Dr. Tamberly Conway, Founder and CEO of Conservation Conexions, is not just a conservationist for our forests but also a leader in the realm of forest therapy.
During her career, Tamberly has worn many hats. From a dedicated Forest Service employee to an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Guide, entwining her passion for the natural world within each role she has taken on.
She spent her time with the U.S. Forest Service Conservation Education Program advocating for forest health and human wellbeing, primarily for and within diverse communities. In December of 2019, Tamberly left the USFS to fully dedicate herself to Forest Therapy and its ability to connect and nurture both land and human health.
Tamberly has forged unique collaborations bringing together land management agencies with healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions. These traditional and non-traditional partnerships, along with her passion for the practice, have been pivotal in propelling Forest Therapy within the US Forest Service and beyond, fostering inclusivity through initiatives like bilingual Forest Therapy sessions and collaborations with Park Rx America.
Tamberly’s accolades include the 2012 USDA Forest Service Chief’s Engaging Urban America Award and the 2015 USDA Secretary of Agriculture Lincoln Award for Diversity and Outreach. These prestigious awards mirror her impactful contributions to the field of conservation and community engagement. With an academic foundation in Wildlife Management, Forest Recreation Management, and a Ph.D. in Forestry, she continues to work for a future where every individual can find solace and strength in the embrace of the forest.
We were honored for the opportunity to sit down with Tamberly and discuss her passion and her work.
The Interview
*All images were obtained from Tamberly Conway and Conservation Connexions.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Public Health Landscape or Valent BioSciences, LLC.