Peninsula College Writer in Residence for Spring 2023 is Sy Montgomery, an adventure writer and naturalist.

Montgomery has written more than 30 books for adults and children and was a 2015 finalist for the National Book Award for nonfiction with her New York Times bestseller, “The Soul of an Octopus — A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness.”

Montgomery will be on the campus from May 16-18 and will share her wilderness adventures at a Studium Generale presentation set for 12:35 p.m. Thursday, May 18; the event is free and open to the public.

Her newest work, “The Book of Turtles,” is illustrated by Matt Patterson and scheduled to be released the first week of May — just days before her arrival in Port Angeles. Montgomery announced last week that Patterson will join her during her on-campus residency.

“Spell of the Tiger, The Man-Eaters of Sundarbans,” one of Montgomery’s earlier works, was adapted into a National Geographic television documentary.

A few of her many awards include The 2010 Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award and the Henry Bergh Award for Nonfiction, bestowed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA for Humane Education.

“We are on the cusp of either destroying this sweet, green Earth, or revolutionizing the way we understand the rest of animate creation,” Montgomery said in a profile at symontgomery.com.

“It’s an important time to be writing about the connections we share with our fellow creatures. It’s a great time to be alive.”

More details about Montgomery’s visit will be shared closer to the event.

For more information, email Rich Riski at RRiski@pencol.edu.