Mission and Values

The Center for Humans & Nature’s mission is to explore and promote human responsibilities in relation to nature—the whole community of life.  

Our mission is the foundation for programming for Humans & Nature Press and Humans & Nature Farm. The following statements further articulate the core principles and values guiding the Center’s work:

Learning from the Wisdom of Nature

• The Earth’s capacity to nurture life and support its generative processes both sustains and informs the work of Humans & Nature Press and Humans & Nature Farm.

• Listening to and observing the land at the Center’s home in Libertyville, Illinois guides our land care practices, as well as why and how we grow and harvest.

• We carry forward the legacy of Center for Humans & Nature founder, Strachan Donnelley, a self-described “fly-fishing philosopher.”

• We are committed to listening deeply to our Indigenous colleagues who carry knowledge about human relationships with this land.

Sharing Diverse Sources of Knowledge & Inspiration

• Through our publications, programs, and communications, we offer in-depth and diverse perspectives about what it means to be human in an interconnected world.

• Humans & Nature Press and Humans & Nature Farm share the same starting point—asking big questions and encouraging curiosity and creativity in response.  

• Through our events and gatherings, we hope to offer a welcoming and thought-provoking space for participants to cultivate meaning and connection with the living world.

Rooting Land Practices in Care & Community 

• We are committed to farming and land care practices that are reciprocal and regenerative, rooted in ecological sciences and land-based cultural traditions.

• Insights from Humans & Nature Press contributors and other partners help shape our evolving land care and farming work, including how to practice intentional and sustainable harvests.