Sustain Penn State will welcome forester and author Ethan Tapper on March 23 and 24 for a series of events exploring the intersection of ecology, land stewardship and storytelling. Tapper, author of the bestselling book "How to Love a Forest," is known for his hands-on approach to forest management and his work restoring a 175-acre forest in Vermont that he named Bear Island, where he addresses challenges such as invasive species and long-term ecosystem health.
Tapper's visit will include three public events:
- From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, he will lead a guided forest walk at the Arboretum at Penn State. Registration is required through the arboretum's registration page.
- From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, Tapper will host a book reading at Webster's Bookstore Cafe, where attendees will have the opportunity to have their copies of his book signed. Virtual attendance is available, with pre-registration required through the book reading registration page.
- At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, Tapper will deliver a Sustainability Showcase keynote lecture in Kern Building, Room 112. Virtual attendance is available, with pre-registration required through the keynote registration page.
Tapper's work blends ecological science with accessible storytelling, encouraging individuals and communities to rethink their relationships with forests and land management. His restoration efforts at Bear Island serve as a living example of proactive stewardship, demonstrating how foresters can respond to invasive species, climate pressures and biodiversity loss through intentional, science-based practices.
"Ethan's visit is an amazing opportunity to engage with the intersection of forestry and literature," said Julius Camper, student and public programming coordinator for Sustain Penn State. "His ability to connect technical forest management with personal narrative makes sustainability feel both urgent and deeply human."
Tapper's events offer students, faculty and community members the chance to engage directly with a practitioner who bridges applied forestry and public communication. By pairing a hands-on forest walk with literary discussion and a keynote address, the program invites participants to consider how land stewardship, science and storytelling can work together to cultivate more resilient landscapes.
The events are hosted by Sustain Penn State, which advances sustainability through programming, partnerships and experiential learning opportunities, and connects the campus and community with thought leaders working across environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability.
