ARCATA, Calif.— North coast author Jerry Martien will lead a free nature writing workshop, Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Headwaters Education Center within the Bureau of Land Management Headwaters Forest Reserve near Eureka.

Participants should meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Elk River Trailhead for the half-hour walk along a paved and accessible trail to the Education Center. In the family friendly event, Martien will guide participants though his process of “listening” to nature and “translating” what is heard into poetry and prose.

To reach the Elk River Trailhead, take the Elk River Road exit from Highway 101 at the south end of Eureka and turn right onto Elk River Road. Follow the road about six miles to the trailhead parking area.

The event is one of a series of outings and events offered by the BLM this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of acquisition of the Reserve for public ownership. The Reserve was established in 1999 after a decade long grassroots effort to protect the world’s last unprotected old growth redwood forest ecosystem.

Several threatened species including the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet (a seabird), coho salmon and steelhead benefit from the Reserve’s habitat.

BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the Mono Arts Council (MAC), announces a community engagement event as part of its Artist in Residence Program. On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 3-6 p.m., photographer Ryan Contreras will host a special workshop titled, “Advanced Cyanotypes” at 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite 180, Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Ryan Contreras, a black and white artistic photographer from Los Angeles, has captured the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Sierra for years. Contreras will share his recent experience exploring the Bodie Hills, a remote and stunning corner of the Bishop BLM Field Office. Contreras will provide hands-on instruction creating cyanotype images— a photographic process similar to black and white images but recognized for its rich blue tones.

“The artist in residence program is a wonderful way to celebrate and share the beauty of public lands in the Bishop Field Office,” says Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. “We appreciate Mr. Contreras sharing his artwork and providing the public opportunities to be inspired and create their own artwork.”

This event is open to the public, providing art enthusiasts and community members with a chance to delve into this photographic technique. Supplies will be provided by the MAC. Space is limited; participants must sign up through the MAC website.

The BLM Artist-in-Residence program encourages artists, including photographers, potters, sculptors, to use their observational skills in portraying a variety of cultural and natural resources through images, objects, and performances that bring others enjoyment and forge a deeper understanding of our nation’s public lands. To learn more about the program, please visit: Artist-in-Residence Program.

Those planning to visit the area can learn more by visiting the Bishop BLM Field Office page. For specific questions, contact the BLM Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000 or BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov.