Nature Writing
Friday, May 15
Instructor: Dave Mance III
Cost: $125 (includes dinner)
Size: 16 Students
That 20th-century idea that a picture is worth 1,000 words has become accepted as something of a gospel truth in our image-saturated, digitally-driven, 21st-century world. But pictures and words are not the same thing. The act of reading opens pathways in the mind that aren’t available otherwise. The act of writing doubles as an act of thinking. Show a beautiful picture of a tree and the brain registers a beautiful picture of a tree. Show 1,000 words on that same tree and the experience will be markedly different. Writing or reading about something presents an opportunity for a deeper and more fundamentally human experience.
This class is a full day of nature, and a full day of writing. Dave will present on reading and writing – on the craft; on the physiology. We’ll discuss what makes good nature writing good. In a world full of digital media that’s designed to distract us, we’ll discuss strategies on how to maintain the focus needed for quality reading and writing. We’ll walk the North Branch trails and observe nature, and we’ll write and share based on these experiences. Maybe the goal is a finished piece of writing that can be polished and published. Or maybe the goal is more spiritual: writing as an act of attention designed to deepen one’s connection to the natural world.
Late afternoon will allow for folks to have some solo writing time, then we’ll convene again for a group dinner followed by an optional sharing one another’s work.
Course Details
About the Instructor
Dave Mance III grew up in Vermont, and has been writing professionally about the state and the natural world here for around 30 years. He was the editor of Northern Woodlands magazine for 11 years, and is the co-founder and co-editor of Vermont Almanac, an annual book that celebrates rural life and rural stories in the state.
Meals & Lodging
We will provide coffee, tea, and light breakfast fare (pastries, etc.) in the morning. Participants should bring their own lunches and snacks. A group dinner will be included. Camping available onsite by request.
Location & Timing
Course begins 9 AM on Friday at North Branch Nature Center. Course concludes by 8 PM. The course includes a group dinner, which will be followed by sharing of writing in the evening.
Physical Requirements
Participants must be able to travel at least half a mile on mostly flat grass and dirt trails. Participants should be comfortable outside in potentially hot or cold or wet conditions for long periods of time. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about mobility and/or other accessibility needs.
Academic Credit & Professional Development
This course qualifies for 10 hours of professional development and continuing education units. Certificates of completion are provided at the conclusion of the course upon request.
This course does not qualify for academic credit.
Financial Support
We have financial support available for most courses! Please head to our Financial Support page to learn more and request financial support. Support is limited, but we do our best to make sure that participants are not turned away for financial reasons. Since many courses fill quickly, we suggest submitting your financial support request after registering for the course if you are able. Or you may email us after submitting your request to ask us to temporarily hold a space for you.
Cancellation Policy
While we realize that unexpected circumstances arise that are out of our control, North Branch Nature Center cannot guarantee refunds for registrations cancelled within 30 days of the course. If a cancellation occurs within this window, NBNC will attempt to fill the space from our wait list and provide a full refund. If the course needs to be cancelled by NBNC, we will provide a full refund.