Advice from a River

Bio Ilan Shamir, whose name literally means protector of the trees, has a life long journey of bringing creative ideas and nature connection to millions of people all over the world. Ilan founded Your True Nature, Inc. (www.yourtruenature.com) in 1999 and is author of many books including Advice from a Tree which has sold over 100,000 copies and thousands of beautiful nature items sold in most national parks and stores in the US. He and his daughter Laurel team up to run Your True Nature. During the early 1970s Ilan played a key role in the development of the very successful UNCOLA(R) campaign for 7UP(R) at their world headquarters. He later developed successful Willy Wonka(R) confection products for Sunline Brands. In 1980, Ilan returned to his roots and developed Greeting Seeds(R), the greeting cards containing creative messages and gifts of seeds, teas, potpourri, spices, bubble bath and cocoa. Over twenty million cards have been sold and have delighted consumers around the world. To replant the paper used in his companies, he co-founded a community forestry organization, Fort Collins ReLeaf, and has planted or sponsored the planting of over 100,000 trees involving thousands of volunteers. For his tree and community involvement, Ilan has received recognition as a Founder of the New Northwest, a proclamation from the City of Fort Collins as well as recognition from Senators and two Presidents of the United States. Ilan brings his creativity to Santa Fe where he now lives through his colorful silk paintings and Poetry in Motion truck. He is a member of the National Speakers Association Colorado, The National Storytellers Association and The National Association for Interpretation and delivers inspiring keynote performances to conferences and events world-wide. He has received press coverage in over 100 major media including The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio's All Things Considered, The Today Show, Good Housekeeping, The London Times, Tokyo Journal, Success Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Money Magazine, and numerous newspapers, television and radio shows around the country.