Wisconsin Wetlands - poetry workshop

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WETLANDS AND POETRY 2009

Wetland Gems to Poetic Gems: Celebrating Wisconsin Wetlands with Poetry
Sunday, June 21. 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Waubesa Wetlands, Dane County
Instructors: Mary Linton, Alice Thompson and Tod Highsmith (see below)
Registration: $50
Download registration form (PDF)

This workshop is offered in conjunction with an international conference on wetlands co-sponsored by the Society of Wetland Scientists, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and the Wetland Biogeochemistry. The conference organizers invite the general public to participate in a number of events during the conference, including this workshop. For information about other public events during the conference, visit www.sws.org/2009_meeting/public_events.mgi.

In 2009, Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA) is celebrating Wisconsin's 100 Wetland Gems - high quality representatives of the vast and wonderful wetland riches that are a part of Wisconsin's landscapes. In this workshop, three local poets who also all serve on WWA's Board of Directors will lead a tour of Waubesa Wetlands, a Madison-area Wetland Gem. Instructors Mary Linton (wetland ecologist and amphibian biologist), Alice Thompson (wetland ecologist and restoration biologist) and Tod Highsmith (ornithologist and odonate enthusiast) will discuss the ecology and challenges of an urban wetland, and will also provide plenty of opportunity for Waubesa Wetlands to inspire.

After touring Waubesa, participants will settle in at the wetland edge and let wetland nature inspire poetry. We will share some of our favorite nature poetry and work through several writing exercises to facilitate turning Waubesa's inspiration into verse. Participants needn't have experience in either wetland biology or poetry writing to enjoy this workshop. We love to learn from participants at all levels of biological and poetic expertise. No rapping of the poetic knuckles by anyone - just time writing about this Wetland Gem and the organisms that depend on it.

Participants should bring an inexpensive notebook, a couple of writing implements, a favorite nature poem, and a willing heart. Knee boots might give you more freedom and confidence to investigate the wetlands, but an old and expendable pair of shoes would also suffice. Transportation provided; space is limited.

Instructors:

Mary Linton, Wisconsin Wetlands Association: Research interests include top predators in fishless wetlands. Poetry published in numerous journals and literary magazines. Led WWA Wetland and Poetry Trip & Workshop in 2006.
Alice Thompson, Thompson & Associates Wetland Services: Long-time member of SWS and Certified Professional Wetland Scientist. Owns business for independent wetland consultating, including restorations and conservation planning.
Tod Highsmith, Wisconsin Wetlands Association: Writer and editor in the conservation sciences. Poet, birder, and odonate enthusiast. He still seeks the elusive dragonfly, the Ebony Boghaunter.

WWA is offering another wetlands and poetry workshop this summer in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods. Click here for more information and a registration form.