Laurie Allmann is a Minnesota writer and poet whose work on environmental themes has found expression in radio commentary, print media, song lyrics, video documentary, plays, and monologues designed for live performance. She has a keen interest in creative projects that bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public.
- A book of poetry published in spring of 2019 by Nodin Press, titled An Hour from Now. Winner, MIPA Gold Award in Regional Poetry, Midwest Independent Publishers Association.
- Collaborated with England-based architectural glass artist Martin Donlin in an art installation for the new Hennepin County Medical Center Specialty Clinic, Mpls. Commissioned to write the poem “Mirroring the Light,” to accompany Donlin’s 4-story glass sculpture, celebrated with an opening reception in March, 2018.
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Two poems—”Poem for the River Croix” and “The Color of
a River”—were selected for publication in a new book by photographer Craig Blacklock, titled St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers: the Enduring Gift. Anchored by Craig’s photographs, the book features an essay by former Vice President Walter Mondale, as well as contributions by many writers and poets who have focused on these rivers. Its 2018 release celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which created the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. -
“Wings and a Prayer” poem featured in an installation co-designed with artist Sonja Peterson at exhibition called Altered Passages: Nature, Human & Movement at the Quarter Gallery at the Regis Center for Art, May 2108.
- As 2016 Spring Artist in Residence, wrote ‘Open Grown’ and other poetry inspired by landscapes of Belwin Conservancy in Afton, MN.
- Among the featured poets at the 2016 Marine Poetry Crawl, read ‘The Color of a River,’ a new poem later posted on the website StCroix360.
- Audio stories for Minneapolis-based KFAI Radio including short (3-5 minute) stories Feast! Local Foods Festival (aired November 2014), Marking Time (aired December, 2014), Yours, Mines and Ours (aired March 2015), and a long-form (28 min) documentary on bird migration called Following the Wings (aired June 2015).
- Resident artist, spring 2013, Bell Museum of Natural History. Selected works include: diorama poem (audio) and Anticipating Rhythm (video).
- Author, Far from Tame: Reflections from the Heart of a Continent (University of Minnesota Press, 1996), winner of a Minnesota Book Award. (sample chapter)
- Contributing writer for the documentary series,”Minnesota: A History of the Land,” a co-production of Twin Cities Public Television and Bell Museum Productions.
- Regularly featured natural history essayist and commentator for Minnesota Public Radio’s “Voices from the Heartland” series (1991-1993).
- Guest speaker, selected to deliver the 2011 Pettingill Lecture in Natural History at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Poetry reading featured In the Abstract, written in honor of the occasion.
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- Director, writer, narrator, “Heart of the Kinni” 5-part video documentary series for the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust.
- Writer and contributing designer, case statement for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station.
- Conducted inductee interviews and authored inductee profiles for Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame, 2008-11.
- Poetry selected for archival in Walden Library. (See Allmann, Laurie. Collector Road)
- Playwright, “River Cafe,” a one-act play for a cast of 8, offering a wry take on eco-tourism, staged reading in 2003
- Co-founded the River Croix Fund with Carol Caouette. Created RIVER CROIX audio CD of original poetry and music as a tribute to the St. Croix River, sales of which benefit river-related causes. (Excerpt, Poem for the River Croix)
- Author, Land Protection Options: A Handbook for Minnesota Landowners, along with numerous conservation publications for natural resource agencies.
- Author, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine cover feature about the St. Croix “Watch This Wild River“.
- Environmental advocacy: commentary accepted for posting to website of Minnesota Public Radio
- Contributing essayist, edited volume, published by University of Minnesota Press. (North Writers II, Our Place in the Woods & Our Neck of the Woods, Exploring Minnesota’s Wild Places )
- Narrator and on-camera subject: “Protecting Big Woods,” a Minnesota Minute, produced by the Bell Museum for broadcast on TPT, public television.