On Behalf of Nature: Environment Resources in Our Community

By UMS

Photo: Meredith Monk, whose On Behalf of Nature is at the Power Center in Ann Arbor on January 20, 2017. Photo by Julieta Cervantes.

In On Behalf of Nature, Meredith Monk does not aim to simply entertain with her iconic vocal approaches. She invites audience members to consider their relationship to the natural world and to think deeply about climate change.

As a performer, Monk often uses her expertise with metaphorical sound and movement to contemplate complex themes, and On Behalf of Nature is no exception to this rule. The work is inspired by Monk’s experiences with consciously listening to nature, especially in the context of climate change, as well as her research in sustainability and artistic responsibility.

Monk also draws from her own beliefs as a longtime practitioner of Buddhism as she consider her role as an artist, reflecting on her role as a spokesperson for the natural world and creating ecological art that is both informative and sustainable.

After the performance, audience members may be asking what they could do on behalf of nature. Fortunately, many conservation organizations offer volunteer or donation opportunities, and we’ve pulled some of these Ann Arbor area resources below. Please comment with other great resources in our community.

The Legacy Land Conservancy, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and U-M Office of Campus Sustainability will also be available in the lobby of Power Center prior to the performance.

Legacy Land Conservancy
Legacy’s mission is to secure for current and future generations a land base for nature, agriculture, fresh water and recreation in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties and beyond.

Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Dedicated to ensuring every Michigander has access to clean air and water and can enjoy the pure beauty of the state of Michigan.

U-M Office of Campus Sustainability
The focal point for sustainable University of Michigan campus operations, and collaborates with academic and research units, auxiliaries, and student groups to further efforts toward reaching the campus wide Sustainability Goals.

The Ecology Center
Developing innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet.

Huron River Watershed Council
Southeast Michigan’s oldest environmental organization dedicated to river protection.

Environment Michigan
Citizen-based environmental advocacy project of Environment America.

Washtenaw Audubon Society
Promoting the conservation of wildlife and natural beauty, with a particular focus on birds, as well as developing and maintaining a conservation program for youth and adults, and more.

Have we missed a great resource in our community? Please comment below. And see On Behalf of Nature on Friday, January 20 at Power Center in Ann Arbor.