Loving Orphaned Space: The Art & Science of Belonging to Earth
Photo by: Susan Kaye
Presented by: Mrill Ingram, Participatory Action Research Scientist, Research Fellow, UW-Madison CIAS (Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems), 2024 Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
We are surrounded by overlooked and neglected bits of land; street medians and right-of-ways, drainage basins, empty lots, and other spaces “orphaned” from social and ecological connection. Often dismissed as eyesores or evidence of societal failure, Mrill Ingram suggests orphaned space can offer meaning, even transcendence, or at least a good story. She combines the arts and sciences to explore how these everyday spaces can foster human connection to the Earth, and will share how her thinking grew from visits to the scruffier edges of the UW Arboretum.
Luncheon Lectures are held in the Arboretum Visitor Center Auditorium. A buffet lunch catered by Blue Plate, is followed by an educational presentation. Each event costs $48. Series for the entire season, 9 events, costs $432.
This popular series fills up quickly, so register soon. Registration closes January 10, 2026.
Prefer to download a pdf to mail a check? Click here.
If registering by mail, please be sure the registration form and payment arrive by January 10, 2026.
If you are purchasing more than one ticket, please provide the names of all attendees, if known. A registration confirmation will be sent to you by email. If a program you request is full, you will be contacted promptly. Reservations are transferable. If you transfer your reservation, please send an email to npscoordinator@foamadison.org or call us at 608-890-2555 and let us know the name of the attendee. You may cancel a reservation and request a refund at least 2 weeks ahead of the event. If you are unable to attend, please let us know, as there may be others on a waiting list.