This weekend I saw a seed pod starting to open. I worried- is it too early? How long will it take to fully open and for the seeds to start drifting out into this big world? Warmer weather is hopefully just a few short weeks away, so maybe those seeds will indeed find snug homes in which to grow.
Then I noticed open pinecones and half-fluffed cattails. I headed to a bench to start journaling about what I was seeing, as I tend to do. A dead bee tumbled to the ground when I brushed aside leaves to sit. I gently picked it up by its wing. But wait- it’s a wasp! I laid it on my journal and started copying its shapes with my pencil. I noted the six tiny femurs, two incredible compound eyes, two antennae with twelve segments each still intact. What an amazing creature. I wondered how far from its final resting spot was its nest. I wrote that down as a reminder to look for it later. This is what the pages of my journal are filled with- notes, sketches, graphs, and poems all capturing these tiny moments I spend with nature.
In April, I’m teaching a 4-week Nature Journaling course that focuses on different parts of Tyler Arboretum’s grounds. We’ll notice, wonder, write, and sketch many fascinating species and settings during that time. No need to be an artist, writer, or naturalist. This time is about opening ourselves up to observing nature closely and learning tools that will help us engage with our surroundings on a more personal level. I hope you can join us!
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