Join the Madison Nature Journal Club at the Verona Public Library to sketch and write about our observations of nature. This library is directly next to the trails of Badger Prairie County Park. It includes a small pond where waterbirds often hang out. Inside the library there is also a series of large windows (treated with a Bird-Safe Glass window treatment!) with a scenic view. Depending on the weather we can journal indoors or outdoors (see the "weather plan" section below for more details).
We’ll kick off the event with some quick tips on nature journaling, then people can individually pick what they want to nature journal about. Near the end of the event, we’ll (optionally) share what we journaled about. This is not a class, but Amy will be happy to spend more time with anyone who would like additional nature journaling tips and demos.
WEATHER PLAN: Our meeting spot will depend on the weather:
PLAN A: OUTDOORS - If it’s forecasted to be at least 60 degrees including windchill (and is not forecasted to rain) then we’ll meet outside near the library entrance. Look for a whiteboard sign and people with sketchbooks.
-OR-PLAN B: START OFF INDOORS - If windchill or temperature is forecasted to be below 59 (or if rain is forecasted) then we’ll meet inside the library’s conference room to kick off the event. After seeing some nature journaling tips in the conference room, people can split off--they can try to find a seat near the library's large scenic windows, stay in the conference room to draw insect specimens, or go outside if they don't mind the weather. (If you can’t find the conference room ask a librarian.)
PARKING: use the library parking lot
ACCESSIBILITY: the library itself is fully accessible. The outdoor trails by the library may be uneven, but there are also plants and views of nature closer to the library on sidewalks and paved surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
A pencil and paper works, or anything fancier You may also want to bring a sketching stool as there may not be many benches deep in the trails if we’re outside. If we’re inside, a sketching stool may also guarantee yourself a seat next to the library’s scenic windows.
- WHAT IS NATURE JOURNALING?
Nature journaling includes drawing pictures of nature but also writing questions and notes about what we’re observing. Our goal is to look closer and wonder more deeply about nature. We think about drawing as a tool to help us notice–you don’t need to draw beautifully to be a nature journaler. At the club we’ll talk briefly about ideas of what to write about, using prompts such as "I notice... I wonder... It reminds me of..." You'll also get some nature journaling tips about ways you could document what you’re seeing and sensing on your pages.
- WHO SHOULD COME?
Anyone–no drawing experience needed. Nature journaling is great for beginners. Children are welcome and should be accompanied by an adult.
This event is cohosted by Amy Schleser of the Madison Nature Journaling Club and the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
