In the Spirit of Thoreau

In partnership with Polk County Conservation and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, join us for a special event inspired by the new PBS film, Henry David Thoreau. The afternoon will begin at 1 p.m. at the Jester Park Nature Center with a short screening, setting the stage for an experience centered on observation, reflection and connection with the natural world. 

Following the introduction, participants will be divided into two small groups. One group will begin with a guided nature walk led by Polk County Conservation staff, encouraging participants to slow down and observe the landscape in the spirit of Thoreau. The second group will be guided through a reflective writing exercise that explores themes of authenticity, environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, with time to capture their thoughts in provided reflection journals. 

Midway through the afternoon, the groups will switch so that everyone has the opportunity to experience both the nature walk and the poetry workshop. Light refreshments will offer time for conversation and connection. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their poem for consideration to be featured in the Iowa Natural Heritage magazine. 

Spend an afternoon observing, reflecting and creating. 

Major funding for Henry David Thoreau was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members: The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment and Mark A. Tracy. Major funding was also provided by Jeff Skoll, the Mansueto Foundation, Tyson Foods, Inc., and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Additional funding was provided by the Tyson Family Foundation Inc, The Neil and Anna Rasmussen Foundation, Roxanne Quimby Foundation Inc, Jim and Mona Mylen through The HeartSpace Fund, and Elizabeth Kenny.