Theme: Nature Connection

Join us for this year's TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary event where we will focus on the theme of Nature Connection. Our speakers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all have formed a deep connection to nature over the years. We hope that you will join us for this year's event and look forward to seeing you there!

Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Highway
Barrington, Illinois, 60010
United States

Luke Dahlberg

Native Seed Program Manager, Citizens for Conservation

Luke has a B.S in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has over fifteen years' experience of starting and growing native plants from seeds. Luke is currently the Native Seed Program Manager at Citizens for Conservation. Luke has collaborated with Lake County Forest Preserve District for native plant propagation, helps lead volunteer workdays, and continues to learn about to best ways to grow rare native plants while sharing those experiences with others along the way.l

Navraaz Basati

MA, Farmer, Forest Therapy Guide & Yogi

Navraaz Kaur Basati was born and raised in the Midwest to immigrant parents that both came from farming families in Punjab, India. With an educational background in the human sciences, film, business, and environmental sciences, she has enjoyed working with entities such as Americorps, Prima Films, Ltd. (Singapore), Chicago Public Radio, Barrington Area Conservation Trust, University of Illinois Extension and as a contractor with Chicago Botanic Garden and Forest Preserves of Cook County. She is certified as a yoga teacher (RYT-500), a Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT), and in Horticultural Therapy (Chicago Botanic Garden). Navraaz currently manages her farm located in Campton Hills, IL where she focuses on regenerative organic agriculture and hosts "Healing In Nature" workshops through her company, Wandering Paths, LLC.

Stephen Barten

DVM

Dr. Stephen Barten is a retired small and exotic animal veterinarian, educator, naturalist, award-winning wildlife photographer, and an avid birder, herper (reptiles), and bumblebee monitor. His knowledge of animal behavior, love of nature, and talent as a photographer combine into a passion and joy of sharing nature’s beauty with others. Known for his special interest and skill in exotic animal medicine and a naturalist’s eye for detail, he is sought out for his knowledge, presentations, publications, and photography. Barten’s clinical photography has appeared in numerous textbooks and journals. He has been a popular instructor at veterinary conferences as well as US and international veterinary schools. Back home in Barrington, Barten’s personal investment in nature, educational presentations, publications, and photography regularly supports a number of conservation-based organizations in the greater Chicago area. As example, he is a long-time Citizens for Conservation volunteer.