for children ages 7-14
Notebooks are an essential part of a scientist’s toolkit. Explorers look, listen, and record what they find. Journaling in nature builds a sense of place, critical thinking skills, and connection to nature.
Focused exercises each month mix pictures, words, and numbers with active exploration in different areas of the Arboretum. Students work alongside teachers and volunteers through guided activities to develop a regular nature journaling practice for life.
Each series builds foundational skills accessible to those with and without nature journaling experience. All supplies including journals are provided for use during class or students are welcome to bring their favorite supplies.
schedule & pricing
Three Mondays a month in October and December
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Instructor: Melissa Kyle
$45 member / $60 nonmember (per month)*
*Family Tree Membership or above required for Member pricing.
Once a class has reached capacity, a waitlist will be available until full. Please be sure to check your order for waitlist placement before confirming your registration.
Arboretum Member registration opens Tuesday, August 6. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, August 13. Become a Family Tree Member or above to access early registration and receive the Member rate.
Upcoming Classes
Happy Little Trees
October 7, 14, 28
Learn how to identify tree families, count rings, and understand the importance of trees in an urban environment while recording observations from many perspectives around the Arboretum.
Winter Wanderland
December 2, 9, 16
The trails may appear quiet and dark in winter months, but much is going on in this sleepy time at the Arboretum. Observe and record the seasonal changes above and below the ground and return in the spring to compare!
Additional Information
Class will be held in various locations outdoors rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and use sunscreen, insect repellant, and sun hats as appropriate. Each student should bring a full water bottle for time on the trails during class.
We will meet in the Nature Center in Classroom G (Grapevine) to sign in and depart for various locations each week. If you arrive after 11:10 am, please sign in at the Front Desk and ask where to bring your student that day.
If your child will be attending monthly Home School classes on the same date as The Art of Nature Journaling, please pick up your child promptly at 12:00 pm and return at 1:00 pm. Childcare and supervision will not be provided between the two classes.
Accessibility
This program is open to all abilities. The indoor portion will be held in the Nature Center. Please contact us if your student requires assistance accessing the content or outdoor location of activities.