Writing from Nature w/ Ryan Brod

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.

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

PARKING, TRANSPORTATION & WAYFINDING

We'll meet at the corner of Eastern Prom Road & Congress Street. Look for the Cleeves & Tucker Memorial statue, and then proceed down to the green space.

Street parking or the two Cutter Street parking lots are are recommended. The area is served by GP Metro Routes 1, 7, & 9B.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Maine-native Ryan Brod is the author of Tributaries: Essays from Woods and Waters, which was the best-selling memoir of 2024 at Back Cove Books, in Portland. His writing appears in River Teeth, The Maine Review, Tahoma Literary Review, Gray’s Sporting Journal, along with many other publications, and he is the Room with a View columnist for Down East Magazine. He teaches writing at University of New England and is a fly-fishing guide and freelance editor.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

This series is a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Mechanics' Hall, with the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.

The Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 on the conviction that all people need access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live. TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they’re needed most, as a matter of health, equity, and justice.

Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance brings together Maine writers, editors, publishers, booksellers, and literary professionals at all stages of their careers to sharpen craft, create community, and celebrate great writing. They foster a greater awareness and readership of Maine writers; build networks of writers, readers, and publishers; create opportunities for writers to improve their craft; and act as the foremost authority on Maine literary news, keeping members and the public alike engaged and informed.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Mechanics' Hall was selected to be part of the NEA Big Read. From October 2025 to July 2026. We will work with community partners to present a wide range of public programs inspired by Daniel Mason’s novel North Woods.

Events are centered on the theme "On Nature" and will focus on nature, resilience, and human connection. These activities highlight how Maine’s history of conservation and public land stewardship shows how our physical environment can foster hope, courage, and a sense of belonging, encouraging meaningful dialogue about nature’s role in strengthening community bonds.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit

El proyecto NEA Big Read es una iniciativa del National Endowment for the Arts (el Fondo Nacional para las Artes de Estados Unidos) en cooperación con Arts Midwest.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Mechanics' Hall (Maine)