Acclaimed Poet to Lead “Poetry in the Parks” Series in Redwood National and State Parks
This August, internationally recognized poet Jodie Hollander will bring her celebrated “Poetry in the Parks” workshop series to Del Norte County, California, in partnership with the Redwood Parks Conservancy. The three-part series will be set amid the ancient redwoods and encourage participants to explore Hollander’s concept of the intersection of poetry and place where she draws inspiration from the towering forests and wild landscapes of our region.
Hollander, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for her lyrical, emotionally resonant poetry, intensely influenced by her upbringing in a family of classical musicians. Her debut collection, My Dark Horses, and her second book, Nocturne—listed for the Laurel Prize in nature writing—have established her as a major voice in contemporary poetry. Her work has appeared in leading journals such as The Poetry Review, The Yale Review, and The Harvard Review, and she has received prestigious fellowships, including a Fulbright and a MacDowell Colony Fellowship.
A defining feature of Hollander’s recent work is her focus on the natural world, particularly forests. In interviews, she has described nature as a space for healing and refuge, especially in the aftermath of personal trauma. Her poems often use the landscape—storms, trees, and the quiet of wild places—as metaphors for emotional journeys. This forest focus is central to her upcoming workshops in Del Norte, where participants will be encouraged to “translate their most powerful impressions of the natural world into a polished, musical poem”.
The “Poetry in the Parks” workshop series will take place at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, deep within the redwoods. The first session, titled “Nature Poetry,” will guide attendees in crafting poetry inspired by the forest’s sights, sounds, and atmosphere. The workshops are open to all, regardless of experience, and are designed to foster a deeper connection to the land through creative expression.
The Redwood Parks Conservancy, which organizes the event, emphasizes the importance of fostering “understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship” of public lands. Hollander’s workshops align closely with this mission, offering a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to engage with the landscape in a new and meaningful way.
While Hollander’s poetry has long explored themes of nature and refuge, this marks her most significant engagement with Del Norte County and its iconic forests. The collaboration with Redwood Parks Conservancy and the National and State Parks is a natural extension of her “Poetry in the Parks” initiative, which she has led in other national parks across the United States. Her arrival in Del Norte is anticipated to deepen her connection to the region and inspire new work rooted in the redwoods.
Jodie Hollander’s presence in Del Norte this August is more than a series of workshops; it is an invitation to experience the forest through the lens of poetry. By merging her personal history, artistic accomplishments, and passion for the natural world, Hollander hopes to inspire others to find solace and meaning among the trees.
Registration is required and attendance is limited. For more information, or to sign up visit
bit.ly/poetry-msp