Poet David Crews Launches “Hoosic River” to Support Local Watershed

Poet David Crews has unveiled a new poetry cycle titled “Hoosic River” that draws inspiration from his explorations of the Hoosic River Watershed. The collection aims to raise awareness and funds for the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA), with all proceeds from the book directed to the organization dedicated to preserving the river.

The Hoosic River, which flows through Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, is nourished by streams originating in the Green Mountains, the Taconics, and the slopes of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. According to HooRWA, the river is not only a vital ecological resource but also a cultural landmark for the surrounding communities.

From Inspiration to Publication

Crews, who works at Clear Brook Farm in Shaftsbury, published his book last week and has already sold over 60 copies, generating more than $700 for HooRWA. His journey began in March 2023 when HooRWA issued a call for artists to participate in their RiverFest celebration, aiming to foster a collaboration between music and poetry.

“They wanted to have a music-poetry collaboration,” Crews recalled. He teamed up with percussionist Daniel O’Connor, with whom he had previously worked on poetry-percussion improvisations. Together, they created a ten-minute piece that combined their artistic talents.

Though the original RiverFest event was canceled due to rain, Crews and O’Connor produced a YouTube video of their collaboration, which ignited Crews’ passion for the watershed. “I started visiting various areas of the watershed and hiking them, calling sections like ‘North Corridor’ and ‘East Corridor,’” he explained. Each section of the poem corresponds to these hikes in publicly preserved lands.

Broader Themes and Cultural Significance

The book not only celebrates the natural beauty of the Hoosic River but also acknowledges the historical significance of the land. In the introduction, Crews highlights that the areas he explored are part of ancestral lands inhabited by the Muhheaconneok and western Abenaki peoples. He notes that the river’s name belongs to the Algonquin language family, indicating a rich cultural heritage that dates back over twelve thousand years.

Crews has a background in education, having taught literature at a public high school in New Jersey for 15 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Saint Elizabeth University and a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from Drew University, where he studied under notable poets such as Ross Gay and Aracelis Girmay.

In addition to his writing, Crews serves as a board member for the Waterman Fund and as an editorial advisor for “Writing the Land.” His work often explores themes of land preservation and nonviolence, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Hoosic River” can be ordered through Crews’ website, davidcrewspoetry.com, and is also available at local retailers such as Bennington Bookshop, Clear Brook Farm, and Powers Market in North Bennington. As he continues to promote his work, Crews is scheduled for a series of poetry readings, engaging with communities to share the importance of both the river and the stories it holds.