This is a guided 2 hour adventure led by volunteer park naturalist, Debbie Stavish, Certified Interpretive Guide and Naturalist Instructor at Pikes Peak State College. Join in a nature journaling workshop in which you will experience the science and art of observing nature and recording observations. This practice will help you gain new perspectives on the natural world and our place within it. The program begins with an arrival ritual that helps to get grounded in nature. We will enjoy a hot cup of fresh brewed herbal tea harvested from Debbie’s own National Wildlife Certified Habitat garden. Next, we will investigate the history behind nature journaling from the perspectives of pioneers such as Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson, and some modern day naturalists. We’ll learn a simple sketching exercise by implementing the process of tracing a natural object. Tried and true techniques will be discussed, and a template will be provided for you to use during this nature journaling adventure. Finally, we will head out into the Mueller woods, journals in hand, to observe and record our first entry. With the aid of nature, we will consciously open our senses in order to optimize the experience. After a 10 minute walk, we’ll choose a private spot where we will spend 15 minutes journaling about a chosen subject. To conclude, we end with shared observations, thoughts, or reflections about our subject. Examples of sharings include sketches, notes or poems. Sharing is optional. The entire experience is for you! While guidelines are provided, the hope is for you to leave with a new skill and appreciation you will use outside of this program. All materials are provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own journal or item to sit on if you'd like. Please come prepared for the weather as some of this workshop will be outside. Cost of Program: Free with a park pass. What’s Provided: Tea, blankets, portable chairs, tracing materials, paper and pencils. Time: 2 hours Ages: 16 years and older Location: Begin at Visitor Center
Minimum Participants: 1Registration is required for this activity. Click "register" to reserve your spot.
General InfoAnna Miller
(719) 687-2366