Sherwin Bitsui once said, quite casually, during a writer’s workshop, “Well you can do whatever you want with poetry since there’s no money in it.” He was laughing and said it with a smile, but this simple truth really spoke to me and helped me relax and simply write.

Poetry is a craft that is meant to be played with, challenged, and explored—for the love of it as well as for generative change. Come join us in celebration of National Poetry Month this April, for a chance to delve into your own poetry, create new pieces that you can take home and refine, and find joy in the ancient act of writing.

We will begin with introductions and an individual writing prompt, followed by a discussion on a poem by Ocean Vuong or Jane Hirschfield, followed by a longer writing prompt and quiet writing time. The workshop will close with an opportunity to share our favorite piece from the day, or a reflection on the day as a whole.

Feel free to bring one of your favorite poems to read at the beginning of the workshop!

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. She’s currently a graduate student in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley. This class will be held outside.

– 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:

Notebook, journal, or preferred writing materials

Poem to share (if desired)

Lightweight folding or camp chair (optional) for comfort and added distancing

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

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 guidelines for public health and safety, 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

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.

During class all participants will be required to do the following

Wear a protective face covering

Maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household

Bring your own food and water

Current group sizes are 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

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