You Are Nature: Bravery Through Poetry

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

What does living bravely look like in a time of radical climate change, flood and famine, wildfire, and violence that even follows us into the solace of the outdoors? It takes courage just to read the news, to accept the contradictions in our lives – that we are safe while others are in danger, or to attend a fun event about nature poetry when so many causes vie for our time and money. Poetry helps us find words for these contradictions. Be Brave Enough to explore the world of Osborn Preserve with your five senses and let them lead you to language for a poem! Participants will build their own poems by spending time with Osborn Preserve's oak woodlands, rocky meadows, creeks, and abundant flora and fauna. Come spend an early evening with us exploring, writing, and deepening our courage and connection to nature.

Presenter

Elizabeth Herron, Professor Emeritus of Arts Humanities at Sonoma State University, former Sonoma County Poet Laureate, and founder of the Being Brave Poetry Project. Author of several books of poetry and chapterbooks, her last book, In the Cities of Sleep, was a finalist for this year’s Northern California Book Award for Poetry. Elizabeth also writes articles about the importance of natural systems in the well-being of all life. She is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Writers.

Aldo Leopold, father of modern environmental writing, famously observed we take care of what we feel affection for, and Toni Morrison says that “Beauty makes the unbearable bearable.” Elizabeth's poetry is an effort to find the beauty that compels affection, even when the subject is otherwise unbearable. We want our hearts awakened, and poetry is about the heart. In the Being Brave Poetry Project, we hear the heart speak. Learn more at www.elizabethherron.net

Details

Wherever we notice our fear or hesitancy, there's an opportunity to be brave - whether that be fear of wild animals, threats we face from other humans when exploring the outdoors, putting your ideas onto paper, or speaking to a crowd. At this workshop, you'll learn poetry tips and tricks from Sonoma County's former Poet Laureate and meet community members who share your fondness for poetry, nature, or both. People who may never have written a poem before can find words for what being brave means in their lives, especially in relation to overcoming discomfort with being in nature or the threats our global environment faces. Let's celebrate your courage!

Poems written at "You Are Nature" can be sent to our new county Poet Laureate, Dave Seter, for Our Sonoma, the project he has initiated.

Logistics

The maximum hike will be 2.5 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain, adaptable to participant abilities.

Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling. 

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted. This is a rain or shine event. No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate. 

COVID-19 Safety

Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring rain, sun and insect protection as needed, a full water bottle and snack, book/paper for notetaking, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Long pants are recommended.

A sink for handwashing, potable water and restrooms are available on site.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.

About the Center

Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.