Poetry Circle & Connect: The Peace of Wild Things
April 16 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
For as long as there has existed the written word, people have written about the natural world. To explore their connection with and deepen their understanding of it. To express an appreciation for its beauty and to raise awareness about issues that threaten it. To reflect on their place within the larger ecosystem that includes us all.
Join us on the overlook hill at ChesLen Preserve (weather permitting) to celebrate National Poetry Month with an open share of nature-inspired poems. Share your own poems, the poems of others you appreciate, or simply listen.
This event will be one for conversation and connection, not critique; it is not intended as a workshop.
We’ll gather at the Lenfest Center parking lot before walking to our space.
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
– Wendell Berry
Related Events
about the property
ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Miles of marked hiking trails lead visitors through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys.
Visitors can also explore Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround, where young explorers can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, explore small streams, and get a little dirty, tired, and inspired. Free play is encouraged and is a great way for kids to gain an appreciation for nature.
parking
ChesLen Preserve has five parking lots. The event organization will let you know where to park for your specific event.
The main parking lot is located at 1199 Cannery Road next to the Lenfest Center. It is reached via a long driveway and is paved with 30 spaces. Four additional gravel parking lots are located nearby: two more lots along Cannery Road, one on Route 162, and one at the Newlin Township building further north on Route 162.
visitor hours
Friday – Wednesday, dawn to dusk. Closed Thursdays.
more preserve informationbefore you go
- Feel free to sign up for our poetry circle/share in advance. We will also have a sign-up sheet the day-of.
- If you are willing to share your own work, that is more than welcome. Otherwise, please feel free to bring the work of a poet you admire—or simply come to listen and enjoy.
- Small, seasonal refreshments will be served (lemonade, cookies). Feel free to bring your own snacks/beverages, in a potluck-style fashion. If you have a food allergy, please share it with us in advance.
- Please bring your own chairs or blankets to create a comfortable space. We will have some to borrow.
- Plan to meet near the red kiosk at the Lenfest Center parking lot and walk together a short distance.
- The event leader will have a small wagon to assist attendees with transportation.
- If you think you will require any assistance getting from the parking lot to the event site, please let us know.
- Some trails may be rocky, please plan accordingly.
- Bring water and snacks for a comfortable hike.
- Please leave your four-legged friends at home. Service animals are welcome, as required by law.
- If you are sick or feeling unwell, please stay home.
- Rain plan: If weather is looking less than ideal for being outdoors (April showers), we’ll pivot to an indoor option or gather beneath the pavilion. Please prepare accordingly.
Registration is required to reserve your spot. Your online registration signifies acceptance of our terms and conditions (read in full below). Questions? Please contact us.
- $5 – Natural Lands member ticket
- $10 – non-member ticket
- $2 – ACCESS Cardholder ticket – limited number available.
- $30– event ticket and a year-long membership to Natural Lands
Thanks to our sponsor:
Shreiner Tree Care
Event Terms and Conditions
Cancellation
Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or low registration. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants. Note that we cannot offer refunds of paid registrations or ticket purchases, but rest assured that your donation will help us in our work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.
Communication
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I fully understand that: (a) the Program and related Activities involve risks and dangers of damage to personal property and serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my and/or the Minor’s own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” as aforementioned; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or the minor incur as a result of my participation or that of the Minor in the Activity.
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