River Writing: A Creativity & Conservation Be Well Workshop

Join our Be Well Workshop centered around natural observation and creative writing for conservation led by Great Salt Lake facing activist & poet Nan Seymour alongside Maple Grove Founder Jordan Menzel.  Since the beginning of our community and restoration journey, the written word has played an important role in helping us process and express what we witness and learn while tending to this inspiring landscape. Nature, and certainly water, have a power to unlock our childlike observation and enrich our connection to all around us. If explored and expressed, this connection is a powerful tool to move, inspire, and unlock our potential to celebrate and preserve the ecosystems we depend on. 

In our inaugural writing workshop, we aim to explore the relationship between observation, expression, and action! Whether you consider yourself a writer, a poet, an artist, or simply a nature lover who wants to safely cultivate a relationship to writing, humans of all skills, experiences, and perspectives are welcome. 

What is River Writing?

River Writing, at it's core, is an opportunity to witness and be witnessed, a community-based writing practice, and a courage class. We keep our pens moving on the page as we write together with abandon, with no intention of making it good. Shamelessly shunning spelling and syntax, we invite words to flow unobstructed from a river of inner-narrative. Then we read to each other without preface or apology. No caveats. No comments. We listen to each other without offering praise or criticism.

We dare to find and foster our voice. To practice showing up imperfectly. To practice speaking without apology.  Because our particular witness has never been more needed in the world. Because our details matter. Because we never know who our story is for. River Writing is a vessel for growing connection, compassion, and kindness. Come to connect, and to create more kindness.

Space is limited and ticket options include day-of only and one or two-night packages. Lunch, snacks, and dinner provided on April 13th. 

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Saturday April 13th- Workshop Day 9am  - 9pm

• 9am - Arrival & soak
• 10am - Welcome circle + Intro
• 11am - River Writing Intro
• 12:30pm - Lunch + Share
• 1:45pm - River Writing Deep Dive
• 3pm - Forest Bathing Writing Walk 
• 4pm -Collective Poetry
• 5-7pm - Soak + Conversations
• 7-8:30pm - Dinner, Author Panel Q&A

Optional One and Two Night Packages

Explore ticket options for day-of and nightly package tickets. 

About the Facilitator:

Nan Seymour created River Writing in order to foster voice and authentic connection. Everyone is welcome in her circles. This community-held writing practice was designed for anyone willing to pick up a pen. A recent PBS documentary highlights River Writing as a method of repair for what is broken in our relationship with the natural world.

Her debut poetry collection, prayers not meant for heaven, was published by Toad Hall Editions in the summer of 2021. Nan's story lake woman leaving, a modern myth, was awarded the 2022 Alfred Lambourne prize by Friends of Great Salt Lake. In the summer of 2023, Nan was chosen by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall for a Mayor’s Artist Award.

What to bring:

Reusable water bottle, swimsuit, towel, warm clothes, journal + pens, comfy clothes

Optional:

Blanket, gloves, hat, water shoes, preferred snacks