Join Master Naturalists Deana Thorsell and Noah Alcantara for Nature Journaling!

PVAS Host: Deana Thorsell, Noah Alcantara

This is a free/donation-based program. 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

At Yankauer Preserve, late spring and early summer are excellent times to explore deep shaded cedar groves and spot wildflowers and birds along the sunnier trails or stroll out to the Potomac River overlook.

Late spring is splendid, no matter the weather, so dress for the weather, and tune in to your senses. Come with your nature journal supplies (pencil and blank book, other supplies welcome), a chair (if you’d like), bug spray and water. 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 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 feel free to call her at 304-264-6335.

• Walking Distance: Approximately 1 -2 miles.
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Forested/dense canopy cover
• Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail Gentle slopes/rolling hills
• Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the meeting location.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the pavilion.
• What to Bring: Come with your nature journal supplies, a chair (if you’d like), water, and an open mind to trying new materials and techniques!

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

Read our Program Policies.

About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it!

About Noah: Noah has a deep passion for science, nature, and the environment, as well as a strong desire to give back to a program that has given him so much. Through the Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS), he has gained invaluable knowledge and experiences by attending various events over the years. He learned to identify birds not only by sight but also by sound through Birding 101 and guided bird walks. He was awarded two scholarships to summer camps, including Hog Island, further enriching his connection to nature. Noah’s love for art led him to explore nature journaling with his grandmother. Many people believe they aren’t artistic enough to keep a nature journal, but he has discovered that even a simple notation, a collected leaf, a photograph, or a quick sketch can transport you back to that moment, helping you reflect on your observations, thoughts, and emotions. In 2022, becoming a Master Naturalist felt like the natural next step in his journey. While he may not be the same six-year-old who was once obsessed with birds, he remains just as eager to learn, explore, and give back. His goal is to inspire others who have yet to discover how incredible PVAS truly is. Noah is currently attending Shepherd University, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry.