All are invited to attend the annual meeting of Spirit in Nature on Sunday, February 16th at 2:00 p.m. in the community room at Ilsley Library in Middlebury (use the entrance at back of building). The event will include the awarding of the Eco-Spirit award, a presentation about the recipient's work, socializing and refreshments. Spirit in Nature is a 70 acre forest sanctuary in Ripton, Vermont comprised of over 14 intersecting paths that represent the world's major faith traditions and their unique perspectives on nature.

This year's recipient of the Eco-Spirit award is Leif Taranta, a senior at Middlebury College. Leif has been involved in environmental and social justice issues for many years, including fossil fuel resistance efforts in high school, fighting for trans student rights, and mentoring younger trans youth. At Middlebury College, Leif's work evolved to being a core organizer in the successful Divest Middlebury campaign, a key member of the Sunday Night Environmental Group, and a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement in Vermont. This is in addition to working with 350vt.org and, more recently, Zapatismo in Mexico and the Climate Disobedience Center. Come learn about Leif's adventures in activism and about Spirit in Nature!