Poetic Water-Harvesting Stations

Start Where You Are

Encourage Water Conversations in your community, organization, school, or class/workshop by co-creating a poetic water-harvesting station. Below are glimpses of early prototypes (2023-2024). Different initiatives across age groups can be scaffolded around this pop-up activity.

For some preliminary instructions & materials (downloadable), scroll down.

Sample Photos from the Field

Above: Center for Creative Photography (Tucson, AZ)

Above: Lucas Artist Program @ Montalvo Arts Center (Saratoga, CA)

Above: Watershed Management Group (Tucson, AZ)

Above: Historic Empire Ranch @ Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (Sonoita, AZ)

Above: Arizona Sonora-Desert Museum (Tucson, AZ)

POETIC WATER-HARVESTING STATION CAN INCLUDE:

Postcards: either request from the UA Poetry Center here or create your own!
Pens/pencils.
Fishbowl Mailbox: Gather completed postcards.
Photos, Maps, & Educational Resources: Include maps of local watersheds, brochures of local water resources, stewardship initiatives, & what else do you wish to share to raise water consciousness in your region?
Blank wall and/or space for activation. For a display of incoming postcards, use painter's tape (or impermanent adhesive that does not damage walls) for a pop-up exhibit. Or hang mailed postcards on twine/yarn with clothespins, or other variations.
Thread cards: If you don't have postcards or materials to make-your-own, quick print-on-demand "thread cards" are available (thanks to Kent State's Wick Poetry Center)—please be sure to add your logo/location, so we know the replenishing source.
Encourage WaterStories & WaterConversations: Get started with a 2-fold Field Guide.
Your Imagination! Add & adapt variations on this theme in partnership with your community.
Respect & Reciprocity: Wherever you activate, respect a sense of place. Once you finish poetic water-harvesting, "leave no trace." Pay it forward with an act of care.

DOWNLOADABLE SIGNS—feel free to make your own in variations:

Dear Body of Water_Poetic Water-Harvesting Station_Printable Posters Download

Mailbox Sign for fishbowl.
Broadside with project description.
Globe with excerpt of prompt poem.
QR code to web portal for online participation.
Watershed Map (from US Geological Service).

WATERSHED

Trace your WaterWay upstream & downstream to get a sense of your water's origins and where their flow meets oceans: the body of water that is our shared planetary home.