Upcoming Workshops 2025
Pressed for Words: Nature Writing and the Art of Precision
October 18, 2025
Join writer Tiffanny Brooks for an immersive writing workshop at Lake Sammamish State Park, where autumn leaves, a working cider press, and the spirit of restoration set the stage for creative exploration. This advanced workshop is designed for writers seeking to elevate their nature writing through the power of precise language.
We’ll delve into the craft of selecting the perfect words to bring your stories, essays, and poems to life. Through guided exercises, close reading of masterful nature writing, and hands-on inspiration from the natural setting, you’ll discover fresh ways to express the world around you. We’ll challenge ourselves to say things differently—to move beyond clichés and find language that is vivid, authentic, and evocative.
Participants will leave with new strategies for word choice, sensory detail, and metaphor, as well as a renewed sense of connection to the landscapes and stories that inspire us. Whether you’re crafting memoir, fiction, or poetry, this workshop will help you press the essence of your experience into every word.
Previous Workshops
Winter Nature Writing Workshop
January 25, 2025
January 25, 2025: Winter Nature Writing Workshop
Join author Tiffanny Brooks for a creative Nature Writing Class at Lake Sammamish State Park on January 25, 2025!
In this immersive experience, you’ll unlock the secrets of vivid imagery and sensory exploration as you wander through the park’s enchanting landscapes. Through creative prompts and guided exercises, you’ll learn to craft evocative descriptions that draw readers into nature’s mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just beginning your journey, this class will inspire you to express your unique perspective and deepen your connection with the natural world.
Friends of Lake Sammamish ArtDoors
September 21, 2024
Join writer Tiffanny Brooks as she leads a family-friendly nature art project at the Friends of Lake Sammamish ArtDoors event. ArtDoors is a drop-in event for anyone interested in crafting outdoors.
We will have a planned project for community members to participate in, but you are free to bring your craft and work on your project with other like-minded community artists. This is a family-friendly event so bring your kids and come craft with us at the park. No registration is required
Sense-ational Nature Adventure: Awaken Your Senses Family Workshop
May 19, 2024
Embark on an extraordinary journey as you unlock the secrets of the natural world at this hands-on, 2-hour family workshop at Lake Sammamish State Park. Prepare to awaken your senses and discover the hidden wonders within the ordinary.
Join FLSSP for an interactive experience that will transform a simple walk into an epic adventure. Learn practical skills to heighten your senses and deepen your connection with nature, from deciphering the subtle clues that reveal the secret world of weather to immersing yourself in the symphony of sounds in the trees.
Gain valuable insights to become more attuned to your surroundings and find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This sensational nature adventure is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Lakeside Nature Writing Workshop
September 9, 2023
Calling all writers and might-be-writers! Come join me as I lead the Friends of Lake Sammamish Lakeside Nature Writing workshop.
With Lake Sammamish State Park as our muse, we’ll have a brief discussion about the nature of nature writing and spend time exploring our environment and writing our observations. We will discuss the strengths and opportunities of everyone’s writing. Sharing your writing with the group is not mandatory, but we highly encourage it.
This workshop is open to all abilities and experiences. To ensure individual attention and feedback, we have limited the workshop to twelve participants.
Friends of Lake Sammamish will provide pens/pencils and a nature journal that you can take home. Be sure to bring a water bottle! We’re excited to see you and hear what you have to say!