Come journal with us!
We’ll explore the outdoors together and learn simple ways to capture the beauty of nature in your journal—with sketches, words, and playful prompts. All skill levels welcome—no experience needed!
The Nature Journaling Club might be for you if you enjoy:
- Spending time outside
- Slowing down and appreciating details in nature
- Recording observations and experiences on paper
- Learning simple journaling and art techniques
- Connecting with others
Upcoming Club Events:
Journaling At Home:
Practice in your journal at home with our Virtual Sketchbook Practice videos on YouTube!
Meet the Club Guide!
“Hi, I’m Haley, a naturalist at the Cable Natural History Museum.
I always thought that I ‘can’t draw.’ Recently I decided that it doesn’t matter how ‘good’ it looks. Focusing on the enjoying the process of art is much more fun! Now I’m excited to combine my long-time love of the outdoors with a new creative practice through nature journaling. I see my sketchbook as a way to play, relax, and connect with nature. I look forward to sharing simple ways to make marks on paper with other people that think they can’t draw.”
Guest Guides
Do you have a special skill or a good idea?
We’re always looking for guest guides to lead an activity or journaling exercise with Club members. Maybe you want to share how you draw flowers, write poems, or use oil pastels. We’d love to learn from you!
Contact Haley if you would like to lead a portion of our next Club program!
FAQ
What do I need to bring?
The guided activities will be adaptable to a broad range of materials. You might want to bring your sketchbook or journal and whatever art supplies you prefer to use. A pencil/pen and watercolor paints are good tools to start with. If you don’t have supplies handy, you don’t have to buy anything special. We will also have basic art supplies (paper, watercolor paints, markers, crayons, pencils, etc.) available to use.
Do I need to be an artist?
Nope! The point of nature journaling is to get outside and record natural observations, not make frameable artwork. You might choose to just use words in your nature journal. We will also provide guided tutorials on simple art techniques that anybody can do. If you already consider yourself an artist, we hope you share some of your techniques so we can learn from you!
Can I bring my kids with me?
Sure! There is no age limit on the Club, but the activities are geared toward an adult and older kid/teen audience. Kids that would like to participate in the activities are welcome to join in. Young kiddos can tag along, too, as long as they don’t disrupt the group. They can use our paper and drawing materials to occupy themselves! Kids should always be accompanied by their adult.
Where can I learn more about nature journaling?
Naturalist John Muir Laws is one of the leaders of the nature journaling movement. He has a ridiculous number of resources available on his website: https://johnmuirlaws.com/
What does a nature journal look like?
It can be anything! Find journaling inspiration on our Pinterest board. Check back again – more pins are always being added!
More questions? Contact Haley!