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 regular nature journaling habits 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, September-December
10:30 am – 11:30 am
$45 member / $60 nonmember (per month)*
*Family Tree Membership or above required for Member pricing.
Arboretum Member registration for Fall 2026 classes opens Tuesday, August 4. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, August 11. Become a Family Tree Member or above to access early registration and receive the Member rate.
Upcoming Classes
Collecting Clues
September 14, 21, 28
Nature is often mysterious and every leaf and flower can hold hidden stories. How did these things get here? What happened? We will be detectives and learn how to observe with an inquisitive mind.
The Search for Water
October 5, 12, 26
Water is a part of a habitat that connects everything. We will go searching the ponds, streams and bayous documenting how water moves across the landscape followed by the wetland plants and animals. We will even investigate the ground beneath our feet and see how water travels through the soil.
Preserving a Memory
November 2, 9, 16
Capturing a specific moment in a specific place is a valuable skill that helps both a scientist and an artist. Taking time to really sense and document the moment, students will practice transcribing memories in real time, with words and pictures.
Seasons Change
Dec 7, 14, 21
Students will document the onset of winter, returning to places they observed before but with a new perspective. Nature is never static, and change is a part of it. Noticing this process is fascinating, and we will take time to reflect on how our journals have changed over the months and share some of our pictures.
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 to take 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 10:45, 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 the end of class 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.