COLUMBIA, SC — Join bestselling author Florence Williams at a Palmetto Conservation event in April to discuss her latest book, The Nature Fix, and find out why spending time in the great outdoors leaves one energized. Tickets are on sale now at www.palmettoconservation.org.
In The Nature Fix, subtitled “Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative,” Williams explores state-of-the-art research from three continents to explain the enormous benefits on body, mind and soul of spending time in nature. Presumably, fur-footed canine friends also benefit, for dogs love a good romp in the woods.
Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF), which is building the public Palmetto Trail across South Carolina, is bringing the author to Columbia for a special presentation and book signing. Naturalist Rudy Mancke, host of NatureScene and NatureNotes on public television and radio, will serve as moderator. An expert panel and audience questions will round out the lively commentary. Early-bird tickets are $20 for PCF members and $30 for nonmembers until April 1. Prices increase by $5 each after Fool’s Day. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at 701 Whaley in Columbia. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served. SCE&G, a longtime supporter of the Palmetto Trail, is helping sponsor the event.
Williams is an award-winning journalist with a gift for story telling. Her research into the science behind nature’s positive effects on the brain began with a personal need. She was mystified why she felt so out of sorts after moving to a charming suburban community near the airport of a major city. The move transformed her from cheerful and upbeat to miserable and depressed. She wanted to find out why—and what she might do to regain her balance and optimism.
As she gathered data and insights, Williams participated in many of the studies and experiments she investigated. She met with researchers in Japan, South Korea, Finland, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States, and inquired into activities such as “forest bathing,” “power trails,” and “rambling.” She traveled the science at the confluence of environment, health, mood, and creativity, and uncovered powers of the natural world to improve health and immunity, promote reflection and innovation, and strengthen relationships. Her book is accessible and crammed with useful information to help folks compensate for modern living and deal with the constant lure of smart phones and social media.
Williams is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and a freelance writer for the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Review of Books, Slate, Mother Jones, and numerous other publications.
The Nature Fix book is available for purchase at the PCF office, 722 King St., Columbia. Prices are $18 for PCF members and $20 for nonmembers. For shipping, please contact the PCF office at (803) 771-0870. A $5 shipping charge will apply.
Palmetto Conservation Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization, founded in 1989, whose mission is to conserve South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote active outdoor recreation. PCF’s largest and best-known project is the Palmetto Trail. For more information, visit www.palmettoconservation.org or Facebook/palmettoconservation.org.
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About the Palmetto Trail
The scenic Palmetto Trail is one of 16 cross-state trails in the United States and is recognized regionally and nationally as a visitor-friendly attraction. The Trail inspires active, healthy living and showcases the state’s diverse natural beauty, fascinating history, and rich rural and urban culture. From mountains to sea, the Palmetto Trail connects Oconee County to Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, Laurens, Newberry, Fairfield, Richland, Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Berkeley and Charleston counties. When finished, the Trail will extend about 500 continuous miles from Walhalla to Awendaw. With 28 completed passages and multiple trailheads, the Palmetto Trail is accessible from anywhere in the state for day trips, weekend jaunts and longer treks. Passages are typically fewer than 15 miles in length, but range from 1.1 to 47 miles and feature wilderness and backcountry paths, urban bikeways, greenways, rails-to-trail conversions, city sidewalks, and even the steps of the State Capitol. The Trail connects private and public lands, state parks, national and state forests, Revolutionary and Civil War sites, and numerous cities, towns and communities. For information and downloadable maps of Palmetto Trail passages, and to become a Palmetto Conservation member and Trail supporter, visit www.palmettoconservation.org.
About Palmetto Conservation
The mission of Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) is to conserve South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation through trails and greenways. Founded in 1989, PCF is a statewide nonprofit organization with headquarters in Columbia. PCF’s largest and best-known project is building and maintaining the mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail. In 2016, PCF inaugurated the Palmetto Conservation Corps to help interested young adults in South Carolina learn skills in trail maintenance and construction, assist with disaster recovery, and develop as the next generation of conservation stewards and leaders. The Palmetto Conservation Corps is South Carolina’s only trail-based AmeriCorps service program for young adults. To learn more about Palmetto Conservation, the Palmetto Trail and the Palmetto Conservation Corps, visit www.palmettoconservation.org and Facebook/palmettoconservation, or call 803-771-0870.
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