The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Lessons from our Elders

Certificate in Spiritual Formation

October 8–11, 2025AdultContinuing Education
This event is hosted by Columbia Theological Seminary

The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees explores the ancient spiritual and ecological wisdom that trees offer for living into deep connections with our human and nonhuman kin, Earth, and Divine Mystery. Trees, our elders who have graced Earth far longer than the human family, beckon us to wisdom, beauty, and peace.

In this course, we will explore lessons from our tree elders, including:

  • Living in the light, dark, and in-between times
  • The importance of living in collaborative community
  • Bearing witness to and accepting loss
  • How to survive and thrive during challenging times
  • Opening to resilience, renewal, and gratitude
  • Finding healing and hope

During our days together, we’ll engage in rich conversations in plenary sessions and small groups, take time for spacious silence and reflection with the trees, and listen for their wisdom on this beautiful land. Practices that encourage spiritual deepening through connections with the living world will be introduced throughout the course.

Additional Information:

Required Reading:

  • The Hidden Lives of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate (Peter Wohlleben, Greystone Books 2015)
  • Inside Out: Practices for Going Deeper in Nature (Beth Norcross, The Center for Spirituality in Nature 2018)

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. If you are taking this course for enrichment, we invite you to fully participate in all aspects of the event. We also invite you to write reflection papers. The post-event reflection paper is required for credit towards the Certificate in Spiritual Formation.

Program Fee: $450.00

Housing & Meals: Information about housing and meals below.

Leadership

Housing & Meals Rates

Housing and meals must be purchased separately from your conference registration. Rates are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Wednesday supper to Saturday lunch). There is the option to extend your stay through Sunday morning. No other adjustments to package will be made.

Individual meals may be purchased with an advance reservation. For meal reservations, please contact the front desk of Assembly Inn at 828-419-9844. Deadline to purchase meals is Monday, September 22nd

Single Occupancy $450.00
Double Occupancy $570.00/total
$285/person

If you have any questions about housing and meal reservations, please email justinkp@montreat.org.

Check in/Check out Times

Housing Check in 3 pm, Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Housing Check out 11 am Saturday, October 11, 2025*

*If you are interested in extending your stay through Sunday morning, please include that in the comment box when you make your reservation and our registrar will adjust your reservation. All reservation extensions are based on availability. 

Refund Policy

Refunds for housing in Assembly Inn will be awarded in the following ways: Full refund if notice of cancellation is received on or before August 27; full refund less $40 If notice of cancellation is received after August 27, but before September 24; no refunds will be given after September 24. All requests for refunds must be in writing and received by Montreat Conference Center via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Schedule

The program will begin at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 8 and conclude Saturday, October 11 at noon. The schedule includes morning and evening prayers, small group conversations and free time to enjoy the beauty of Montreat Conference Center. If flying, return flights should not be scheduled before 3:00 pm on Saturday to allow for unhurried travel to the airport at the conclusion of the event.

Main Phone Number

828.669.2911

Physical Address

401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757

Mailing Address

Montreat Conference Center
PO Box 969
Montreat, NC 28757

Business Office

Montreat Conference Center
318 Georgia Terrace
Montreat, NC 28757

Business Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm

The Montreat Store

Phone: 828.669.5298

Moore Center, Second Floor
303 Lookout Road
Montreat, NC 28757

Normal Store Hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

The Huckleberry Cafe

Moore Center, Third Floor
303 Lookout Road
Montreat, NC 28757

Normal Cafe Hours:
Wednesday–Friday 8:00 am–3:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm

© 2025 Mountain Retreat Associaiton, dba Montreat Conference Center