Reading Nature: An Environmental Literature Group The Sterling Nature Center has launched Reading Nature, a new environmental literature group exploring how writers express humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Through essays, memoirs, poetry, and fiction, the group reflects on how literature helps us see our place in nature with clarity and curiosity.
The group is guided by Friends of the Sterling Nature Center members Marc Fellenz and Juliana Podd, who bring a shared passion for both literature and the environment. Meetings are open to everyone who enjoys reading, discussion, and community.
Current Read
Prodigal Summer
by Barbara Kingsolver
Prodigal Summer weaves together three stories of human love within a larger tapestry of lives inhabiting the forested mountains and struggling small farms of southern Appalachia.
This book will be discussed at the next Reading Nature gathering on Sunday, March 22, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the Sterling Nature Center.
How to get the book
How to get the book
If you do not already have a copy, contact Marc at fellenz@protonmail.com. If several people are interested, he can place a group order through The River’s End Bookstore.
How the Group Works
Reading Nature meets once a month at the Nature Center.
Everyone has a say in what we read next. A short survey helps us gather ideas for themes, authors, and future selections.
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Sunday, February 22, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the Sterling Nature Center.
Snow Plan
If a scheduled meeting lands on a snowy day, we will try to meet via Zoom. If that is not satisfactory, we will adopt a different policy going forward.
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Suggested Future Reads
Silent Spring – Rachel Carson
A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson
Doughnut Economics – Kate Raworth
The Signature of All Things – Elizabeth Gilbert
The Serviceberry – Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Book of Hope – Jane Goodall
The Eye of the Crocodile – Val Plumwood
Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt