Literature is one way humans can attempt to make sense of our complicated relationship with nature. The theme transcends genre, allowing for in depth exploration of the way we interact with our natural world and, in turn, the way it affects us. In this panel, local authors will discuss their work and the way the wilderness is involved within it. Panelists include: Shann Ray, author of the novel American Copper; Sharma Shields, author of the novel The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac; Kris Dinnison, author of the novel You and Me and Him; Jonathan Johnson, author of the poetry collections In the Land We Imagined Ourselves and Mastodon, 80% Complete; Andrea Scarpino, author of the book-length poem What the Willow Said as it Fell; and Ellen Welcker, author of two chapbooks and the book The Botanical Garden.