MISSOULA, Mont. – Outdoor Writers Association of America is back with its second annual Goldenrod Writing Workshop, July 31- Aug. 6, 2011, at The University of Montana in Missoula. Open to both novice communicators and published professionals, the week-long workshop is designed to improve skills in outdoor, nature and environmental writing.

This year’s workshop offers a casual setting with hands-on learning from peer groups and veteran instructors. The curriculum includes assignments, discussions, readings and shared critiques along with time to explore the beautiful Montana outdoor wilderness and socialize with others who share a passion for outdoor writing.

Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and it’s on a first come, first served basis. The $995 fee includes tuition and room and board in University of Montana campus housing.

The deadline for applications is June 1, 2011, and requires a $250 non-refundable deposit.  For more information, contact Robin Giner, OWAA executive director, at 406-728-7434, rginer@owaa.org.

Two resident faculty members will be returning: Lisa Densmore from New Hampshire, a book author, photographer, TV producer and Emmy-award winner; and book author and humor writer Alan Liere from Spokane, Wash. They will be joined by Goldenrod founder, Joel Vance, a full-time freelancer, book author and past president of OWAA.

The writing workshop will also include afternoon visiting faculty sessions with returning instructors Jack Ballard and Bill Schneider, and new addition Gail Jokerst; off-site activities on Wednesday afternoon; an opportunity for student readings at the end of the week; and a celebratory farewell BBQ hosted at a local park on Friday night.

This workshop works to promote both expansion of creativity and craft improvement in the outdoor communication field as well as excitement and passion for writing.

OWAA is The Voice of the Outdoors. The 1,200-member Outdoor Writers Association of America is the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. It was organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America and includes professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. OWAA’s professionals include writers, photographers, outdoors radio- and television-show hosts, book authors, videographers, lecturers and artists. The association is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For more information, contact Robin Giner, executive director, Outdoor Writers Association of America, 121 Hickory St., Ste. 1, Missoula, Mont. 59801; 406-728-7434, rginer@owaa.org; www.owaa.org.