Intro to Nature Journaling for Garden Enthusiasts

December 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM PST to December 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST

At Townsend Amphitheater

Observe the living world with curiosity and attention, and celebrate wonder in a lyric blend of science and art with a Nature Journal! Bring your love of gardens to a whole new level with a nature journal. Nature journaling is the act of putting pen (or pencil) to paper to observe aspects of nature with curiosity and attention. At this in-person workshop you’ll learn about establishing (or enhancing) your nature journaling practice in the beautiful environment of the UC Botanical Garden. The focus is on experiencing and visually expressing our curiosity about plants and nature, not about making detailed botanical or wildlife art. In this practice, “art” is the experience you have while you’re doing it. After a brief orientation and warm-up learning activities, you will have hands-on observation and drawing time in the Garden. Using words, pictures, and numbers you will capture the forms, shapes, and textures of the plants of your choice. You will practice foundational techniques such as basic sketching, annotation, and a variety of observational prompts that reveal deeper questions and a deeper connections to the plants. Kate will be available for questions and individual instruction during the Garden journaling time. The group will reconvene toward the close of the workshop to talk about our experiences, share work, and learn from each other. These basic materials will be provided: simple sketchbook, mechanical pencil, grey marker, and Zebra black ink brush pen. Additional specialized tools* will be provided for your use during the session. * A full take-home kit of the specialized tools will be available for purchase onsite for $15 (cash or Venmo): hardbound journal, magnifying loupe, compact mirror, clear ruler, and carry satchel/apron. * Participants are encouraged to bring any additional tools and materials that they like to use for sketching or field journaling: sketchbook, pencils, pens, measuring tools. All skill levels welcome; no prior experience necessary. Consider adding on the afternoon workshop, Expressing Color in your Nature Journal. The workshop will be held rain or shine. Come enjoy the beautiful botanical garden setting! This program is in both indoor and outdoor spaces. ** Instructor Biography: Kate Rutter is an avid nature journaler, urban naturalist, educator, and native plant enthusiast who enlivens nature-human connection through sketching, observation, and curiosity. A lifelong sketcher, Kate leads nature journal workshops at public gardens, national and state parks, organizations, and nurseries. She is the author/illustrator of Bay Area Botanical and the co-creator of the Quickstart Guide to Nature Journaling. Kate holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Wellesley College and serves on the board of the Wild Wonder Foundation.

Observe the living world with curiosity and attention, and celebrate wonder in a lyric blend of science and art with a Nature Journal!

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