LA GRANDE, ENTERPRISE, JOSEPH — Poetry lovers throughout Northeastern Oregon are in for a treat when Oregon’s 11th poet laureate, Ellen Waterston, arrives to read and discuss her poetry during several appearances.

Her first presentation is Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. at Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., La Grande. She also has a trio of events scheduled March 19-21 in Wallowa County.

Waterston was named poet laureate by Gov. Tina Kotek on Aug. 14, 2024. It is a two-year appointment.

“Waterston is a celebrated poet, writer, teacher and speaker who lives in Bend,” said Rose Peacock, of Cook Memorial Library. “Much of her award-winning poetry and prose is inspired by the remote reaches of southeastern Oregon’s Outback.”

She has published “Between Desert Seasons,” “Vía Lactea,” “Hotel Domilocos,” “We Could Die Doing This: Dispatches on Ageing From Oregon’s Outback,” “Walking the High Desert,” “Where the Crooked River Rises,” “Between Desert Seasons” and “Edge of Awe.”

In addition to her literary credits, Waterston founded the for-profit Writing Ranch, offering retreats and workshops for established and emerging writers and the Waterston Desert Writing Prize.

Waterston has instructed creative writing at high school and undergraduate levels and authored the original feasibility study for Oregon State University’s Cascades Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, where she now teaches.

Program Director Mike Midlo is equally excited to introduce Fishtrap audiences to Waterston on Wednesday, March 19, from 5-6 p.m. at Fishtrap, 107 W. Main St., Enterprise. The casual event includes light snacks and an opportunity to meet Waterston and hear some of her poetry.

She will return to Fishtrap on March 21 from 9-11 a.m. to present a poetry workshop, “Border Crossings.” Participants will explore the intersections of poetry and prose. For more information, email mike@fishtrap.org.

Also, Waterston will present a poetry talk on March 21, noon to 1 p.m. at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph. She will share insights into her writing journey, read selections from her work and discuss the power of poetry to shape our understanding of place. Light refreshments will be provided.

“Ellen Waterston is a longtime friend of Fishtrap, an accomplished award-winning writer, educator, and supporter of creative writing and writers in Oregon,” Midlo said.

In addition, Waterston will visit several schools while in the area.

The Poet Laureate Program is a collaborative project of Oregon’s statewide cultural partners — Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the State Historic Preservation Office. It is funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust and managed by Oregon Humanities.

For more information, visit www.oregonpoetlaureate.org.