A Farmcoast Winter Conversation & Reading Series

A Farmcoast Winter Conversation and Reading Series is a four-part series of two-hour gatherings, each with its own mix of reading, conversation, and writing, focused on our relationship to land and water. Designed to appeal to a wide community audience, the series integrates local viewpoints, writers from around the area, and a variety of facilitators including environmental stewards, land & water farmers, and writers.

We need to first develop a relationship with the place where we live, whether that is in the middle of the city or in the wild. The land is below us, supporting us, and we are in relationship with the land whether we acknowledge it or know it or not. We need to learn more about that land, how it was formed, what was there before us, and how it has changed. We can then ask what the land need. In time, we may even come to know that we and the land are one. - Ruah Swennerfelt

Attendees may be interested in reading Landmarks by Robert MacFarlane in order to frame the series.

Come to one or come to all four! See the meeting agenda for each session below:

2:00 - 2:45 Topic Presentation and Discussion

2:45 -3:30 Conversation Small Groups and/or Writing Prompts

3:30 - 4:00 Large Group Discussion

This program is supported by the Westport Cultural Council through funding from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by the Bank of America and the Westport Cultural Gift Fund.

January 11, 2026 - What and Where are our Landmarks?

January 25, 2026 - Land and Meaning

February 8, 2026 - The Sea and River

February 22, 2026 - Belonging and Environmental Stewardship