Writing and sharing poetry is a way to connect with one’s environment and community. This pilot project “Finding Poetic Inspiration in the Hoosic River Watershed” focuses on how our Hoosic River Watershed can inspire poets and aspiring poets of all ages. HooRWA’s intention is to assist in public discourse and connection to our Watershed through the medium of art while advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Poetry can inspire new perspectives on the beauty, tenacity, and fragility of the Watershed and why it is vital to protect the natural habitats in which we live and share space with wildlife. Writing poetry offers a heart-felt way to learn about and connect with the environment. Poetic inspiration offers a pause so as to deepen understanding and experience on a fully embodied level. HooRWA hopes that this project will enhance and promote discussion on the value of natural and recreational resources and ways that all people can enjoy and protect the Hoosic River Watershed.
5 free public workshops and school classes will be held outside in a public or school setting, near the Hoosic River or tributary for maximum inspired poetic flow. Interested persons please contact office@hoorwa.org for how to get involved.
This Berkshire Country project is made possible by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Your facilitator: Arianna Alexsandra Collins, Executive Director of the Hoosic River Watershed Association, is also a naturalist educator and poet with over 30 years teaching outdoor immersion experiences and community engagement. She has been facilitating quarterly Poetry Shares at her local library in Ashfield for the past several years. You can read samples of Arianna’s poetry at: https://hearkentoavalon.com/earthvoice-poetry/