Join Emma Loomis-Amrhein on a guided nature writing workshop through the beautiful Canaan Preserve. Emma will lead you through various writing exercises that will help develop your writing skills as we hike through the preserve. The guided hike will provide inspiration for your own nature writing as you become familiar with the flora and fauna of the Appalachian forest.

Emma’s passion for nature shines through in her work, evening primrose, her debut collection that seeks to address trans struggle and liberation in the crepuscularity and in-betweenness of rural being. Showing the country itself as queer, evening primroses serves as a sort of field guide for growth and change in that space, marking the passage of time between woodcock dance and trillium bloom, a record of having been, becoming, coming out.

Participants can expect to hike up to two miles along the John Knouse trail with multiple stops along the way leaving plenty of room for exploration, inspiration, and collaboration amongst the group. This workshop is perfect for any level of writer, naturalist or anyone interested in developing a deeper connection to the natural world.

John Knouse trail head located at 39.346699, -82.012347

To access the western end of the trail and the parking area (“P” on map): From Athens, take Strouds Run Road into the state park and continue past the campgrounds and beach turnoffs. About a mile farther up a steep hill, there is a fork in the road. Turn right and follow Scatter Ridge Road 1.7 miles to the junction with Lake Hill Road, where there is a sign that says Horseman’s Area. Turn right and follow Lake Hill Road 0.5 mile to a parking area on the right. From there, continue south on the road by foot another 0.2 mile and look for a trailhead sign on the left. It’s about 500 feet beyond a vehicle-exclusion gate.