Solstice Poetry for Pride

In this Queer nature writing workshop, we will bring words on the move with a nature hike in Patapsco State Park! Together, we will enjoy a moderately strenuous hike with frequent stops for sharing poetry. We'll circle up for some writing and ground into the season of the Summer Solstice and take cues from nature to check in with our writing lives. This workshop will give writers an opportunity to slow down and get in tune with themselves, their environments, and each other. Expect a contemplative, reflective, and meditative environment, dedicated time to write to optional prompts, and open time for sharing and connecting. Participants are invited to bring a poem (yours or anyone’s!) to share that speaks to themes of nature, summer, pride, and/or abundance.

The hike portion of the event is ~2 miles round trip on natural surface trails with some steep uphill/downhill portions and stepping-stone stream crossings. If anyone would prefer to opt out of the hike, there is an option to meet with the group midway at a parking-accessible location to join the workshop portion. The organizers will contact all participants the week before the workshop with more detailed directions.

Please bring water, comfortable shoes for hiking, materials to write with, and optionally, a poem to share. Please leave dogs at home for this hike. Please inform the organizers in advance of any additional accessibility needs or concerns

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About us:

Nature Forward is the DMV’s oldest environmental non-profit. Established in 1897 as a bird conservation organization, our scope has broadened to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to grow a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and seek to protect it.

Bmore Queer Poetry is a group serving as mutual aid for Baltimore’s Queer community with free poetry events. We are a non-hierarchical mutual aid group whose intent is to provide community care, revitalization, resilience, and inspiration to Baltimore’s Queer community through the art of poetry. As Lucille Clifton said, “Poetry is a matter of life, not just a matter or language.” @bmorequeerpoetry

Liability Information:

By signing up for this event, I consent to the following statement of risk and acknowledgement of liability: I know and understand that there may be risks and dangers involved in the above activities, and that Nature Forward and Bmore Queer Poetry (henceforth, “the organizers”) do not carry accidental injury insurance on participants. In case of a medical emergency, the organizers have my permission to secure emergency treatment. I will assume liability for any expenses incurred in such an emergency. I waive and release the organizers and their agents from any and all liability claims of any nature for any personal injuries, illness, loss or property damage. Please stay home if you are sick. Nature Forward and Bmore Queer Poetry reserve the right to use photos of participants for non-commercial, informational purposes.