I thought I knew my senses. I could walk into a forest and describe with great detail the sights, smells, sounds, etc . . . but I had no idea what I was missing, 'til now.

Three Southern Breezers: Jo Kittinger, Heather Montgomery and I attended the Highlights Foundation "Writing from Nature" workshop which highlighted nature writing and fine-tuning senses.

The Highlights Foundation has earned a reputation for remarkable workshops. This class, led by Andy Boyles and Mark Baldwin, was a prime example.

We began with a tour of Highlights Magazine and Boyds Mill Press. Their magic is created in two historic homes in the beautiful mountains of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. A life size Giganotosaurus skull (an eight-ton dinosaur) affectionately nicknamed "Giggy," sits across from three editors.

The editors and art director each explained their area of expertise with enthusiasm. What a welcoming, warm family! Then we headed higher into the mountains to the Myers House and cabins for an incredible four-day journey.

Each day began with instructions for a new way of looking at the world. Then we practiced the new techniques. We hiked through forests and fished with nets in streams and vernal pools. We scooped up all kinds of wildlife!

We saw where/how bear, deer and coyote uniquely marked their territory,and where wild turkeys had "dusted." We corralled a goat, gathered warm hen eggs and unearthed little critters.

We inspected ferry shrimp and frog eggs with microscopes, star gazed, listened, smelled, measured, stepped in bear scat (oops), journaled, drew, photographed, created, bonded . . . and had a blast!

We shared heartfelt stories that brought laughter and tears. We each had our own cozy cabin and Dominick treated us to incredible gourmet meals.

"This is like summer camp for adults!" Heather exclaimed. Her enthusiasm was contagious!

The expert faculty included editors, authors, scientists, biologists and naturalists. They taught us unique techniques for investigating the world around us, then revealed the most compelling way to convey our findings to children.

Elevated awareness is crucial to writing any subject or genre. Incorporating the techniques can help one manuscript stand out from the others. This workshop is an absolute treasure for anyone interested in writing about science and nature.

Jo, Heather and I have been inspired to incorporate 'Science & Nature Writing' workshops/fieldtrips for Southern Breezers. We plan to include hikes, stargazing, fossil hunts, etc. where we can show others the new techniques we learned, as well as network and inspire each other.

The Highlights, "Writing from Nature" workshop was an invaluable experience. My senses now seem more 4-dimensional. The memories shared with wonderful new friends with like passions will be cherished for a lifetime.

I hope many other writers will take advantage of the Highlights workshop, or join Jo, Heather and I on our next adventure of discovery. Passing along the fun and knowledge from our own environmental journeys is a worthy endeavor for each of us. It may only take one, small spark of interest in a child to ignite a flame of passion that can burn for a lifetime.

Donna H. Bowman, Co-Regional Advisor
Southern Breeze
Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators

For information about the 2007 Highlights Foundation "Writing from Nature" workshop, click here.