Strawtown Koteewi Park hosts new Nature Journal Club

Submitted by Brenda Myers

Fall is a great time to get out and connect with nature. Now, a new free program called Nature Journal Club encourages participants to pay closer attention, grow their curiosity and connect science and art through a shared community is available at Strawtown Koteewi Park in northeast Hamilton County.

Nature Journal Educator James Todd, Indianapolis, leads the new group the third Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Taylor Center for Natural History, 12308 Strawtown Ave., Noblesville. The program is an expansion of the Indiana Nature Journal Club which also meets in Indianapolis at Holliday Park the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I had always loved being in nature, but this nature journaling program provided me with a guided practice that helped me learn to slow down, observe and connect with the natural world around me,” said Todd, who has taught similar programs throughout Indiana.

Todd begin journaling about eight years ago and enjoyed it enough to seek his educator certification through the Wild Wonder Foundation as a way of sharing its benefits with others.

He stresses that the ability to write or draw are not important for this program. What matters is the willingness to stop, listen, observe and be open to learning.

“Participants report they feel refreshed after they spend time journaling, and that’s the goal,” Todd said. “To slow down and simply be.”

The new free class was funded with a generous grant from the Wild Wonder Foundation, where Todd is certified, and includes program instruction.

Because it is based at the Taylor Center, it meets rain or shine year-around, but reservations are needed and can be made here.

Journals and pencils are available, or participants can bring their own preferred tools. Camp stools also are provided for outdoor journaling activities.