Barbara Hurd

Barbara Hurd is a Professor in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing Program, renowned for her creative nonfiction and environmental literature. Her work explores intersections of natural history, human perception, and ecological philosophy through poetic prose.

• EdD from University of Maryland
• MEd from Frostburg State University
• BA in Sociology from William & Mary

Research and Writing Focus: Hurd’s oeuvre interrogates liminal natural spaces—from caves to tidal zones—via meticulous observation and philosophical inquiry. Her scholarship bridges science and art, emphasizing linguistic precision in documenting fragile ecosystems.

Notable Publications: Spanning 2001–2021, her books include reflections on mudflats (Stirring the Mud), tidal resilience (Tidal Rhythms), and existential finales (The Epilogues), often integrating collaborative art or photography.

• 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship
• NEA Creative Nonfiction Fellowship
• Sierra Club National Nature Writing Award
• Three Pushcart Prizes
• Five Maryland Arts Council Awards

Contributions: Published in The Best American Essays, Orion, The Sun, and other literary journals, Hurd’s work combines ecological advocacy with lyrical storytelling, influencing contemporary environmental writing.