Coffee & Conversation Series
Coffee & Conversation Series
Coffee & Conversation Series
About the Coffee & Conversation Series
Coffee & Conversation is a free quarterly speaker series hosted by Graham Recreation & Parks and Burlington Recreation & Parks. Designed for adults and lifelong learners, the program brings together engaging presenters to share knowledge, experiences, and insights related to the outdoors, parks, trails, conservation, wildlife, recreation, and community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our region.
Each session offers participants an opportunity to connect with local experts, authors, naturalists, and community leaders while learning about topics ranging from outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship to local history, wildlife habitats, and trail development. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the natural and recreational resources in our community, Coffee & Conversation provides a welcoming setting to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussion.
Past presentations have featured topics such as experiential outdoor learning, fisheries management, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, hiking and running destinations across North Carolina, and the history and future of the Haw River Trail. Upcoming programs continue to explore new subjects that inspire residents to discover, appreciate, and support the parks, trails, and natural areas that make our communities unique.
Past Presenters & Topics:
- February 2025: Bryn Lottig, Co-Founder of the Kikori app and author of No Child Left Inside: Transforming the Next Generation through Experiential Learning
- May 2025: Seth Mycko, District 5 Fisheries Biologist II, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- August 2025: Andrew Sam, Task Force Leader, Alamance Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)
- February 2026: Trails and Treats: A Hiker and Runner’s Guide to Great Trails and Good Eats in North Carolina, with authors Palmer McIntyre and Hollis Oberlies
- April 2026: 20 Years of the Haw River Trail: Past, Present, & Future, with Nolan Carter, Haw River Trail Coordinator
- July 2026: Birds of Alamance County – From Backyard Feeders to Trail Finds with Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford College
- October 2026: Mental Health Benefits from the Natural World with Elon University’s Dr. Evan Small, Tumi Shadreck, and Kelly Harer
Upcoming Coffee & Conversation:
Coffee & Conversation: Mental Health Benefits from the Natural World
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
For Adults of All Ages
Cost: Free; online registration is required (Register Online)
Location: Burlington City Park – Carousel Meeting Room • 1368 South Main Street, Burlington, NC 27215
Join us for an engaging evening featuring guest speakers Dr. Evan Small, Tumi Shadreck, and Kelly Harer, as we explore the mental health benefits of the natural world.
The natural world can provide tremendous physical, social, and mental health benefits. Through an interactive discussion, this session will explore how we can connect with nature in more mindful and intentional ways. Learn about research highlighting the benefits of spending time in nature and discover practical tools for incorporating those benefits into your everyday life throughout the year.
Come learn about Nature Rx and how connecting with the natural world can help you feel more mindful, relaxed, creative, and connected.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Evan Small is a faculty member in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education at Elon University, where he teaches in the outdoor education program. His research focuses on experiential education, belonging, facilitative teaching, and student-centered learning.
Itumeleng (Tumi) Shadreck, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and counselor at Elon University, where she provides clinical services, consultation, mental health education, and outreach to support student well-being. Tumi is particularly passionate about the relationship between nature and well-being. Through this work, she brings together clinical practice, experiential learning, and nature-based approaches to help cultivate meaningful and sustainable practices for well-being.
Kelly Harer is the Associate Director of Sustainability for Education & Outreach at Elon University, where she leads efforts to engage students, employees, and the broader campus community in sustainability. Her work focuses on climate solutions, from individual actions to systems change, with an emphasis on making sustainability actionable, equitable, and hopeful.
Guests will also have an opportunity to connect with local recreation and parks staff and discover scenic trails, lakes, parks, and outdoor programs throughout the area. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and lively conversation in a welcoming setting while sharing favorite outdoor spots and connecting with others who enjoy exploring nature. Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced outdoor enthusiast, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll leave inspired with new ideas and ready to get outside and explore!
Coffee & Conversation is presented by the Graham and Burlington Recreation & Parks Departments