We Love Our Public Lands: In Words and Art

Art. Poetry. Young voices. Public lands. ❤️

Join us for “We Love Our Public Lands: In Words and Art”—an evening of photography, creative writing, and art inspired by nature, celebrating wilderness areas, wildlife, and the professionals who protect them. Connect with artists, poets, students, and conservation groups who support the land’s endurance.

The program will be led by Smokies Life CEO Jacqueline Harp and former NPCA researcher and local conservationist Aurora Wynne. Scheduled speakers include Barton and Emmer; poet Nickole Brown, president of Hellbender Gathering of Poets; photographer and environmental science major Phoebe Carnes; poet and NPCA Young Leaders Council member Anna Ewing; high school student council president and National Geographic workshop participant River Harlan; poet Kim Hayes; high school ecology club president and New York Times youth journalist Cora Martin; public lands student researcher Jasper Schall; Janée Smith, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians citizen and co-founder of National American Indian Women’s Association Daughters; and NPCA Young Leaders Council member Brian Wuertz. 

The free event takes place from 5:30–8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb 19, at The Mule | Devil’s Foot Beverage Company. Doors at 5PM.

A big thank you to all of the participating organizations!