Maine Master Naturalist and artist Sherrie York will lead a free workshop in two locations to jumpstart nature journaling.

Have you always wanted to keep a nature journal, but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’re looking for some inspiration to reinvigorate your practice, to learn or improve some sketching skills, or maybe just to make some time to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Grab your sketchbook and join Georges River Land Trust. The workshops will be held on the trust’s conserved properties.

York will lead two sessions:

October 29, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Riverview Hayfields Preserve in South Thomaston

November 12, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Gibson Preserve in Searsmont

These workshops are free, but space is limited. Please visit georgesriver.org/events to register and secure your spot. Participants should be ages 16 and up.

At the beginning of each class, participants will spend time outdoors practicing sketching and observation skills together, and then venture out onto the preserve with a prompt to fill a page with our individual discoveries.

Come prepared for time outdoors: dress for the weather, bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. This program will include about 1 mile of walking. Bring a sketchbook and a pencil. A lightweight, portable folding chair or stool is handy if you have one. Other supplies will be provided.

Please note there is no bathroom at Riverview Hayfields Preserve. There is a bathroom and a heated cabin at Gibson Preserve.

Georges River Land Trust has been conserving and caring for the St. George River watershed since 1987. The land trust has conserved over 5,400 acres of forest, farm, and shoreline, and provides over 80 miles of public trails in 16 towns from Cushing to Liberty. This conservation work is supported by over 1,000 community members. Visit georgesriver.org to join the community and learn more.