Nature's Verse
Where words meet woods and wetlands.
Poetry contest entries due by 5 PM September 15, 2024 to be considered for awards.
Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands are among Indiana's natural treasures, providing a home to countless species of plants and animals. To honor the beauty and diversity of these natural habitats, we invite you to participate in our first juried poetry contest: Nature's Verse.
Contest Theme
We welcome original poems that capture the essence of Wesselman Woods or Howell Wetlands. Your poem could be a vivid description of the flora and fauna that call these places home, an exploration of the complex relationships between living things, a reflection on the importance of preserving these ecosystems for future generations, or a creative verse of our mission and vision.
About the Juror
Our esteemed juror for the contest is former Indiana State Poet Laureate and University of Southern Indiana Professor Emeritus of English, Matthew Graham.
Entries will be judged on their originality, creativity, and relevance to the theme.
Important Dates
Contest announced to the public: July 17
Contest entry deadline: September 15
Entries Reviewed: September 16 - October 1
ALL writers (whether they are selected for the exhibition or not) will be contacted AFTER we have a final list from the Juror.
Reception and Reading: October (Date and Time TBD)
Awards
Selected poems will be displayed in the Nature Center, read at a reception, and printed in a booklet collection, Wesselman Woods membership letters, and future Annual Reports. Two stand-out poems will be selected by the juror and given the “Goldenrod Award”.
Goldenrod Award winners will receive a monetary prize of $100 each in addition to a one-year Wesselman Woods membership. Any Honorable Mentions selected by the juror will receive a one-year individual membership to Wesselman Woods.
Additional questions? Call us at 812-479-0771 or via email.