Choose your Own Adventure!
On November 23, 2025, come together for an afternoon of poetry, guided walks, and writing workshops inspired by the San Joaquin River.

• 12:00 pm-12:30 pm

  Check in and Welcome

  Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds of the River Center.

• 12:30 pm-2:00 pm 

  Start Your Adventure!

  Reflect on your personal connection to the San Joaquin River through poetry, painting, nature journaling, or explore the local flora and fauna on a naturalist-led walk.  

  (Please come prepared with your own notebook or other creative materials appropriate for the activity of your choice.)

   

  Poetry Workshop: Share your stories of the San Joaquin through poetry. No experience needed! Bring a notepad/pen. If it’s not comfortable for you to sit on the ground outdoors, you may wish to bring a lightweight folding stool or chair that’s easy for you to carry.

  Painting/Drawing Workshop: Find a beautiful view and capture your perspective on the San Joaquin through art. No experience needed! Bring your own materials, such as a sketchpad and small set of watercolors, pastels, or colored pencils. If it’s not comfortable for you to sit on the ground outdoors, you may wish to bring a lightweight folding stool or chair that’s easy for you to carry. 

  Nature Journal Workshop: Find a “sit-spot” and capture observations of the river habitat through words and images. Bring your own journal or sketchbook and pens/pencils.If it’s not comfortable for you to sit on the ground outdoors, you may wish to bring a lightweight folding stool or chair that’s easy for you to carry.

  Nature Walk: Join a naturalist for a guided exploration of local plants and animals that live near the river,  and learn something new about your watershed. No materials required, but you may wish to bring binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. 

• 2:00 pm-3:00 pm 

  River Reflections & Reading by Poets Laureate

  Hear from community partners — including California State Parks, the Fresno Arts Council, and the San Joaquin River Parkway — and enjoy a special reading by Fresno's poet laureate, Aideed Medina.