About

Welcome! My name is Troy Hess and I’m the founder of On the Yahara – Writing Center. I am a Wisconsin native, who has enjoyed nature and the process of writing for as long as I can remember. My passion for writing led me to complete a M.A. in writing, as well as to teach college English for 10 years. Nowadays you can usually find me volunteering as a Land Restoration Team Leader for the UW Arboretum, teaching the “Touching the Earth” wellness program at Olbrich Gardens, or writing about my favorite books, recipes, or travel destinations.

One of my favorite things while I taught English was to work at the college’s Writing Center, assisting students with a variety of writing projects at all levels. I truly believe that everyone can write, and that all it takes is a little bit of guidance and support, and of course, passion for what you’re writing about. It is this belief and my experience at the Writing Center that led me to found On the Yahara – Writing Center.

On the Yahara is an in-person and online writing center that provides one-on-one writing assistance, as well as group classes on the topics of nature writing, food blogging, sustainability, writing for business, and general writing skills. My goal is to become a responsive, approachable, and accessible hub for anyone who wants to learn how to experience the world around them through writing and improve their skills.