Poetry in the Parks: A Celebration of Words & Wilderness

This August, Redwood Parks Conservancy partnered with acclaimed poet Jodie Hollander to host a three-day Poetry in the Parks workshop series. Against the breathtaking backdrop of redwood groves, ocean bluffs, and quiet meadows, writers gathered to immerse themselves in the power of poetry and place.

Over the course of the weekend, more than 30 poets and community members came together to explore their voices in nature’s classroom. The journey began at Prairie Creek, where a lively group filled the meadow with words and inspiration. From there, the workshops moved to the dramatic bluffs of Crescent Beach Overlook, and concluded in the peaceful setting of the Howland Hill Outdoor School, each location offering its own muse.

Jodie Hollander reflected on the series, saying:

“It was an honor and delight to teach such an eager and talented group of poets deeply connected to their public lands. Redwoods National and State Parks was the most extraordinary natural setting for these workshops, and the perfect landscape for poets to find their inspiration. I was impressed by the caliber of poems written, and I hope the participants will keep writing and developing their poetic voices. Thank you for bringing me out and offering me the chance to share my love of poetry with your gorgeous community.”

The workshops sparked a wealth of creativity, with participants producing moving, original works. We’re proud to share a selection of these poems below:

Barn Swallows

By Mary Thibodeaux Lentz
(Written at Prairie Creek, Day 1)

Barn swallows skim the meadow
breathing the summer scent of dry grass and dandelion,
maneuvering tails as precise as parabolas,
open mouths to catch flies with slight sideways snatches,
sleek indigo wings dodge swaying heads of Harding grass,
avoiding thickets of bracken fern,
rust-colored torsos soar up and over,
climb into the mild blue sky,
sharing the day’s innate grace.
How do they learn to trust
that air will hold them,
that wings will take them,
that they are sufficient unto themselves?

Life is Better in the Country

By Megan Pucillo-Slayton

Each summer, I’d visit my grandparents at their slice of heaven, Shoestring Ranch, in the Eastern Sierras in Topaz.
The emerald blue lake and the ranch animals-
cows, pigs, and horses- always called my name.

Throwing horseshoes in the ditch, Catching a greased
pig at a Nevada rodeo, Munching on Frosted Flakes with Tony the Tiger grinning on the box,
Watching TV trash my mom would never let me lay eyes on-
game shows like Family Feud and soap operas like General Hospital,
Devouring Grams’s decadent oatmeal cookies,
Stealthily stealing tomatoes from the fridge and hiding them high up on Mount Everest in the game room closet near Hungry, Hungry Hippos.

Riding on my #1 horse, Hamburger, with Uncle Ed,
cheering on my lasso legend at the rodeos. That one time the rider of rodeo’s rope got caught on a bar above him, and he was injured.
That one time, a little girl gave her favorite uncle all the coins in her pocket because her hero didn’t win the big money.
That one time Uncle Ed asked me to play 52-card pick-up-
I felt aghast when cards danced all over the family room.
That one time, the prince of pranks declared he lived on 1313 Luck Street. That one time I was Homecoming princess, and my mom told me Hamburger’s sidekick had liver cancer.
Two weeks to two months to live.
That one time, I forced a smile and waved my princess wave.
That one time, we visited my beloved uncle, so frail and feeble.
That one time, three weeks later, we were reunited in my dreams. 

Nostalgia

By Megan Pucillo-Slayton

Venturing to Jed Smith, my heart misses you so much
Melancholic, I yearn to embrace you- my stomach’s in a punch
Lavender lupine fields envelop me- comin’ in clutch
Nostalgic memories flood me- I feel your touch
Radiant, white trillium- youthful, energetic- wild and free
Desiccated purple trill- waxing n feeble- best reps me
Raging pristine emerald green water rushing
Missing your warm touch- waterfalls gushing
Redwoods towering- a myriad of green hues
Extending your arms, it is her that you choose
Bright sun blinds me through the colossal giants
Woefully secluded from your blissful alliance
A tear comes down my face as I reminisce,
So begins my descent into the abyss
Amorous times then-
Dreadful times now,
I will survive without you, but I’m skeptical of how…
Are you ruminating about me like I’m recollecting about you?
For you are my forever love- solid and true! 

About the Instructor:
Jodie Hollander is the author of My Dark Horses and Nocturne, both published by Liverpool and Oxford University Press. Nocturne was longlisted for the Laurel Prize in nature writing. She is a MacDowell and Fulbright Fellow and the creator of Poetry in the Parks, a program that brings poetry workshops to U.S. National Parks and Monuments. In July 2025, her work was published in The Atlantic, adding to a growing body of widely recognized literary contributions.

This series was not only about poetry, but also about connection—to nature, to each other, and to the creative spirit. We are grateful to all who attended, and to Jodie Hollander for bringing her passion and expertise to our community.

Stay tuned for future opportunities to engage with the arts in Redwood National and State Parks!