Poetry and Prose with Birds: A mindful writing experience in nature.

Slow down, open your senses, and let Florida’s wildlife inspire your words!

Join Scott Zucker, a 30-year creative writing teacher, and Mary Young, a lifelong writer, for a guided nature writing adventure.

Whether you’re a birder or nature explorer searching for a creative outlet, or a poet or writer seeking inspiration, Scott and Mary will lead you in discovering the perfect marriage: flora and fauna with prose and poetry! You’ll be encouraged to gather material for your writing by opening your mind and senses to the birds, wildlife, and plants around you as we meander mindfully and make intermittent stops for opportunities to witness, process, and record observations, emotional connections, and insights along the way. Afterwards, you will be given time to create a draft of your experience that, if you wish, you will have the opportunity to share with the group as we gather to complete our creative journey.

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23-square-mile wetland ecosystem and drinking water supply for West Palm Beach, offering a rich habitat for birds, wildlife, and native plants. The preserve features walking trails, boardwalks, and scenic views that make it a perfect setting for mindful exploration and nature-inspired writing. Learn more at www.pbcgov.com/parks/grassywaters.

• A guided walk through Grassy Waters Preserve
• Mindful observation stops to notice and record birds, wildlife, and plants
• Opportunities to draft and reflect on your writing during the walk
• Optional sharing of your writing with the group to complete your creative journey

• Parking Lots: Visitor Center parking lot
• Meet Up: Meet inside the Nature Center. The Nature Center is a short walk up the boardwalk from the parking lot
• Restrooms: Available near and inside the Visitor Center
• FEE: No fee

• Pad and pen/pencil, or cellphone/tablet for writing
• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Optional: binoculars, camera

• Registration is required. Walk-ins are at the discretion of the leaders and space available.
• Please be on time.
• Photos may be taken for social media; let us know if you’d rather not be included.
• Please cancel if you can’t make it—someone else may be waiting.
• Under 16? Please bring an adult.

• Parking: Some accessible parking available at the Nature Center
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms located inside the Nature Center
• Benches: Benches available for resting at the Nature Center and along the trail

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. For accommodations or accessibility inquiries, contact Autumn at .

Host or Publisher Audubon Everglades