The purpose of the conference was to engage in an interactive dialogue with key stakeholders to examine and propose measures:
· to reverse observed trends of weakening bonds between the citizens of Pennsylvania and natural resources; and
· to find new ways of connecting people to nature.
Conference participants came from areas as diverse as public health, tourism, the economy, childhood and family development, education and environmental conservation and stewardship. The business sections of the conference consisted of three panel discussions and three rounds each of nine simultaneous sessions.