Join Deana Thorsell for Nature Journaling!
PVAS Host: Deana Thorsell
Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants.
PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible
Nature journaling is recording our observations, thoughts, and questions about nature using a combination of drawing, writing and numbers. By using all our senses, we begin to see things that we’ve never noticed before, smell our surroundings, hear new things, and feel what is going on around us. We make connections about our environment and record our thoughts, questions or feelings in our personal journal to grow and learn along the way. Everyone is welcome to join outdoor nature journaling regardless of their journaling experience.
At Yankauer Nature Preserve, September is an excellent time to explore deep shaded cedar groves, smell the scent of pawpaw and spicebush, spot migrating birds along the sunnier trails or stroll out to the Potomac River overlook. Fall is splendid, no matter the weather. So dress for the weather, and tune in to your senses. We’ll start at the picnic tables under the pavilion for a short introduction, walk the trails independently to observe and ponder, and eventually return to the shaded pavilion to add details to our work, and share techniques and exercises to inspire our nature journal habits.
Whether you’ve been keeping journals for years, or are a budding beginner, we welcome you to come out and put pencil to paper in the company of other enthusiasts. Should you have questions or would like to know more about nature journaling, please email Deana Thorsell at wvdeana@hotmail.com or call 304-264-6335.
- Walking Distance: Approximately 1 mile, though it could be longer.
- Pace: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
- Exposure: Forested/dense canopy cover
- Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail
- Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting/ending location.
- Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the pavilion.
- What to Bring: Come with your nature journal supplies (pencil and blank book, other supplies welcome), a chair (if you’d like), bug spray and water.
