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FULL ECOLOGY
A WRITER’S WORKSHOP
Full Ecology & the Written Word
Hone your writing craft and improve your storytelling with our immersive retreat focused on The Nature of a Writer’s Life
~at the JbarL Ranch-
JbarL Ranch | June 16-20, 2026
Details for Retreat & Workshop for Nature Writers
As a writer – whether of nonfiction, fiction, or poetry – your work is most powerful when it’s building, celebrating, or mourning those aspects of life that grow out of relationship – with yourself, with other people, and with the wild world that holds us all.
Join us for 5 days in the incomparable Centennial Valley.
“If you want to work on your art, work on your life.”
Anton Checkhov
Hone your writing craft and improve your storytelling. Together with this incredible landscape you’ll expand your sense of relationship and energize your creativity by linking the genius of what’s going on outside, to a similar genius enlivened on the inside.
The rich ecosystem of the Centennial Valley in southwestern Montana offers a chance for you to witness life thriving. In the 1930’s, it was here that trumpeter swans were brought back from the brink of extinction. You’ll see them every day from your cabin on the JbarL Ranch, floating like tiny puffs of cloud down the meandering Red Rock River. Nearby will be dozens of other flyers, too, together forming one of the most diverse bird congregations in the Rocky Mountains. And joining all those birds will be wolves and bears and moose, river otters and pronghorn and elk.
Join best-selling nature writer Gary Ferguson and noted social scientist Mary Clare, on this intimate retreat, limited to 8-12 participants.
Long, sun-drenched nature walks, carefully selected craft sessions, thought-provoking conversations, good storytelling, and plenty of chances for deep silence and solitude.
NOTE: Participants may submit up to 10 double-spaced pages for review (3500 words – in a WordDoc format -NO pdfs. If the submission is part of a larger piece, a description of the project is helpful.) All submissions will be thoroughly critiqued in writing (using track changes), and then reviewed in a one-on-one, in-person session. Submit to connect@fullecology.com by 5/10.
Nature is your muse. It graciously provides you the canvas and pallet for writing what matters most.
ACCOMODATIONS & COST
JbarL Ranch offers a unique invitation to experience true quiet and stunning natural beauty. Rooms range from well-appointed western elegance with private or shared baths to more rustic comfort with shared baths, including bunkhouse, tent or Tipi camping. Pricing includes tuition, accomodation, and nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from the bounty of local farms.
single occupancy option | $2400
**inquire about discounts for shared occupancy and more rustic bunk house, tipi, van & tent options**
The Ranch can provide a shuttle to and from J-L for people who fly into and out of IDAHO FALLS | $55 each way
DAY BY DAY - ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive
4:00 | Opening & Brundage Fire Circle | Introductions to each other – to the land – to Full Ecology – with you wherever you are.
5:00 | Walk or drive to the Stibal Barn
6:00 | Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 | Orientation and staff introductions
– People and things to know on JbarL ranch
– Introduction to each other
– Schedule overview
– Q&A on the natural history of this place
– And considering the writer as storyteller – the amazing power of a tale well told.
Day 2 – Setting & Subject
8:00 | Each day starts with optional meditation, stretching/yoga. Or if you prefer, take a walk around the ranch.
8:30 | Breakfast
9:30-12:00 | Craft Session.
– Inviting the Reader in. Weaving powerful openings with Setting & Subject.
– Writing prompts for the day and week.
12:00 | Lunch
1:30-4:30 | Out and About: Group Hike into the wilderness. How the land underfoot can help you find yourself and your narrative.
4:30 | Creative personal time.
– One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
6:00 | Dinner
7:00 | Campfire, storytelling
Day 3 – Essence/the Ecology of a Writer
8:00 | Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
8:30 | Breakfast
9:30-12:00 | Craft Session.
– Writing essentials: tone, rhythm, and the magic of perspective – with writing prompts.
12:00 | Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 – Out and about: Silent group walk.
Writing prompts, and a special discussion from atop Kennedy Hill: “the ecology of a writer”
4:30 – 6:00 – Personal creative time, as well as one-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
6:00 | Dinner
8:00 | Campfire, Student Readings and stories.
Day 4 – Scene & Summary
8:00 | Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
8:30 | Breakfast
9:30 – 12:00 | Craft session.
– It all comes down to scene and summary.
Surprising ways that dialogue can energize your nature writing, with writing prompts.
12:00 | Lunch
1:30 – 6:30 | Free time to write, walk, or just sit and watch the river roll by.
One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
6:30 | Dinner
8:00 | Campfire, participant readings and stories.
Day 5 – Nature Unlocks your Storytelling
8:00 | Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
8:30 | Breakfast
9:30-11:30 | Craft Session.
– Using dramatic device to unlock your best storytelling
– Letters home
11:30-12:00 | A final sharing circle
12:00 | Lunch
Departure
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY
A $500 deposit is required for registration. Full payment is welcome.
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1
Payment in full is due no later than MAY 1.
Contact meg@jbarl.com to register.
Full payment is 50% refundable up to 60 days before the retreat.
59 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable.
Full tuition will be refunded if the trip is canceled by Full Ecology, LLC.
Full Ecology, LLC is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Or send a note to connect@fullecology.com with inquiries
Words from past participants
“Go, go, go! This workshop was the most productive and satisfying retreat I’ve ever attended, due to the unique teachers and accommodations. Mary and Gary have exceptional rapport. Their different backgrounds combined bring a wealth of experience to the classroom; like getting two teachers for the price of one! The themes, writing examples and writing prompts covered make for a great crash course that really sparked my creativity.”
Karen, NJ
“I would absolutely recommend this retreat to other writers and nature lovers. It was the perfect blend of learning, crafting, savoring nature, enjoying great food, and connecting with the ranch folks, fellow participants, the dynamic duo of Mary and Gary. Thank you.”
Katie, RI
