Benjamin Vogt addresses the importance of a new garden ethic and making wildness a part in daily life in his discussion and book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 30 in Hardin Hall.

He argues that modern living — in buildings surrounded by monocultures of lawn and concrete — harm physical and mental health. He examines psychological issues related to climate change and mass extinction as a way to understand human response to global crises.

With a focus on native species gardening, Vogt advocates for thinking deeply and honestly about built landscapes in order to create a compassionate activism.

“You don’t have to see soil microbes in action, birds eating seeds, butterflies laying eggs, ants farming aphids — just knowing it’s possible in your garden thrills you, it’s like faith, and it frees you to live life more authentically,” Vogt said.

Admission and parking is free and open to the public.