In many of its programs, the Conservation Study Institute uses journal writing to encourage conservation leaders to reflect upon their personal attachments to places and their commitment to preserving those places. Taking time to reflect on the inspiration from places and experiences can be a valuable and meaningful part of leadership.

The Institute has collected journal entries and artwork from participants in its programs. Click here to view a variety of these works.

Discovery 2000 Conference
In September 2000, National Park Service (NPS) employees participated in the Discovery 2000 National Park Service General Conference to articulate a vision for the NPS in the twenty-first century. Participants attended lectures, workshops, and dialogue sessions in four main subject areas: cultural resource stewardship, natural resource stewardship, education, and leadership. Throughout the conference, employees explored their own thoughts and feelings about the NPS and what it should strive to be in the next century.

Courtesy of Milkweed Editions

An important part of this exploration was a series of workshops and presentations sponsored by the Conservation Study Institute. "Keep the Torch Burning Bright: Personal Reflections" workshops were led by Institute Director Nora Mitchell and Leadership Program Director Virginia Farley. The workshops gave conference attendees a chance to examine their own values and stewardship ethics. Through journal-writing exercises, group discussions, and personal reflection, participants examined the larger questions of the conference and their own attitudes toward conservation. Guest writers Richard Nelson and Scott Russell Sanders assisted with these workshops and gave keynote talks. These events were cosponsored by The Orion Society.

The Institute provided additional opportunities for NPS employees to write about their jobs, their hopes, and their dreams for the national parks. In plenary sessions, all conference participants were invited to share journal entries. Click here to read excerpts that were contributed.