Treesong has spent his entire adult life on a journey of personal development, community service, ecological defense, and political action. Here are just a few of the highlights of this journey:
- Ecological Advocacy. Treesong is best known for his commitment to ecological defense and green living. Over the years, he has participated in many local and national organizations such as SIUC’s Student Environmental Center, the Cove Mallard Coalition, Earth First!, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, the Institute for Social Ecology, the Green Party, Southern Illinois Center for a Sustainable Future, the Carbondale Climate Action Network, and Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment.
- Illinois Initiative. Treesong is the founder of the Illinois Initiative (ILI), a local branch of the Initiative Collective. The Initiative Collective is a grassroots, global network of volunteers comprised of everyday citizens who have banded together across states and countries to do something heroic each day. We often wear costumes to draw attention to our causes. From homeless outreach to neighborhood watch patrols to free self-defense classes and garbage pickup, the Initiative seeks to better and empower our communities, one good deed at a time.
- Radio Personality. Since 2001, Treesong has co-hosted a radio show called Your Community Spirit. This upbeat, humorous weekly program highlights community events, environmental news, and commentary on social and ecological issues of the day.
- Permaculture Studies. In 2006, Treesong received his certification as a Permaculture Design Consultant during the Earth Activist Training led by Starhawk and Charles Williams.
- Institute for Social Ecology. In the summers of 2001 and 2002, Treesong attended the summer programs of the Institute of Social Ecology, including training in permaculture design, political theory, and community organizing strategies.
- Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Treesong participated in the first year of the Professional Studies program at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. This experience offered him the opportunity to learn about personal process work and the relationship between personal healing and world service. [Note: Treesong did not complete the four year program and is not available to speak about Brennan Healing Science. Contact the Barbara Brennan School of Healing for a speaker on this and related topics.]
- Big Muddy Independent Media Center. Treesong spent several years involved in the Big Muddy IMC, a community media organization in Southern Illinois.
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. In 2000, Treesong received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His focus was on ecological and political philosophy.
- Gaia House Interfaith Center. Treesong was involved at the center in various volunteer and paid capacities from 1997 to 2018. He spent two semesters as a Program Assistant in Fall of 2000 and Spring of 2001, then served as Co-Director and Director from Fall 2011 to Fall 2016.