Resilience as Symbiotic Relationship | Nicole Jarves | TEDxUniversity of Montana Western

What if community resilience begins with something as simple as spending time in the dirt? Drawing from her work regenerating farmland and studying the effects of nature-based experiences, Nicole Jarvis shares how restoring the health of the land can foster relaxation, belonging, and personal resilience. Her message is both practical and hopeful: when we heal the land, we help heal ourselves—and strengthen the communities around us. Sponsored by the Fund for Experience One, our conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDx University of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDx University of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network. This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 21, 2026 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu. Nicole Jarvis is the founder of Bee Haven Gardens in Dillon, Montana an educational garden dedicated to teaching regenerative practices and fostering community engagement with agriculture. With over 20 years of experience in organic farming and living in rural Montana communities, Nicole brings a deep, place-based understanding of land, resilience, and interconnectedness to her work. She holds an M.S. in Regenerative Organic Agriculture and has been accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at Maharishi International University. Nicole weaves together regenerative land stewardship and transcendental awareness as she blends her passion for hands-on agricultural education with her commitment to nurturing the landscapes she calls home. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx