This program is supported by Nevada Humanities’ generous donors and the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University.
Join Nevada Humanities for a guided walk along the Steamboat Ditch Trail led by soil scientist Paul Verburg and City of Reno Poet Laureate Jesse James Ziegler. During this program, participants will learn more about the richness of soil and the stories it tells us, paired with poetry and creative prompts that will encourage a closer contemplation and appreciation of the world around us.
We will meet at the Hunter Creek Michael D. Thompson trailhead parking lot on Woodchuck Drive in Reno. From there, we will walk to the Steamboat Ditch Trail. Please note that the walk to the Steamboat Ditch Trail is not ADA accessible.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time. We encourage participants to check weather conditions and the temperature. Wear enclosed shoes and bring layers, sunscreen, and a hat as needed.
This is a free, family-friendly event. Registration is required.
This program is supported with funding by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Photo courtesy of Paul Verburg
Dr. Paul Verburg is an Associate Professor of Soil Science in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Paul grew up in The Netherlands where he received both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Soil Science from Wageningen Agricultural University. After receiving his Doctoral degree, he moved to Reno to take a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Desert Research Institute. Initially, he was going to stay in Reno for only one year but that was 27 years ago… In 2013, he joined UNR where he is teaching classes in Soil Science as well as conducting research on soils. His research has focused on responses of soils to environmental change linking fundamental understanding of soil-forming processes with modern-day environmental issues. His research has taken him from the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica to the boreal forests of Norway. Most of his current research is taking place in the drylands of Nevada.
Photo courtesy of Melody Jane Photo
Jesse James Ziegler is currently serving as Poet Laureate for the City of Reno. He is the creator and manager of Monday Night Poetry and vice president for Spoken Views Collective. He is a member of the Sierra Literary Cooperative and the Spoken Word/Poetry contributor to Reno Arts News. He runs a twice monthly all ages poetry group/open mic True Colors in collaboration with Our Center. He was the first ever Poet in Residence for the Bruka Theatre and held that position for three consecutive seasons. His first collection of poetry, FIVE (2019), was published and brought to life through their annual new Works Festival.
Jesse opened and hosted the world premieres of Brandon Leake’s original spoken word play ‘Insomnia’ (Winner of Season 15 AGT) and has been a performance artist at the annual Utah Arts Festival. He has served as a host, judge, and prompter for the Nevada chapter of the national Poetry Out Loud organization and continues to be the curator and host of a monthly poetry book club Collective Breath. He is also an active member of the Nevada Poetry Society which is the state chapter of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.
