Nature journaling is the art of slowing down, paying close attention, and cultivating curiosity. While you don’t need a journal to connect with nature and community, putting words and sketches on the page opens new possibilities. It helps us remember more vividly, focus more deeply, ask meaningful questions, and notice patterns we might otherwise miss. Once expressed on paper, our insights also become easier to share, allowing us to learn from one another and build connections through shared experience.

In this art, nature, and wellness program, you’ll:

• -Practice mindfulness and attention through nature journaling

• -Explore creative ways to record observations on the page

• -Cultivate curiosity, wonder, and a deeper connection with nature

All levels are welcome! No artistic training or naturalist expertise is required. Just bring an open mind, an eagerness to explore, and a sense of wonder.

10:00am - 3:00pm with a break for lunch from 12-1pm

After introductions and a discussion about what we’d like to gain from this day together, we’ll dive right into creating nature journal ‘zines’ to hold our observations and insights from the day. Next we’ll explore simple exercises to warm up our hands and our minds as Theresa shares some foundations and philosophy around nature journaling.

Lunch will be provided at noon, and you can choose to stay and enjoy with the group, or take some time for yourself.

After lunch, at 1:00pm, we will reconvene and dive deeper into nature journaling and curiosity, with options for more exercises and demos, as well as time to explore and wonder on our own using the ideas and tips from earlier in the day. The workshop will conclude at 3:00pm.

Our workshop takes place at Midpines Park & Community Hall, a welcoming public space just outside Mariposa. The Hall offers heating, cooling, and restrooms, while the surrounding park features shaded picnic tables, outdoor art installations, and a seasonal creekbed perfect for inspiration and reflection.

The park is easily accessible via the YARTS bus, which stops directly on-site — a great option for sustainable travel. Parking is available, however it is limited, so we encourage you to take advantage of the bus.

View the YARTS Schedule ›

How much does it cost?

This workshop is free, thanks to a generous grant from Parks California.

If you’d like to support future programs like this, donations to Balanced Rock will help us continue offering accessible, subsidized experiences for years to come.

Learn more and donate here.

Registration for this workshop includes the following:

• Detailed, professional instruction, fresh ideas, and personalized guidance to help you weave nature journaling into the fabric of your daily life.

• All necessary art supplies. While you are welcome to bring your own journal, you don’t need to.

• A make-your-own sandwich bar lunch will be provided. We source organic ingredients whenever possible and will include gluten free options.

• Tea, coffee and snacks

Please bring the following for a comfortable experience:

• Yoga mat, towel, or camp chair; something to sit on outdoors.

• Warm layers and sun protection. We will spend as much time outdoors as possible, so prepare yourself for maximum comfort and variable weather.

• Refillable water bottle and thermos or insulated mug for tea

• If you are able to bring your own plate and utensils for lunch, this will be a great help for staff and will cut down on waste.

In order to ensure we have enough art supplies and lunch for everyone, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

This workshop will run rain or shine. We will have an indoor space that is heated in case of inclement weather.

No prior experience is necessary!  

This is an introduction to nature journaling, and being able to create pictures is only one of MANY ways to express your observations and curious nature on paper.