Care for the Land Series: Nature Journaling - The Art of Observation with the Urban Ecology Center
Event Description
This one-time, two-hour workshop at the Urban Ecology Center’s Washington Park location is led by Wisconsin Master Naturalist educator and artist Kathy DeVries. Participants will explore foundational nature journaling techniques that blend art, science, and reflection. The workshop builds observation skills using words, pictures, and numbers; encouraging curiosity, creativity, and deeper connection to nature in your own background. No art or science background necessary. We will balance spending some time outdoors while practicing techniques indoors.
Registration includes: A simple Nature Journal (to take with you when you go), access to rulers, hand lenses, pencils, and coloring tools to enhance your experience.
Bring your questions!
For questions about this program, please contact Director of Community Programs, Cassie Bauer, at cbauer@urbanecologycenter.org.
For help with the registration process, please contact Program Systems Manager, Augie Rodenbeck, at arodenbeck@urbanecologycenter.org or (414) 626-8518.
Registration required
Pick your price
Personal financial situations vary widely so we provide multiple pricing options to make our programs accessible. The highest listed price fully covers the cost of the program. Lower prices reflect the generosity of our supporters who help us ensure programs are available to everyone. Please choose the option that best fits you, your family, and your guests.
Confirmation/Cancellation Policy:
If you sign up for a program and your plans change, we kindly request that you let us know at least 10 business days in advance so we have the opportunity to offer a program to others. We will provide refunds as follows: 10 business days or more: full refund, 5-9 business days: 50% refund, 0-4 business days: no refund.
Nature Journaling 2-Day Workshop at Cedarburg Bog, in partnership with UWM Saukeville Field Station
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Saukeville Field Station Cedarburg Bog
Two Day Workshop Course:
Take a break, slow down, and get curious about the everyday wonder and beauty around you. Explore the practice of Nature Journaling with Kathy DeVries, Wisconsin Master Naturalist, by collecting and recording your observations, questions, and explanations in a notebook. This two-day workshop is taught through interactive exercises both in and outdoors covering fundamentals of observation with word, numbers, and pictures. Our journaling discoveries will include plant, animal, and insect specimens in our Wisconsin ecosystem. We’ll explore new methods of asking questions, note taking, and notebook page layouts. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin nature journaling. The workshop includes a complimentary nature journal kit to get started. Just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity!
Lodging Accommodations & Food:
The workshop fee does not include overnight accommodations. However, tent space on the property is available at no charge. Participants wishing to stay overnight in our Farmhouse may reserve a bed in a shared space at a cost of $20 per night. Bed space is limited so be sure to reserve early. The Station can also provide you with a list of nearby establishments to stay. An optional catered lunch is provided at cost for an additional charge and will include vegetarian and gluten free options. Meal plan should be ordered at the time your registration is submitted. Contact fieldstn@uwm.edu for more information.
Workshop fee:
$80. Available for 1.4 CEU. Not offered for college credit.
Registration and more information: https://uwm.edu/field-station/event/nature-journaling/
Stitching Together Nature Journaling and Fiber Arts with the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts
Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts
N50W5050 Portland Rd. | Cedarburg, WI 53012
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Friday, Saturday and 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday
Class Fee: $250/ WMQFA Members (with member code); $275/Non Members
Class Description:
Take a break, slow down, and get curious about the everyday wonder and beauty around you through nature and fiber arts. Nature invites us to explore exciting fiber arts designs, techniques, and materials. In this workshop, you will create a very personal nature art-quilted or embroidery (or both) designed piece beginning with Nature Journaling. Kathy will teach the disciplined practice of collecting and recording observations in a notebook by exploring WMQFA gardens and other cool specimens. You’ll learn specific nature journaling steps as inspiration for simple drawings and patterns to construct a finished piece using fabric fusing, decorative machine, and/or hand stitching, and more. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist. Just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity! Class fees include a nature journal and a select supply kit.
Recommended skill level for participants:Some sewing and/or embroidery experience helpful. Welcome beginners and experienced quilters/embroiderers.
Age level of participants: 18 and up
Registration and more information
Nature Journaling Workshop: Peak Summer
Take a break, slow down, and get curious about the everyday wonder and beauty around you. In this two-session workshop, you will learn the practice of Nature Journaling by collecting and recording your observations, questions, and explanations in a notebook. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin!
This interactive, two-session workshop includes nature journaling tools and basics while practicing journaling at the wonderful Sanger House Garden. Located in Brewer's Hill, the Sanger House Gardens allows for a rich diversity of plants, insects, birds, and more.
The workshop includes a free Nature Journal to get started!
For more info: hello@kathydevriesdesigns.com
Fiber Workshop - Guild of Natural Science Illustrator SciComm Conference
The class will use a lightboard and various papers to transform a simple pattern from a drawing or photo, into a small 8x8 fused and quilted square. You will learn basic pattern creation and fusing on fabric techniques. We will discuss how fabric (from solids to patterns) and thread, like colored pencils or paint, provide many possibilities to express your work.
After completing the small square, Kathy will demonstrate various threads and sewing techniques and give ideas for finishing your piece at home.
Come with ideas of drawings or photographs to create a quilted piece of art. Kathy will work both with beginners and experienced quilters, though some (hand or machine) sewing experience is helpful.
Learn about simple pattern creation from a drawing, illustration, or painting, to create a small quilted piece. Attendees will be taught and practice fusing fabrics together. Sewing finishing techniques will be demonstrated and practiced.
2025 Milwaukee Public Museum Bioblitz: Intro to Nature Journaling
Aldo Leopold Foundation
E13701 Levee Rd
Baraboo, WI 53913
Bioblitz is a FREE 24-hour celebration of biodiversity where scientists work together to see how many species of plants and animals they can find in one area. Learn more about MPM's BioBlitz.
Take a break, slow down, and get curious about the everyday wonder and beauty around you. I will be teaching a free introduction to the practice of Nature Journaling by collecting and recording your observations, questions, and explanations in a notebook. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin!
The workshop includes a free Nature Journal to get started!
For more info: hello@kathydevriesdesigns.com
MKE Studio Tour
Join me for my final in-person sales event featuring new quilted natural science illustrations, pillows, wall hangings, and small modular quilts for your table or wall.
Drawing and Painting Bees and Butterflies
Get ready to unleash your creativity in the beautiful surroundings of Sanger House Gardens. This in-person event will allow you to connect with nature while capturing the beauty of our favorite pollinators. Learn the basic anatomy from a Natural Science Illustrator and how to use basic shapes and colors to properly draw bees and butterflies.