Sacred Sites

So you believe there are places that shelter spiritual energy.  Are these locations protected?



Executive Order concerning Sacred Sites, May 24 1996

Sacred Sites, Contested Rites/Rights, Journal of Material Culture, V.9: N. 3, 237-261 (2004)

Residencies for Nature and Outdoors Writers

Spring Creek - University of Oregon - writer in residence program

Mesa Refuge, Point Reyes Station, California - writer's residency

Taos Summer Writer's Conference - fiction and non-fiction writing conference

Voices of the Wilderness  - artist's residency

Island Institute, Sitka, Alaska - resident fellowships

Sitka Center - residency programs for artists, writers, natural science scholars, musicians


National Park Service Residency Programs on Cape Cod - for artists and writers

Websites on Nature

Selected Opportunities and Resources for Nature Writers

Nature in Legend and Story (NILAS) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, devoted to exploration of relationships between human beings and the natural world, reflected in folklore, literature and other cultural activities with spiritual focus.

The Nature Web from Nature Magazine.

EPA Grants - public environmental education.


Association for the Study of Literature and Environment (ASLE) 
promotes the exchange of ideas and information about literature that considers human relationships with the natural world.


Forums on nature and birdwatching topics

For freelance writers:  Links to writer’s guidelines for nature related periodicals.

Nature Writing Exercise

A few thoughts to start your thoughts about your relationship with nature and the natural world:

What is your first memory of nature or the outdoors?

What is the role of the writer in observing and reporting about the natural world?

Do you think a nature or outdoors writer has a role as a spiritual caretaker for the earth and the universe?

Does the writer or artist have a responsibility for nature beyond that of the scientist?

Describe the intersection of creativity and responsibility.

Does a nature writer need to maintain the same exacting standards of truth as a scientist?