October 21, 2026
We came together for the fourth Cross Pollinate to hear from Jennifer Bristol, author and conservationist, and Barry Stone, Texas State University photography professor and artist.
As the sun set through the windows at Meanwhile Brewing Company, we discussed belonging and connection. Jennifer shared about her work in conservation and facilitating nature outings for underserved youth, while Barry gave us insights about how he uses photography and music to document the natural world in unique ways — and how we can, too.
Three Big Takeaways
The evening’s stories and questions gave us much to think about. Here are three things we’ve been mulling over.
1. Move slow — and fast.
There’s a richness in the natural world that took millennia to accumulate. That’s why Barry likened the loss of prairie land to burning a library — the depth of memory in the land itself takes time to restore, and to appreciate, and it requires urgent action to protect it. Proper stewardship is a paradox that requires doing two things at the same time: slowing down to understand our place, and moving quickly to preserve the value it holds.
2. Find a companion device.
There are certain items we choose to accompany us into wild spaces: a camera, a pair of binoculars, a guitar, a journal. Even a phone. We use them as tools for contemplation, amplification, and documentation. They help us remember and retrieve pieces of places, and glean more inspiration than we could simply with our eyes and ears. Consider what you might add to your kit next time you get outside.
3. Pass it on.
Both Jennifer and Barry talked about passing on an appreciation for nature’s magic to younger generations. The most rewarding part is seeing someone experience different sights, sounds, and issues; they discover new parts of their world, and are changed by it. Who could you pass on a piece of your wonder to?
“The kid that goes to one of these [nature] camps is not the kid that goes home. They’re totally changed.” - Jennifer Bristol
Want to attend the next Cross Pollinate?
Cross Pollinate is a curated gathering designed to break down the silos that exist between vital industries, creating a space for peer-to-peer conversations for those that are stewarding, protecting, and promoting our natural world.
If you would like an invitation to our next event in early 2027, email us at crosspollinate@withbutler.com and briefly tell us about your work or sector, and we’ll be in touch.
