EWI

So I was wondering about how someone becomes established in the world of Environmental Writing and decided to do a little research on the topic. I found out that there are Environmental Writing Institute's so if someone wanted to pursue a career in this it is very possible.

The one I looked at was the Environmental Writing Institute at the University of Montana.
It was actually one of the first writing conferences in the country to focus entirely on nature and environmental writing, issues, concerns, and approaches.
Now in its 19th consecutive year, EWI is distinguished by longevity, by the quality in teaching and writing—of its workshop leaders, and by the quality of its writing participants. Not only that but they claim that Missoula, Montana is an inspiring and beautiful setting and a real writer's town.
I am not sure how I feel about their claim that Missoula is a real writers town because I have never been there. I also think everyone has there own ideal writing town. What would yours be?

Mine would probably be a more urban setting.


Here is some more information on EWI:

EWI participants each year (15 maximum) include both aspiring and accomplished writers--essayists, journalists, scientists, outdoor writers, natural historians, students, and teachers from around the country. Participants are published and unpublished writers whose concerns range widely and wildly from the preservation of biodiversity to the conservation of community, from the ecology of high mountains to the wildness in vacant urban lots. Some participants, familiar with other genres—from poetry to scientific writing—may be trying the personal, narrative, or natural history essay for the first time.
About half of the EWI group each year are second-year graduate environmental writing students from the U.M. Environmental Studies Program. Over the years, many "outside" EWI participants have gone on to study in the Environmental Writing Emphasis of the U.M. graduate EVST Program.
Many EWI participants have also gone on to publish revised versions of their EWI projects and/or other writings in national magazines and in book form. Only a few recent examples include Jordan Fisher Smith (Nature Noir, 2005), a two-time EWI alumni; David Strohmaier (Seasons of Fire, 2001; Drift Smoke 2005); and Eliza Murphy, whose 2004 EWI manuscript evolved into her cover and feature story for High Country News in 2005.
Sponsored by The University of Montana Environmental Studies Program, EWI 2009 will run Wednesday May 13 to Sunday May 17 at the U.M. University Center and in downtown Missoula. The UM campus and downtown are only blocks apart via a beautiful riverside walk along the Clark Fork River. EWI participants will have most afternoons and evenings free.
EWI opens with a welcoming dinner downtown, followed by the Wild Mercy Community Reading Series, Wednesday evening. Thursday through Sunday mornings are four-hour workshop classes led by 2009 EWI leader Elizabeth Grossman.