Author and New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl will soon lead a guided prairie walk and give a public talk in conversation with a KU professor and poet.
Renkl is the featured speaker for the fall 2025 iteration of the KU Commons’ Kenneth Spencer Lecture series. She is the author of three nonfiction titles and a book of writing tips and prompts for observing the natural world.
“Based in Nashville, Renkl centers themes of grief, love, loss and the American South in her work within the context of the natural world,” according to a KU news release.
Megan Kaminski, poet and KU professor of environmental studies, will be in conversation with Renkl at the lecture.
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“Margaret Renkl’s work demonstrates how intimate observation of the natural world becomes a practice of fierce love — love that doesn’t shy away from grief or difficulty but instead transforms witnessing into action,” Kaminski said in the release. “Her ability to hold both wonder and heartbreak, to find hope within loss, speaks to the kind of reciprocal relationship with place that I believe is essential for our time. I’m thrilled to explore with her how paying attention to our backyards can grow into a form of environmental advocacy.”
The talk, followed by a book signing hosted by the Raven Book Store, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Sign up at this link.
That afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Renkl will lead a guided prairie walk in collaboration with the KU Commons, the Kansas Land Trust and Outdoors Unscripted at Akin Prairie. Located in southeast Douglas County, Akin has 16 acres of native prairie.
“The event is an opportunity to learn about the tract of land and its role in prairie ecosystems, and, inspired by Renkl’s work, attendees can participate in their own writing/response practice to the prairie,” according to the news release.
Through a grant from the Outdoors Unscripted Festival, Kaminski is developing work about Akin Prairie. She will close out the event with a reading of some of their poetry.
Registration for the prairie walk is free but required. Sign up at this link. Optional transportation is provided. Buses will pick up attendees at 2 p.m. in front of Haworth Hall on Sunnyside Avenue.
Find Renkl’s books at the library here.
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