Author, Nature Advocate,
Rewilding Facilitator

About Vanessa

Vanessa Chakour is an author, naturalist, visual artist, former pro-boxer, herbalist and nature advocate. A dynamic blend of her vast personal experiences over 20+ years, she facilitates courses and retreats; helping students access their inner wild while learning from the plants, fungi and animals that share their ecosystems. She created Rewilding Through Writing programs to facilitate healing through the creative process; encouraging writers to trust their creative instincts and build confidence in their voice. Vanessa lives with her partner in Western Massachusetts where they steward Mount Owen Forest Sanctuary, promoting ecosystem diversity and resilience through forest stewardship and propagation of native and endangered plants and fungi. Learn more here.

Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature

"In this triumphant and vibrant interweaving of memoir and natural history, Vanessa Chakour grapples with fear and loss, and finds glory in the natural world--including in her own strong, soft body. This is a book that inspires joy and courage. I loved it.” ~ Sy Montgomery, bestselling author of How to Be A Good Creature and The Soul of An Octopus

"Somewhere between a field guide about wild animals and an intimate memoir about a woman’s journey toward wildness and truth, Vanessa Chakour’s Earthly Bodies will make you think deeply about the relationship between your internal and external environments, and the way that each are threatened by modern life. I left this book feeling much more attuned to animal life—my own included." ~ Erica Berry author of Wolfish

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Writing Workshops

A generative writing course facilitated by author Vanessa Chakour, Rewilding Through Writing explores the healing power of the creative process while strengthening your craft, cultivating your instinct, and building confidence in your voice. Whether exploring a book idea or using writing to dig deep within, this intimate course offers space for accountability, community, and inspiration.

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AWAKENING ARTEMIS

Combining Vanessa’s story of healing with practical plant-based knowledge, Awakening Artemis is rooted in the belief that healing happens through reclaiming an intuitive connection to ourselves, to the natural world, and to our own “inner wild.”

“An eloquent exploration of the deep, life-giving bonds between plants and people. Vanessa Chakour’s engaging and insightful reflections show us how the generosity of plants can heal us and make us whole.” –David George Haskell, author of Pulitzer finalist The Forest Unseen and Burroughs medalist The Songs of Trees

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Testimonials

"Rewilding through writing was a precious and intimate group experience that brought me in touch with aspects of my writing I had not yet explored. If you are looking for more intimacy with your writing, or desire to explore more emotional or intuitive depth then this might be the class for you! Vanessa is not only a beautiful writer and accomplished author, she is also a wonderful facilitator with so much wisdom to share about writing and the nuances that come with developing, honoring, and honing your personal craft.”

- Monica Rodgers The Revelation Project & The Revelation Project Podcast

“Leaving each gathering of the Rewilding group I am gifted with playful momentum and an encouraging structure I cherish to nurture my tentacled creative practice. Receiving and giving feedback in a gathering of generous and gentle souls strongly reminds me that this work matters, and that even the softest gesture of creativity can land in our hearts and have an everlasting impact.”

-Mairead, herbalist, artist & musician

“The Rewilding through Writing workshop called to me during a huge transitional time, as I stepped into motherhood. The prompts helped me listen to my inner child and her longing to be reanimated through connection to her wild nature. I'm grateful for the space to have my writer-voice come out. Vanessa's offerings have a way of speaking to my soul, or having my soul speak to me, when I need to hear it most.”

-Jessica Strom, artist & herbalist

“Working with Vanessa has awakened me to the magic of nature. It’s funny to think how long I’d gone, ignoring the fact that Mother Nature is growing things for our health and well-being. Literally, right outside, under our feet! We just need to learn how to find them.”

—Liza De Guia, Host of “Food Curated” and Bravo TV’s “Going Off The Menu”

“Vanessa is one of the most dynamic people I know. Her passion, creativity, transparency, intellect, and awareness enable her to connect with others on the deepest levels. Her work inspires people to unearth their own mystical corners for personal growth and healing.”

—Queen Herawin, Hip-Hop Artist

“I have learned so much from Vanessa and I love that she is the real deal, a deeply knowledgeable herbalist who is fully invested in her work and living by example.”

Author, Nature Advocate,
Rewilding Facilitator