Mike Marek Attends Inspiring Lecture on Nature’s Vital Role at Wisconsin Union
We’re excited to share that Mike Marek, founder of Marek Landscaping, recently attended the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s Distinguished Lecture Series on October 14, 2025, where he heard acclaimed National Geographic photojournalist Ami Vitale deliver her powerful presentation “Wild Hope: Rethinking Our Relationship With Nature.”
Held at Shannon Hall in Memorial Union, this free community event brought together students, faculty, and local residents for an evening of thought-provoking discussion about our connection to the natural world. For those who know Mike, this topic hits close to home—his lifelong dedication to landscaping stems from a deep belief in nature’s essential role in our communities and wellbeing.
A Message That Resonates
Vitale’s presentation captivated the audience with stunning photography and compelling stories from her decades of work documenting the intersection of humanity and wildlife. She shared powerful narratives about individuals on the front lines of climate change and conservation who are refusing to let environmental challenges define their futures.
Mike particularly connected with Vitale’s emphasis on the delicate balance between human communities and natural ecosystems—a philosophy that directly aligns with Marek Landscaping’s approach to creating sustainable, nature-integrated outdoor spaces.
More Than Just Photography
What made the evening especially meaningful was learning about Vitale’s non-profit organization, Vital Impacts, which has raised over $5 million to support critical conservation projects worldwide. Through this initiative, she leverages the power of art to inspire action and mobilize youth as agents of environmental change.
“This lecture reinforced why we do what we do at Marek Landscaping,” Mike shared afterward. “Vitale’s work shows that when we respect and work with nature rather than against it, we create spaces that don’t just look beautiful—they heal, connect, and sustain us. Her stories of communities finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges give me hope and inspiration for our work here in Wisconsin.”
Bringing Insights Home
As a company that believes in creating landscapes that honor the natural character of our region while serving community needs, we’re already incorporating insights from Vitale’s talk into our planning discussions. Her perspective on how thoughtful design can strengthen the human-nature connection will inform our approach to future projects.
We’re grateful to the Wisconsin Union Directorate for hosting this important conversation and providing a platform for vital discussions about our relationship with the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable landscaping practices that honor our connection to nature, we’d love to discuss how we can bring these principles to your outdoor space.
Interested in hearing more about how nature-focused design can transform your property? Contact Marek Landscaping today for a consultation.
