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. It encourages children to slow down, pay attention, and experience the wonders of the living world around them, tapping into their natural curiosity and creativity.

Focused exercises each week 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.

This series continues to build on foundational skills learned in earlier sessions.

Class will be held in various locations outdoors rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

schedule & pricing

Three Mondays a month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Instructor: Melissa Kyle
$45 member / $60 nonmember (per month)*

*Family Tree Membership or above required for Member pricing.

Registration for Arboretum Members opens Tuesday, December 5 at 9 am. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, December 12.

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.

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.

Home School FAQs

Upcoming Classes

Inquiry – Investigation and Scientific Thinking
February 5, 12, 26

Curiosity creates rich learning opportunities by deepening investigations and understanding of mysteries and natural phenomena.

Words – Articulated Thought and Storytelling
March 4, 18, and 25

Writing activities build narratives from nature observations focusing on storytelling and shared experiences.

Pictures – Drawing and Visual Thinking
April 8, 15, 22

Activities guide students to think about how to show their thoughts on the page through drawings, diagrams, and other visual elements.