region and A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction. The Arboretum’s library and staff have been critical in the research underlying all of these books.

What to Know

This program meets indoors.

Water, materials for taking notes, and a light layer in case the room is chilly.

Program Schedule

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Administration and Research Center (parking lot P-1), East Side

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