🌿Nature Journaling Session 1: Intro to Nature Journaling

🌿 Nature Journaling Session 1: Intro to Nature Journaling

Facilitator: Sarah Smith

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rain Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location: Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N Forest Park Dr., Peoria Heights, IL

Restrooms and water fountain available in the Nature Center
Overflow parking available in the Samaritan Ministries parking lot

Skill Level

Beginner – All skill levels welcome.
No naturalist, artistic, drawing, or writing experience required.

About This Program

Deepen your enjoyment of and connection to nature through the practice of nature journaling.

Nature journaling is fundamentally the recording of your observations and experiences in nature. The method of how it’s done depends on you and your interests.

In this program you will learn:

Nature journaling skills and techniques
Skills of observation, perception, inquiry, and connection
The benefits of maintaining a nature journaling practice

We will put what we’ve learned into practice using journaling prompts and exercises in the Forest Park setting.

What to Bring

Mixed media sketchbook or preferred journal
Favorite writing utensils
Drawing pencils and/or colored pencils (Prismacolor suggested, but just bring what you have/can)
Water bottle
Snack (if needed)
Lawn chair or blanket
And of course! An open mind and an eagerness to learn and explore!

For more questions or if you require reasonable accommodations, please email Brittany Chambers at blc21@illinois.edu.

About the Facilitator:

Through her experience as an Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist, Sarah has found many ways to enjoy and experience nature. She is a current member and volunteer at Forest Park Nature Center. With a degree in Art History and interests in nature and mindfulness practices (yoga, meditation, gardening, etc.), Sarah is excited to combine her love of all these things and introduce you to the practice of nature journaling.

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