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.
schedule & pricing
Three Mondays a month in April
11:00 am-12:00 pm
$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 for Spring 2025 classes opens Tuesday, December 3. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, December 10. Become a Family Tree Member or above to access early registration and receive the Member rate.
Upcoming Classes
Signs of the Season (Phenology)
April 7, 14, 28
If you were here in cold and grey December, you’ll recognize the spots we visit in warm and sunny April. Learn about phenology – the study of how seasonal climate variations affect flora, fauna, and fungi – by observing and recording the changes in your nature journal. If you haven’t been using color in your nature journal, now is the time to explore colored pencils, markers, and watercolor in your work!
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, refillable water bottle for time on the trails during class.
All supplies, including journals, are provided for use during class, or students are welcome to bring their favorite supplies.
We will meet in Grapevine Classroom in the Nature Center 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.