Fall Poetry Walk: Enhance Your Connection with the Natural World - Special Pilot Offering

Instructor: Eden Bodnar, BS, Certificate in Fine Arts (Theater), and 25+ years as a professional film, stage and voice actor; Sarah Palm, Nature-Based Therapeutic Services Program Specialist and Onsite Program Coordinator

This is part of the Arboretum's Nature-Based Therapeutics Onsite Programming

Discover poetry as a catalyst for a deeper relationship with the natural world. Nature-Based Therapeutics Onsite classes are based on the guiding principles set forth in Dr. Miles Richardson’s 5 Pathways to Nature Connection; this guided autumn walk uses poetry as a bridge to engage your whole self with the living landscape. As we walk to and pause in selected locations at the Arboretum, you will listen to works from celebrated nature writers, reflect on seasonal change and discover how written words can deepen your everyday connection to nature.

In this class you will:

• Walk together to seasonal locations such as the Japanese Garden, Hosta Glade and Wildflower Garden chosen to reflect the beauty of the season.  Class takes place on paved and woodchip trails and includes stairs.
• Listen to curated poetry readings featuring authors who draw deeply on nature and seasonal change, such as Wendell Berry, Nikita Gill, Joy Harjo, Linda Hogan, Mark Nepo, Mary Oliver, Parker Palmer and Jan Richardson.
• Engage in a group circle at our final stop, where participants will have the opportunity to share a preselected poem of their own choosing.
• Receive a printed resource list at the end of the walk featuring all class poems, authors and book titles to take home.

Leave this experience with a refreshed spirit, a deeper appreciation for autumn landscapes, and a rich collection of poetic works to inspire your ongoing connection to nature.

Weather

• This experience takes place outdoors along Arboretum grounds and trails, and will run rain or shine unless conditions are deemed dangerous by the Arboretum.
• Please dress appropriately for autumn outdoor weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• We will move at a gentle pace with short walks between 5–6 stops, with periods of standing and sitting outdoors.
• Be prepared for cooler temperatures or changing weather conditions. Where appropriate, please bring necessary protection or medications.

Helpful tips 

• The Arboretum is a public place; solitude from other visitors is not expected nor guaranteed.
• Bring a water bottle, and feel free to bring a favorite nature poem to read during the final group share.
• This is a tech-free experience (please keep devices silenced and put away).
• As Minnesotans know, autumn weather can be unpredictable… that is part of the joy and spontaneity of nature. Be prepared for the weather and come with an open heart for what Mother Nature has in store.

Please note

• This class will not cover practical aspects of creative writing, literature analysis or horticulture.
• *This program is being offered as a pilot class at a special reduced rate. In exchange for this discounted rate, all participants will share feedback on their experience following the session through a brief in-person discussion and via an anonymous electronic survey. Your input will help shape future Nature-Based Therapeutics offerings!
• This Nature Heals Initiative experience does not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Nature Heals Initiative Experiences at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum do not engage in the practice of medicine, nor enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship. Please discuss your personal health with a qualified health practitioner.