Summer Academic Programs—Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference

Dear Bread Loafer,

Earlier today Middlebury College announced the cancellation of the Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference and the Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference, which were scheduled to take place simultaneously this June on the Bread Loaf campus in Ripton, Vermont. All of us here at the Conferences feel tremendous regret that the current pandemic will prevent us from joining together on the mountain this summer for the lectures, workshops, classes, readings, and conversations that take place there in the Green Mountains amid the woodcocks and the fireflies in the fields.

I passionately believe—as does Megan Mayhew Bergman, director of the Environmental Writers’ Conference—that these two conferences are deeply relevant and valuable to our current moment. While this was true before COVID-19 came into existence, the issues of climate, the environment, and international and intercultural exchange are more urgent than ever. Megan and I are also keenly aware that the writers and translators our conferences exist to inspire, instruct, and support may be sick, struggling financially, or under duress in multiple ways. We are determined to be present and active this June and beyond with online, virtual, and/or archival programming that we hope will continue to foster important conversations and exchange. You will hear more from us about those opportunities in due time. In the meantime, please check our website and FAQ page for more information, and don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Grotz