Nature Journaling at the Arcata Marsh

Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) will be offering a new free monthly activity: “Nature Journaling at the Marsh.” Retired teacher and super-experienced Marsh naturalist Lynn Jones will serve as leader on the last Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., beginning on September 24. No pre-registration is required, but sessions are limited to the first 10 people to show up at the Marsh Interpretive Center. All ages are welcome, as long as participant are able to concentrate quietly for an extended period of time. Heavy rain cancels. FOAM will provide clipboards and colored pencils; participants need to bring their own paper (e.g., a notebook, journal, or separate sheets) and a writing implement of their choice to jot notes. A pad to sit on or a folding chair is optional, as are binoculars and guidebooks. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, which may include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The goal of this 90-minute session is to sit quietly in one spot in the Marsh (locations will vary), making formal and informal observations of natural surroundings, on a small or large scale. The intent is to develop sensory observation skills and curiosity and to explore relationships in nature. Each observation begins with recording the date, precise location, elevation, weather (cloud cover, wind direction, air temperature), and time (most of these can be found on a phone). Next, for 30 to 45 minutes, participants will write and/or draw observations using their various senses. Lynn will offer prompts, but observation topics can be a particular species (plant or animal), ecosystem, or overall environment. Style and interpretation will vary. The session will end with a discussion about “What did this observation make you wonder?” For more information, call the Interpretive Center at 707-826-2359.