The Winter Symposium on Creation Care will provide a theological and biblical foundation for a lifetime of caring for God’s earth. Each morning, we’ll explore Christian environmental stewardship through the lenses of theology, ethics, ministry, and ecology. We’ll also participate in field excursions to immerse ourselves in the winter ecology of northern Michigan.
Fires will be built and hot chocolate will be consumed.
Participants will receive a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the symposium. Ask your academic advisor whether participation will fulfill any of your school’s academic requirements.
The registration fee is $97 for general registrants and $77 for students who have previously studied at Au Sable. Your registration fee covers four nights of lodging and all meals. This highly subsidized rate is possible through the generosity of our donors.
Participation is limited to 30 individuals, with registration accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, December 6, 2026. Our last winter symposium filled to capacity, so please register early if you’d like to attend.
The symposium will begin with a 6:00 p.m. dinner on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, and conclude with lunch on Sunday, January 3, 2027. Students are encouraged to arrive on campus between 2:00 and 5:00 pm on Wednesday. If you are flying, please arrive in Traverse City (TVC) after 12 pm on Wednesday and depart on Sunday after 2 pm.
The symposium is being organized and led by Dr. Derek Rosenberger and Ashley Rosenberger, MS. Derek serves as an Associate Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, while Ashley is the Assistant Director of College Programs at Au Sable. A link to Derek's faculty profile at Wheaton can be found here and Ashley's background can be found here. Both Derek and Ashley have extensive experience in Christian environmental stewardship and have dedicated their careers to the service of God's created world. The event will also feature an inspiring lineup of speakers who offer diverse and unique insights on the intersection of Christian faith and environmental care.
The symposium is open to all current undergraduate students and anyone who has graduated within the last three years who is interested in learning more about Au Sable’s mission to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth. You do not need to be an Au Sable alum to attend, and non-science majors are welcome!
For those who have graduated and started working, you’ll have an opportunity to share your experiences and offer advice to students preparing for life after graduation. We encourage you to invite a friend or gather a group from your school and carpool!
The Au Sable Institute invites students to submit abstracts for our upcoming Winter Symposium, focusing on scientific research, creative expressions, and campus stewardship/sustainability projects. This presenter session aims to foster dialogue and action around environmental care, rooted in faith-based perspectives. Submissions are due by December 15, 2026. For more details, click on the following link: 2027_Call for Abstracts- Winter Symposium.docx
Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, December 6.
For students who have previously studied at Au Sable. Be sure to indicate the year attended and campus in the Registrant Info section below.
Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including order confirmations, updates, event reminders, and event information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.
