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
Program schedule
Sunday, July 28
- 3pm: Check in (Biome Center - building 75)
- 4-6pm: Station orientation and course welcome (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 6-7pm: Dinner (Dining Hall)
- 7-8pm: Nature of Science seminar (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 8-10pm: Optional group campfire or recreational time
Monday, July 29
- 7-8am: Breakfast (Dining Hall)
- 8-10am: Journaling with Jennifer: Focus on Plants (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 10-10:30am: Coffee/snack break (Dining Hall)
- 10:30-noon: Northwoods Natural History Hike to Bear Paw Point, led by Itasca State Park Naturalist (meet at building 43)
- Noon-1pm: Lunch
- 1-5pm: Journaling with Jennifer: Northwoods Natural History (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 6-7pm: Dinner (Dining Hall)
- 7-9pm: Night at the Museum: Journaling the station’s mammal and bird collections and working with new media (Biome Center)
Tuesday, July 30
- 7-8am: Breakfast (Dining Hall)
- 8-10am: Freshwater Fauna Foray on the shores of Lake Itasca, led by Emily Schilling (Station docks)
- 10-10:30am: coffee/snack break (Dining Hall)
- 10:30-noon: Journaling with Jennifer: Freshwater Fauna (building 44 lower)
- Noon-1pm: Lunch (Dining Hall)
- 1-6pm: Choose your adventure: Continue exploring macroinvertebrates or nature journaling on your own (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 6-7pm: Dinner (Dining Hall)
- 7-8pm: Journal Gallery Walk - Journal exhibition for participants to share their work (Lakeside Laboratory - building 44 upper)
- 8-10pm: Optional group campfire or recreational time
Wednesday, July 31
- 7-8am: Breakfast (Dining Hall)
- 10am: Check out