Adult Programs

Living Landscapes: A Writing Portfolio Workshop

Cultivate your writing by exploring the landscapes of The Morton Arboretum.

Content Detail

Whether you’re new to writing or you’re a lifelong writer, this workshop aims to help you see nature with fresh eyes and bring that vision to the page.

In this four-week course with The Morton Arboretum, you’ll read notable pieces of nature writing and create your own nature writing portfolio. Through immersive sessions in different landscapes throughout the Arboretum, weekly reading and writing assignments, and in-class conversations, you will:

  • Use classic and contemporary nature essays, poems, and stories, to unearth writing techniques
  • Learn to observe natural spaces such as meadows, woodlands, gardens, and water features to tap into life themes and symbols
  • Hone your voice and writing style by practicing various writing mediums
  • Develop a personal writing routine to encourage writing as a habit
  • Practice giving and receiving constructive feedback in a workshop environment

The qualities of good writing apply to everything from blogs to books. No matter your background or interest, join us, and become the writer you always dreamed you could be.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Patrick Burns, teacher and writer

Age: 16 and older

Course number: N240

Instructor

Patrick Burns, teacher and writer

Patrick Burns is an educator with more than 17 years of classroom experience teaching literature and rhetoric, and nearly a decade teaching Advanced Placement Language and Composition. His literary curations and writing lessons guide students in close reading, reflective writing, and creative expression. As an avid traveler to over 30 countries, he is particularly interested in shifting perspectives and using landscapes to cultivate one’s writing style.

What to Know

This program meets indoors and outdoors. Please check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking outdoors.

Please bring water and materials for writing indoors and outdoors.

Program Schedule

This program meets the following four times.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

Become a Member

When a trip to the Arboretum inspires you to explore more, become a member to visit again and again.

Join now