NEA Big Read Writing Raton: Stories of Nature

A 6-Session Intergenerational Writing Series
What stories does our landscape hold? From mesas and migrating birds to backyard encounters and mountain trails, this special NEA Big Read writing series invites participants of all ages to explore the powerful connection between Raton and the natural world around us.
Writers will gather across generations to reflect, imagine, and create stories inspired by the wildlife, weather, land, and lived experiences that shape life in northern New Mexico. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just getting started, this welcoming and supportive series is designed to help you grow your skills and find your voice.
� What to Expect:
* Guided writing prompts inspired by Fuzz and our local environment
* Dedicated writing time and thoughtful feedback
* Cross-generational collaboration and conversation
* A chance to share your work with the community
Program Dates (Saturdays, 3:00–5:00 PM):
* March 28, 2026
* April 11 & 25
* May 9 & 23
* June 6
Attend one, or attend all!
Participants will have the opportunity to read selections of their work at the NEA Big Read Closing Ceremony on June 27, 2026, at the historic Shuler Theater.
This is more than a writing class — it’s a creative journey through place, memory, and the wild beauty that surrounds us.
Free to attend. All ages welcome. Join us for one session or commit to the full series for the richest experience.
ABOUT FUZZ
What’s to be done about a jaywalking moose? A bear caught breaking and entering? A murderous tree?
In Fuzz, New York Times bestselling author Mary Roach dives into the surprisingly complex world of human-wildlife conflict. Blending humor, science, and fascinating history, Roach explores how communities navigate encounters with bears, mountain lions, elephants, and more. Three hundred years ago, animals were assigned legal representation and put on trial. Today, the answers lie not in the courtroom but in science — at the crossroads of wildlife biology and human behavior.
For mountain and mesa communities like ours in northern New Mexico, where encounters with wildlife are part of daily life, Fuzz offers a timely, humorous, and insightful lens into coexistence.
NEA BIG READ ACTIVITIES
From March through June, the NEA Big Read will bring together local artists, educators, scientists, and community partners for reading discussions, creative writing workshops, arts and media projects, nature tours, and public forums designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
The program will culminate on June 27, 2026, with a public film screening and panel discussion at the Shuler Theater, showcasing community-created work and highlighting the power of literature, creativity, and dialogue in deepening our understanding of nature — and our place within it.
� Come be part of a community-wide exploration of storytelling, science, and coexistence.
All are welcome!