alabamanaturejournalclub

Nature Journaling Meet-up, May 25th (North Alabama)
2024-05-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, 1263 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL, 35811, United States
Scroll down to RSVP!
Join us in the beautiful surroundings of Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve at the pavilion, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the serenity of the great outdoors and put pencil to paper for some nature journaling.
Do I need to RSVP?
Yes! We have a limited amount of space at this pavilion and can only accommodate ~20 people per event. Please RSVP to save your spot.
What will we be doing?
This is not a class! You will be given handouts and encouraged to explore nearby trails and the forest edge to find specimens to journal, with the option of returning to a shaded pavilion to journal. Towards the end, we will have a small round-table discussion about what we observed – share your journal only if you want!
The general format is: Explore, Document, Discuss!
Who is this event for?
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience level! The pavilion is just a short stroll from the parking lot, and our trails are mainly on a level, smooth terrain for easy walking.
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of ages. We’re planning to collaborate with local institutions soon to offer age-specific events, but in the meantime, we welcome everyone. If you’re planning to bring a larger group of kids, we’d appreciate a quick heads-up to help us gear up. Just drop us a message on our website, and we’ll prepare to make your group’s experience memorable!
What do I need to bring?
This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Brush!) kind of event. If you already have art supplies you’d prefer to use, bring those too! But, if you don’t have any supplies, don’t worry! Our event leader will provide materials for anyone who forgot them or needs them
We recommend bringing:

notebook
pen
pencil
colored pencils
bug spray
sunscreen
hat or sunglasses
bottled water

Where is the event?
Address: 1263 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL 35811
It will begin at the pavilion, which is visible from the parking lot.
How much does it cost to attend?
This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!
Anything else I need to know?
Although we will be in the shade for most of the event, do what you can to stay cool. If conditions are decent, we may stop along the trail to work in our journals. We recommend bringing something to sit on, such as a jacket, blanket or portable chair. Restrooms are available at this location as well.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional information. We’re here to assist you!
We can’t wait to meet you, share in your company, and explore the beauty of the Alabama outdoors through the lens of nature journaling. Happy journaling, everyone!

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – May 7th, 2024
2024-05-07 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | AL
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event?
Moss Rock Preserve – meet at the trailhead that is across the street from Moss Rock Tacos, 616 Preserve Pkwy, Hoover 35226.
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 7th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Depending on the location, there may be different things to observe or visit. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Not at this moment! Please note that not all locations will have access to a restroom or other amenities. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Nature Journaling Meet-up, April 27th (North Alabama)
2024-04-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, 1263 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL, 35811, United States

Virtual Journal Night – April 24th, 2024
2024-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL
On these casual, bi-weekly draw nights, we spend ~2 hours in the evening on a weekday working on our journals, planning new adventures, and connecting with each other. Just bring yourself, a pencil or pen, and some paper!
A Zoom link will be sent out to those in the Alabama Nature Journal Club Facebook group via email — so keep an eye out!
Join the club here: https://alabamanaturejournalclub.com/membership/

Virtual Journal Night – April 2nd, 2024
2024-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – April 2nd, 2024
2024-04-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Birmingham Botanical Garden, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL, 35223, United States
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event? Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223 — we will meet at the fountain by the main entrance.
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 2ndth, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Depending on the location, there may be different things to observe or visit. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Not at this moment! Please note that not all locations will have access to a restroom or other amenities. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Nature Journaling Meet-up, March 23rd (North Alabama)
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, 1263 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL, 35811, United States

Virtual Journal Night – March 20th, 2024
2024-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Virtual Journal Night – March 5th, 2024
2024-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – March 5th, 2024
2024-03-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event? Ruffner Mountain, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham 35206. At the large picnic pavilion by the parking lot.
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 5th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Depending on the location, there may be different things to observe or visit. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Not at this moment! Please note that not all locations will have access to a restroom or other amenities. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Nature Journal at Little River Canyon, February 24th (North Alabama Monthly Meet-up)
2024-02-24 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Little River Canyon Center, 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL, 5967, United States
Event Description:
February is a chilly time in North Alabama! But, it can be one of the most beautiful, too. We are kicking off our 2024 in-person monthly meet-ups at an exciting new location: Little River Canyon. We’re especially thrilled to partner with the Little River Canyon Center for this meet-up. They host a number of incredible events for the North Alabama area and the Fort Payne, AL community — I highly recommend attending some.
We will begin our meet-up by walking along their Path to Learning trail immediately behind the center to observe some of the local flora and fauna together before settling down to journal. Alabama winters are unpredictable, so if it is a particularly beautiful and warm day, we will remain outside when journaling. But, if it is chilly, we will have access to an indoor location.
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.
When and where is the event?
Address: 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Date and Time: Saturday, February 24th, 12 PM – 2 PM CST
Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of ages and experience levels. Please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.
What do I need to bring?
This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Brush!) kind of event. If you already have art supplies you’d prefer to use, bring those too! But, if you don’t have any supplies, don’t worry! Our event leader will provide materials for anyone who forgot them or needs them.
We recommend bringing:

notebook
pen
pencil
colored pencils
sunscreen
jacket or blanket
hat or sunglasses
bottled water

How much does it cost to attend?
This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!
Anything else I need to know?

This location offers a shaded area as well as restrooms. We recommend bringing something to sit on, such as a jacket, blanket or portable chair if you choose to remain on the trails while journaling.
Little River Canyon is a National Preserve. Please be respectful of the area!
Come a little early or stay a little later to visit the canyon itself if you haven’t already! An excellent view of it is right near the Center.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional information. We’re here to assist you!
We can’t wait to meet you, share in your company, and explore the beauty of the Alabama outdoors through the lens of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night – February 21st, 2024
2024-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | AL

Virtual Journal Night – February 6th, 2024
2024-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – February 6th, 2024
2024-02-06 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event? Heardmont Park, 5458 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham 35242
We’ll meet at the benches by the main stone and iron entrance gate, which is near the playground by the Senior Center.
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 6th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Depending on the location, there may be different things to observe or visit. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Not at this moment! Please note that not all locations will have access to a restroom or other amenities. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night – January 24th, 2024
2024-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | AL

Virtual Journal Night – January 9th, 2024
2024-01-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – January 9th, 2024
2024-01-09 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event? Red Mountain Park– meet beside the bright red-orange trailer at the main trailhead.
Address: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 9th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Depending on the location, there may be different things to observe or visit. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Not at this moment! Please note that not all locations will have access to a restroom or other amenities. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night - December 19th
2023-12-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Virtual Journal Night - December 6th
2023-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) – December 5th
2023-12-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.
Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Pelham, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event?
Address: Moss Rock Preserve Simmons Trailhead. Please use the following link to view the location on a map application as there is no address for this trailhead:
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oEPy1kpkbRj4ryQr6?g_st=ic
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST
If you are unfamiliar with this trailhead, it may look like a bus parking lot at first. Drive to the far end of the lot from the road, and the trailhead is there.

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
At this event, we will take a short hike before settling in to journal. We encourage you to make observations and notes about what you see around you — and, to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time and answer your questions.
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.

Who is this event for? This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Winter jacket, hat and gloves
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Restroom facilities are not available at this site. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night - November 21st
2023-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up (Central Alabama) - November 14th
2023-11-14 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL, 35216, United States
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.

Event Leader: Amy Lewis Sides, a biologist and expert nature journaling educator based in Hoover, AL! Check out her website here.

When & where is the event?
Address: Aldridge Garden, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 from 12:00-2:00pm CST
Our gathering will take place at the Boat House, see the map below for reference.

How much does it cost to attend? This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!

What will we be doing?
Nature journaling is the practice of using words, pictures, and numbers to describe the natural world around you. It is a tool for sharpening your observational skills and forming a deeper connection with nature. Most importantly, anyone can do it! No prior experience or skill is required.
At this event, you will have freedom to explore the property, making observations and notes about what you see around you. We encourage you to explore these three prompts while you are out: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/.
This is a monthly social meet-up for anyone who is interested in nature journaling, especially in Central Alabama. These meet-ups are not instructional. However, Amy will be there to facilitate your time at Aldridge Gardens and answer your questions.

Who is this event for? This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of all ages and experience levels.
However, please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children by emailing us at alabamanaturejournalclub@gmail.com. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.

What do I need to bring? Please bring your own supplies, snacks and anything else you might need! Consider bringing a notebook, pens, pencils, and something to add color to your entries (i.e. colored pencils, watercolor, markers, etc.)
You may also want to consider bringing:

Bottled water
Snacks
Depending on the season: insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, a hat or sunglasses for comfort, portable chair

Anything else I need to know? Restroom facilities are available on-site for convenience. Should you have any queries or need further details, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help!
We’re excited to see you, to grow our community, and to enjoy Alabama’s natural wonders through the art of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night - November 8th
2023-11-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Virtual Journal Night - October 24
2023-10-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Building an Autumn Nature Journal: A Workshop in Watercolor & Ink (with the Land Trust of North Alabama)
2023-10-21 11:30 - 2023-10-22 16:00 (America/New_York) | AL
Presented in partnership with the Land Trust of North Alabama
Register here.
Have you ever wanted to document the natural world around you in a beautiful and memorable way? Keeping a nature journal is a time-honored tradition among naturalists and is an incredible way to sharpen your observation, improve your memory, and deepen your curiosity about nature. This multidisciplinary practice involves documenting and creatively exploring your local ecology through the visual arts, writing, and scientific observation.
We will explore the world of fall foliage during its peak season, and use watercolor and ink together to create dynamic illustrations to accompany our written observations.
Drawing and painting natural subjects may seem overwhelming, but this workshop includes instruction to teach you key techniques to jumpstart your journaling skills and give you greater confidence in the field.
After learning how to use watercolor and ink-sketching techniques to capture the beauty of fall foliage, we will move to the forest to explore the autumnal landscapes of the Land Trust of North Alabama and create a page of curiosities in our journal.
When & Where:

Saturday, October 21st from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 12100 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville, AL 35803. This portion of the program will take place indoors.
Sunday, October 22nd from 1-4 PM at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve (1263 U.S Hwy 72 East, Huntsville, AL 35811) – This portion of the workshop will take place outdoors. Access to restrooms will be available.

Cost: $75 for Land Trust Members at Trailblazer level or above, $90 for Non-members. If you’re not a member of the Land Trust, then join today!
Course fees will help pay for seven hours of instruction, snacks and drinks, some worksheets and handouts, and all of the supplies for needed to participate in the workshop, including:

12-color watercolor pan
A round tip brush
Waterproof ink pens
140lb watercolor paper

Course Description:
All skill levels are welcome. We have designed the workshop to especially benefit those who may not have previous experience drawing or using watercolors. However, even those with previous experience in these techniques will be able to take away novel approaches and ideas.
The first day will be instructional and include lessons on:

The Mindset & Tools of the Nature Journaler – we will learn about the elements of keeping an artistic field notebook that balances information and pictures.
How to Sketch Leaves, Landscapes, and Other Fall Subjects – we will focus on learning to block out complex shapes, perspective, pencils and pen strokes, and basic compositional tricks. The goal is the help you draw quickly and from a real life subject.
Practical Watercolor Techniques for the Field – we will learn the core methods of applying watercolor that are most useful in the field and how to mix beautiful colors with a limited palette.
The Shape & Biology of Leaves – we will learn about the basic structure of leaves so that you can label your drawings and explore questions like:

– Why do trees drop their leaves at all during the fall?
– Why do leaves change color in the fall?
– Why do some trees remain evergreen?
– What happens to the leaves once they’ve fallen to the ground?
During the second day, we will arrive at the designated location to explore and collect subjects for our journal page. Students will have the option of working independently or alongside the instructor to complete a journal page that describes their subject. The day will wrap up with a round-table discussion of our observations.
What to Bring/Wear:
On the field day, we will be hiking and sitting down. While fall weather in Alabama tends to be mild, please dress according to the weather conditions of that day. In the event of rain, we will be able to work under a lit pavilion. Although supplies are provided, you may bring additional supplies if desired.
Instructor Profile:
Laramie (Smith) Aközbek is the President of the Alabama Nature Journal Club and is passionate about helping others build deep connections with the natural world. She enjoys scientific and botanical illustration, and loves to use art as a means of capturing and communicating complex topics. She is a plant biologist and conducts research at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology while working toward her PhD in Plant Genomics with Auburn University. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking throughout Alabama with her husband documenting the local flora and fauna.

South Alabama Meet-up: Fall Nature Journaling in a Botanical Garden!
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 21st from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile AL, 36608
All ages and levels of drawing experience welcome! Join artist/naturalist Val Webb for a morning among the fall blooms at Mobile Botanical Gardens. Sketch pitcher plants in the bog garden, flowering perennials in the pollinator garden, wildflowers in the longleaf pine preserve, and much more.
We will gather at 10am for a quick overview of the gardens and a 15-minute demo on sketching botanical subjects. Bring your favorite sketchbook and drawing supplies; canvas artist stools may be rented for $2.
The meet-up is free, but there is a $5 gate fee to enter the gardens. This is a special discounted rate for our event.
Never tried drawing plants before? That’s absolutely fine. The goal of nature journaling is not to produce beautiful art, but to see and u

Virtual Journal Night - October 12th
2023-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up, September 30th (North Alabama)
2023-09-30 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Harvest Square Nature Preserve, 111 Allyson Sadie Blvd, Harvest, AL, 35749, United States
Do I need to RSVP? Yes! Please RSVP to save a spot.
Where is the event?
Address: Harvest Square Nature Preserve, 111 Allyson Sadie Blvd, Harvest, AL 35749
We will begin the day at the pavilion, which is visible from the parking lot.
What will we be doing?
This is not a class! You will be given handouts and encouraged to explore nearby trails and the forest edge to find specimens to journal, with the option of returning to a shaded pavilion to journal. Towards the end, we will have a small round-table discussion about what we observed – share your journal only if you want!
The general format is: Explore, Document, Discuss!
Who is this event for?
This family-friendly event is designed to accommodate a blend of ages and experience levels.
We’re planning to collaborate with local institutions and instructors soon to offer events specifically tailored to younger children, but they are more than welcome at these meetings.
Please give the organizers a heads-up if you plan on bringing a large group of children. Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children during this event.
What do I need to bring?
This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Brush!) kind of event. If you already have art supplies you’d prefer to use, bring those too! But, if you don’t have any supplies, don’t worry! Our event leader will provide materials for anyone who forgot them or needs them.
We recommend bringing:

notebook
pen
pencil
colored pencils
bug spray (highly recommended!)
sunscreen
hat or sunglasses
bottled water

How much does it cost to attend?
This event is entirely FREE. So, invite your friends, bring your family, and let’s all share in a day of connection, creativity, and discovery!
Anything else I need to know?
The pavilion offers shade for those who want to use it. We recommend bringing something to sit on, such as a jacket, blanket or portable chair if you choose to venture onto the trails or boardwalk.
There are no portable restrooms available at this location, but there is a Public nearby that you can use.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional information. We’re here to assist you!
We can’t wait to meet you, share in your company, and explore the beauty of the Alabama outdoors through the lens of nature journaling.
Happy journaling, everyone!

Virtual Journal Night – September 27th
2023-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | AL

Nature Journaling Meet-up at Weeks Bay Estuarine Reserve (South Alabama)
2023-09-16 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Weeks Bay Estuarine Reserve, 11300 US Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Cancellation Note:

Hey everyone! Sign-ups are fewer than what we had hoped for tomorrow’s event. For this reason, we have made the difficult decision to cancel it.
We understand that this may come as a disappointment, and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We have another exciting event coming up for South Alabama for the Fall which should be posted soon. Please look out for future communications regarding it within the Facebook group and over email.
Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us!

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Pelicans, herons, and the rare red-bellied turtle call this forested 6,000-acre reserve home. Join us to draw along the shady self-guided nature trail or inside the visitors’ center (where you’ll find live animal exhibits plus a huge collection of specimens including eggs, birds and native plants).

Nature journalers of all skill levels are welcome! The goal is not to create beautiful art, but to see and understand the natural world more deeply by drawing or writing about it.

This is a free event. We’ll meet in front of the visitors’ center at 9am. ANJC volunteer Val Webb will provide a 15-minute demo and tips on drawing shorebirds. You are free to wander until 11:15, when we’ll meet again to compare plants and animals we have seen.

Bring your favorite sketchbook or journal, and whatever drawing supplies you like. Water and insect repellent are a must.

Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9am to 11:30am
Location:
Weeks Bay Estuarine Reserve
11300 US Hwy. 98
Fairhope, Alabama
(Located halfway between Fairhope and Foley, at the west end of the Fish River bridge)
