“Poetry on the Salish Sea” is set to return for a second summer and early fall at the Wilderbee Farm in Port Townsend, kicking off this season’s series with a trio of Pacific Northwest poets on Sunday, June 30, at 3 p.m.

Poetry on the Salish Sea is a local, volunteer-led organization whose poetry readings run from 3-4:30 p.m. on the last Sundays of June, July, August and September — June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29 this year — for free to all ages, albeit with donations gratefully accepted.

June 30 features poets Cedar Sigo, Tanya Holtland and Anna Odessa Linzer, who are following the 18 poets who read for more than 500 total attendees, over the course of six readings during 2023.

Sigo was raised on the Suquamish Reservation, studied at The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at the Naropa Institute, and has taught workshops at St. Mary’s College.

He’s also authored eight books and pamphlets of poetry, including “Language Arts” in 2014, “Stranger in Town” in 2010, “Expensive Magic” in 2008, two editions of selected writings in 2003 and 2005, and most recently, the Bagley Wright Lecture Series book, “Guard the Mysteries,” in 2021.

A graduate of San Francisco State University’s Creative Writing MA program, Holtland authored 2020’s “Requisite,” a finalist for the Broken River Prize that was also nominated for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, and her essays and other work have appeared in Poetry Northwest, The Offing and EcoTheo Review.

Holtland told The Leader that events such as Poetry on the Salish Sea “connect writers with the larger community, and create a rich space for shared experience.”

“At its best, shared writing gives listeners an entry into their own experience,” and “breaks down walls, allowing for mutual growth and evolution.”

Linzer is an American Book Award-winning novelist and poet who authored “Season Unleashed,” a new collection of poems from Empty Bowl Press.

When asked why she believes it’s important to take part in such readings, Linzer offered an appropriately poetic response. She said re-reading her own previously written works causes her to wonder, “Who was this younger self?”

Linzer continued, “I feel such tenderness and gratitude, as if she had secretly — years ago — planted an orchard for me, knowing one day that I would be so hungry, that I would reach for the apple’s ripe tart flesh, and feel, for one slight second, the touch of her warm fingers against mine, the soft sweet breeze of her breath against my cheek.”

Kathryn Hunt, founder and curator of Poetry on the Salish Sea, touted how both Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula as a whole have “a celebrated legacy as a home to poets, literary presses and publishers.” As such, her poetry reading series is intended to ensure that poetry “remains central to the cultural and literary life of the communities of this place.”

Hunt elaborated that Poetry on the Salish Sea is “dedicated to the power of poetry’s intimate, singular language and its transformative influence on the human heart,” in recognition of poetry’s “capacity to promote empathy and a shared experience of our common humanity.” It is also a celebration of “the natural abundance and beauty of the Salish Sea region.”

Holtland added that Hunt’s curation of this series “is a gift to the community, and a part of what makes the Pacific Northwest a vital home for writers.”

Later this summer the poetry series anticipates readings from Heather McHugh, Rick Barot, Melissa Kwasny, Kay Ryan, Luther Hughes, Rae Armantrout and Washington State Poet Laureate Arianne.

“That’s two Pulitzer Prize winners, a MacArthur Genius Award recipient and a former two-time U.S. Poet Laureate,” Hunt said.

Although parking is available onsite with an additional overflow lot located adjacent to the farm, carpooling is encouraged and appreciated.

Attendees are also encouraged to come early, as seating is limited, and to bring comfortable, low-backed chairs or blankets for seating.

All readings are held outdoors, so attendees are advised to dress accordingly.

Small batch, handcrafted mead and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Visit poetrysalishsea.com, wilderbeefarm.com or kathrynhunt.net for the full season roster and more information on the poets. Wilderbee Farm is located on the extension of 223 Cook Ave. and opens at noon that Sunday.