The Rooted University

Human beings are social animals; if we are to survive as a species, we need healthy relationships and secure, “rooted” attachments with one another and with the land, waters, habitat, plants and animals upon which we depend. Rootedness exists when people feel a sense of meaningful and affectionate attachment—in secure and healthy ways—to the place they inhabit socially and ecologically.

A 21st century bioregionalism calls for rooted community development enabled by place-based civically engaged planning and design, sustainability science and technology, cultural transformation and economic innovation.  Promising new frontiers in bioregional theory, research and action address the urgent need to generate equitable livelihood opportunities while sustainably coupling the socio-economic, cultural and ecological systems we need for healthy and resilient human settlements and habitat.