Writing the Land: Fall Outdoor Poetry Workshop

Celebrate the spirit of the land and the power of words amid the changing colors of autumn with an outdoor poetry writing workshop. To kick off Kestrel Land Trust’s first appearance in Writing the Land: Wanderings II, an anthology of poems inspired by conserved lands, we’ll be joined by poet, writer, and contemplative arts teacher, Ellen White Rook.

Ellen is the author of two poems about the Greenberg Family Conservation Area that appear in this anthology, and during the two-hour event, she will guide participants in writing poetry and prose inspired by the natural surroundings of this unique nature retreat.

Beginning and experienced writers are welcome! The workshop will include a short, easy hike into the conservation area with readings and writing guidance by Ellen. Writing will take place at the Gathering Circle, an open clearing surrounded by forest, which features benches and a platform. Registration required. Sliding scale donation welcome.

Writing the Land is a collaborative project of the nonprofit NatureCulture that brings together poets and land conservation organizations to raise awareness about the importance of land conservation through poetry.

Ellen White Rook offers writing workshops and leads retreats that combine meditation, movement, and writing. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Lindenwood University and has been twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Suspended, her first collection of poetry, was released in May 2023. Her latest Writing the Land project is focused on the Cowee Lands of the Rensselaer Plateau in New York State. Ellen divides her time between upstate New York and Maine. Visit her website: ellenwhiterock.com.