Life Explorers Speaker Series: Getting Back to our Roots

Join us! Life Explorers Speaker Series: Getting Back to our Roots: The Health Benefits of Nature-based Physical Activity and Plant-based Nutrition

Join us as Jay Groves, the Executive Director of the Culinary Health Institute at 4Roots Farm, will share how plant-based nutrition and nature-based physical activity can play a vital role in overall health and well-being. Discover how the integration of healthy food systems and outdoor movement can transform lives, strengthen communities, and reconnect us to the natural world. This engaging session will highlight practical insights and evidence-based benefits, offering attendees a fresh perspective on how urban farms can be catalysts for health.

Jay Groves, EdD, MMHC, serves as the Executive Director of the Culinary Health Institute (CHI) at 4 Roots Farm in Orlando, Florida. In this role, Jay works closely with CHI project partners AdventHealth, Florida Blue and Gordon Food Service to bring Food is Medicine programs, research projects, and resources which address food insecurity and chronic health conditions within the local community. Jay completed his academic training at Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University.

Topic: Getting Back to our Roots: The Health Benefits of Nature-based Physical Activity and Plant-based Nutrition

Speaker: Jay Groves, Executive Director, Culinary Health Institute

Date: Thursday January 15, 2026

Doors open: 9:45 A.M.

Program Time: 10:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Location: Azaela Lodge, Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive Winter Park, FL

Cost: Free - Join us for refreshments and conversation

The Life Explorers Speakers Series is held in the Azalea Lodge of Mead Botanical Garden from 10-11:30 a.m. The program is free of charge with light refreshments and coffee served.

To reserve a spot, please visit eventbrite.com. For additional informationon Mead Botanical Garden and the Life Explorer’s Series, please visit www.meadgarden.org