Writing the Tall Grass Prairie with Sarah Ens

Spend an afternoon in the tall grass prairie with poet Sarah Ens as she shares from her latest book, Flyway, and explores this important natural landscape with a guided walk through the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve.

After the reading and walk, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a free writing mini-workshop on Writing the Tall Grass Prairie.

About Flyway

This meditation on the impact of human and ecological trauma explores the cost of survival for three generations of women living between empires. Writing from within the disappearing tall grass prairie, Sarah follows connections between the Russian Mennonite diaspora and the disrupted migratory patterns of grassland birds. Drawing on family history, eco-poetics and the rich tradition of the Canadian long poem, Flyway migrates along pathways of geography and the heart to grapple with complexities of home.

The Weston Family Tall Grass Prairie Interpretive Centre is 65 hectares nestled within the heart of the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, just 80 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg. It provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the rarest ecosystems in North America: the tall grass prairie.

The interpretive centre is located in southeast Manitoba, approximately 80 kilometres south of Winnipeg, off Highway 59.

• From Highway 59, travel east seven kilometres on Highway 201, passing through the community of Stuartburn.
• Turn north on Road 32 East and follow the signs to the centre.

Space is limited for this dynamic afternoon, and pre-registration is encouraged. Copies of Flyway will be available for purchase.

This event is brought to you in partnership with Turnstone Press and the Manitoba Writers' Guild.

Out of consideration for the safety of all participants, please stay home if experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, or if you've been in contact with anyone with COVID-19. When indoors, mask-wearing is recommended.