Celebrate the summer months and warmer weather with a day of writing exercises, community-building, and of course, play!

This class is filled with prompts, explorations of the local environment, and a chance to share your favorite work from the day. If you’ve taken class with me, you know that creating a safe space to express yourself and hone with your writing is a key part of any workshop I facilitate.

Like any art, writing is not about “inherent skill” or “talent.” It is about practice. It is about taking risks, with words and vulnerabilities. Whether writing about the weighty branch of an oak tree or reminiscing about the place you grew up, writing is the binding element that helps us understand who we are and what we value. What could be more important than a day of reconnecting with yourself, with this place, and with a community of fellow writers? All levels are welcome. Please feel free to bring your favorite piece of prose, or a poem that inspires you, as well as any questions you have about writing in general.

We will take breaks here and there, including a lunch break around noon. Towards the end, we will have an “Open Mic” circle where I encourage everyone to read, but it’s largely up to you!

Allie Rigby is a Bay Area poet and educator with roots in the chaparral of southern California. Her writing is published in the Manzano Mountain Review, Cholla Needles, Visitant, Living on Earth Radio, and more. Currently, Allie is pursuing an MA in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University. She was recently accepted into the Shuffle Literary Arts Residency and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. When not writing, Allie is an environmental educator who finds hope in teaching elementary students.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Writing supplies and a favorite poem or piece or prose

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals if desired.

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes if they continue to maintain a 6’ distance from other participants.

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless farther than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class.

• Continue to maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household

• Bring your own food and water

• Current group sizes are still limited, there will be no physical contact or sharing of food and drink, and no shared physical equipment or materials unless they are sanitized before and after use, and used by only one person for the duration of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.