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Jennifer Powers' nature journal artwork, titled "A Rainy Day at Itasca"
Drawn to Nature

Observing and Documenting Itasca State Park

July 28-31

Throughout history, explorers recorded their natural history observations and travel adventures in notebooks. This tradition continues in the present day practice of nature journaling. Hone your own powers of observation in this course as you explore natural spaces. Learn the basics of nature journaling, then head out to the field to capture what you see and experience on the page. No art background or expensive supplies needed. Just a desire to explore the intersection of imagination and observation.

Instructor

Dr. Jennifer Powers is a tropical forest ecologist who uses art as an avenue to observe nature closely and capture details about the plants and animals she encounters in the field. Learn more about Dr. Powers' nature journaling here.

Guest naturalists

Dr. Emily Schilling, Itasca Station Associate Director

Connie Cox, Lead Naturalist, Itasca State Park

Course modules include:

  • Northwoods Natural History Hike to Bear Paw Point
  • Nature of Science seminar
  • Night at the Museum: Journaling the station’s mammal and bird collections
  • Freshwater Fauna Foray on the shores of Lake Itasca

Schedule

Expand all

Program schedule

Sunday, July 28

  • 3pm: Check in
  • 4-6pm: Station orientation and course welcome
  • 6-7pm: Dinner
  • 7-8pm:  Nature of Science seminar
  • 8-10pm: Optional group campfire or recreational time

Monday, July 29

  • 7-8am: Breakfast
  • 8-10am: Journaling with Jennifer: Focus on Plants
  • 10am: Coffee/snack break
  • 10:30-12:00am: Northwoods Natural History Hike to Bear Paw Point, led by Itasca State Park Naturalist
  • Noon-1pm: Lunch
  • 1-5pm: Journaling with Jennifer: Northwoods Natural History
  • 6-7pm: Dinner
  • 7-9pm: Night at the Museum: Journaling the station’s mammal and bird collections

Tuesday, July 30

  • 7-8am: Breakfast
  • 8-10am: Freshwater Fauna Foray on the shores of Lake Itasca, led by Emily Schilling
  • 10:00-10:30am: coffee/snack break
  • 10:30-noon: Journaling with Jennifer: Freshwater Fauna
  • Noon-1pm: Lunch
  • 1-3pm: Journaling with Jennifer: Working with new media
  • 3-6pm: Free time or one-on-one consults with Jennifer
  • 6-7pm: Dinner
  • 7-8pm: Journal Gallery Walk - Journal exhibition for participants to share their work
  • 8-10pm: Optional group campfire or recreational time

Wednesday, July 31

  • 7-8am: Breakfast
  • 10am: Check out

Register now