FOR ADULTS 18+
Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2025, 10 am to noon (classes not sold separately)
Ready to take a deep dive into the natural world?
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for observing and recording the flora and fauna around us. Utilizing our inner scientists, writers, and artists, we will learn to capture the intricate details we find. These four classes will provide an encouraging and supportive atmosphere to learn the tools and techniques for observing, recording, and sketching our surroundings at Tyler Arboretum. Each class will explore a new area in the Arboretum.
- Class 1 will cover the basics of nature journaling, including centering ourselves in our current setting, learning to pay attention to and record different senses, and beginning to record plants in our journals.
- Class 2 will review the basics of nature journaling while introducing how to choose a subject to study and learning to observe and record our surroundings as the different pieces relate to one another.
- Class 3 will get our curiosity flowing through learning to let go of what we know and encouraging our wonder and delight to lead us to discoveries.
- Class 4 will deepen our observation skills as we learn to record sounds, sketch flitting insects and birds, and compare similar subjects to guide us to better understanding.
About the instructor: Meg Lemieur is a nature-focused illustrator based in Philadelphia. Her mission is to celebrate the diversity, interconnectedness, and amazing feats of the natural world. Her illustrations have been published in numerous tabletop games, comic anthologies, and large-scale educational projects. She lends her skills to a variety of advocacy campaigns and was awarded the Woman of Environmental Arts award by Penn Future in 2023.
Nature Journaling Materials List:
- Unlined notebook with hardback or paper & clipboard; I suggest a hardback so folks will have a hard surface to draw on while out in the field.
- Your favorite pencil
- Pencil sharpener
- Eraser
- Colored pencils (optional)
- Watercolor paints, brush, and water (optional)
Practical materials to bring:
- Portable chair or blanket to sit on
- Water and a snack
- Insect repellant
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Depending on the day, this may include layers like a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, a hat, long pants, and warm socks.
Each class will start with a short walk to a different area of the Arboretum. The walk may include changes in grade and walking surfaces, such as pavement, grass, and gravel. Closed-toe shoes with good tread are recommended.
When you arrive, meet your instructor at the Visitor Center Patio.
