Nature Journaling Through the Seasons at Humiston Woods
Nature Journaling Through the Seasons at Humiston Woods
📍 Humiston Woods, 2100 North Road, Pontiac, Illinois
📍 Humiston Woods, 2100 North Road, Pontiac, Illinois
Discover how to slow down, look closely, and connect more deeply with the natural world through the practice of nature journaling. During these hands-on workshops, participants will learn how to observe their surroundings, ask thoughtful questions, and document what they see using words, sketches, and numbers. The series is perfect for anyone ages 8 to 80+ who can handle a pencil and a notebook and is curious about the world outside their door. In the event of inclement weather, we’ll move indoors to the Educational Building at Humiston Woods. Materials will be provided. All you need is a sense of wonder!
Trees in Winter- February 28, 2-3:45 p.m.
Discover the art of seeing nature in a whole new way through guided observation along the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods. You’ll explore what you notice, wonder, and connect with as you study a plant and record your findings using words, pictures, and numbers. Dive into winter by learning the tricks to identify trees in winter by looking at twigs up close, sketch key features, and use a key to uncover which species they belong to.
Phenology of Plants- April 25, 10-11:45 a.m.
Explore the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods as you note the trees and spring forbs in bloom. Learn to observe, question, and make meaningful connections with the natural world. We'll compare both blossoms and observational techniques as we explore the phenology of plants and their importance to science.
Plants of the Prairie- August 1, 9-10:45 a.m.
As we explore the prairie along Deer Loop Trail, we'll set up a string marker so we can observe species over time. We'll spend the our session observing and noting prairie plants along a set location and we can come back over time to see how our favorite plants are developing over time.
Migratory Birds- November 7- 2-3:45 p.m.
Explore the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods as you learn to observe, question, and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Participants will practice documenting bird behavior using words, sketches, and numbers. In the second half of the program, you’ll dive into migratory bird biology by selecting a species to study up close and creating a detailed species account through direct observation.Â
These classes are designed for participants who are comfortable walking up to one mile and sitting or kneeling on the ground. Bringing a portable stool is a great option if that’s more comfortable for you. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Brittnay Haag at bhaag@illinois.edu or call our office at 309-663-8306.Â
Trees in Winter- February 28, 2-3:45 p.m.
Discover the art of seeing nature in a whole new way through guided observation along the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods. You’ll explore what you notice, wonder, and connect with as you study a plant and record your findings using words, pictures, and numbers. Dive into winter by learning the tricks to identify trees in winter by looking at twigs up close, sketch key features, and use a key to uncover which species they belong to.
Phenology of Plants- April 25, 10-11:45 a.m.
Explore the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods as you note the trees and spring forbs in bloom. Learn to observe, question, and make meaningful connections with the natural world. We'll compare both blossoms and observational techniques as we explore the phenology of plants and their importance to science.
Plants of the Prairie- August 1, 9-10:45 a.m.
As we explore the prairie along Deer Loop Trail, we'll set up a string marker so we can observe species over time. We'll spend the our session observing and noting prairie plants along a set location and we can come back over time to see how our favorite plants are developing over time.
Migratory Birds- November 7- 2-3:45 p.m.
Explore the Deer Loop Trail at Humiston Woods as you learn to observe, question, and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Participants will practice documenting bird behavior using words, sketches, and numbers. In the second half of the program, you’ll dive into migratory bird biology by selecting a species to study up close and creating a detailed species account through direct observation.Â
These classes are designed for participants who are comfortable walking up to one mile and sitting or kneeling on the ground. Bringing a portable stool is a great option if that’s more comfortable for you. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Brittnay Haag at bhaag@illinois.edu or call our office at 309-663-8306.Â