Writing retreats are known as quiet spaces for contemplative labor—but convening  poets, journalists and authors also tends to generate engaging conversation. This observation led to Conversations on the Edge, a series of informal public talks established by the Mesa Refuge, a writers’ retreat in Point Reyes Station. On Sunday, September 13, the refuge will host a conversation on the topic of the environment from 3 to 5 p.m. The dialogue features Jason Mark, a writer and farmer who is the editor of Earth Island Journal, and Rick Bass, a Pushcart Prize-winning author who lives in Montana. Their conversation has no specified theme, although Susan Tillett, the refuge’s executive director, noted that the two, who have never met, are both keen on the interaction between humans and nature. “It typically starts as a conversation with the two and then extends to the audience. There is a chance to converse,” Ms. Tillett said. This is to be the third conversation hosted by the refuge, which started the series last year. “When people are in residence…they tend to have the time and the space to have really good conversations with each other,” Ms. Tillett said. “This is our way of taking those conversations and making them a little more public,” Ms. Tillett said. “We’re trying to strengthen the connection between the refuge and the West Marin community.” The first in the series featured two physicists. The second took place earlier this year, featuring Julie Caine, a producer for the San Francisco radio station KALW, and Aspen Baker, author of a book on women’s personal experiences with abortion. The refuge also plans to host a dinner in November where the public can mingle with refuge writers at Saltwater in Inverness. The upcoming conversation between Mr. Mark and Mr. Bass is free, but space is limited; register at goo.gl/1aZWYW.