Join MWPA, Trust for Public Land, & Mechanics’ Hall for a writing workshop led by Ryan Brod at Portland’s famous Eastern Promenade.

Once a hub of Indigenous lives, later a pasture for grazing cattle, present-day Eastern Prom is a sacred greenspace for gathering, sunbathing, picnicking, reading, walking our dogs. It’s the site of concerts and 4th of July fireworks. It’s where we go to gain perspective: Casco Bay and its islands, and the Atlantic beyond. And yet, the Prom’s draw is nothing new: there are few things in our history more ancient than returning to the place where land meets water.

But why?

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the implications of return, the richness of ecotones and the “edge-effect” where two boundaries meet. We’ll read and discuss related excerpts from North Woods, and from relevant poems and essays. Following our discussion, we’ll complete a generative writing exercise that explores themes of return, the complexity of boundaries/edges, and how such zones hold stories. We’ll consider how, as writers, we might discover necessary story elements hidden along these same edges.

Any writers, thinkers, or nature enthusiasts are welcome at this workshop. No prior experience with environmental writing necessary.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

Sunday, June 7, at 11:00 AM, approximately 90 minutes. Free to the Public.