This wild writing retreat circles around the theme of “place as teacher,” with the overarching goal to explore how can we use the lessons of colder weather to nurture our creative practice and be more present with everyday changes.

There will be three creative writing prompts that are great for all ages, as well as a 40 minute break for lunch and socializing. For all prompts, writing is certainly encouraged, though participants are welcome to choose other creative mediations or sketch during that time if they feel moved.

In addition to setting intentions for the winter months around our creative practice, today will be a day of expression and tender reflection in the beautiful, fog-draped hills of Point Reyes. Take-home additional writing prompts provided during class for even more creative inspiration back home!

Allie Rigby is a San Francisco Bay Area poet and educator with roots in the chaparral of southern California. Her writing is featured in Manzano Mountain Review, Parenthesis Journal, PostScript Magazine, Cholla Needles, Visitant Lit, Living on Earth Radio, and more. Currently, Allie is pursuing an MA in English: Creative Writing at San Francisco State University. She was recently accepted into the Shuffle Literary Arts Residency and nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Her website is www.allierigby.com, and you can follow her on Twitter @RigbyAllie

Photo Credit: Bill Helsel, used with permission

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:

Preferred writing materials (journal, notebook, etc.)

Book, author, or article you’d like to share that has recently moved you

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking/Walking 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 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

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-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

• At this time masks are required for all participants indoors regardless of vaccination status

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time 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.