Chicago Nature Journaling Club Brings People Closer to Nature

Maureen Murphy, inspired by naturalist John Muir Laws and her own experiences leading nature workshops with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, initiated a club centered around nature journaling. In September 2021, she invited individuals to the West Ridge Nature Preserve along the Chicago River for the inaugural meeting of the Chicago Nature Journaling Club. The event drew over a dozen participants.

Murphy describes the club as a venue for individuals to connect with nature alongside others who share similar interests. Meetings occur in various parks and preserves throughout Chicago. Murphy selects locations that are accessible by public transit or bicycle, stating, “While nature journaling clubs exist, Chicago didn’t have one, prompting me to start this initiative.” Over recent years, the club has steadily gained attention and members.

Each meeting typically gathers about 12 to 20 participants, kicking off with three nature journaling prompts. Participants explore the site and engage with their surroundings, possibly a tree or a natural phenomenon like a cluster of mushrooms. The first prompt is “I notice,” encouraging people to share neutral observations using all their senses. “People voice their observations out loud, an exercise to foster the right mindset,” Murphy explains.

The next prompt, “I wonder,” sparks curiosity, prompting questions about observations. Examples include, “How is this plant pollinated? Why has it developed this way?” Murphy emphasizes the importance of curiosity over finding immediate answers.

The third prompt, “It reminds me of,” helps participants draw connections between current observations and past experiences or knowledge from books and documentaries. This prompt allows for personal reflection and exchange of perspectives.

Meetings occur on the last Sunday of each month at various locations like Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie and Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland. Participants spend about 30 minutes on prompts before commencing their nature journaling by sketching, photographing, or writing descriptions. According to Murphy, “There’s no wrong way to participate; you engage in the experience however you wish.”

At each session’s conclusion, participants gather to share journal pages or their experiences, fostering reflection within the group. Murphy, who has an art background, enjoys sketching alongside writing in her journals, including words, numbers, and images. She notes, “Calling them pictures instead of drawings is less intimidating for those unsure about their drawing skills.” Her botanical studies reflect her interest in the ecology and taxonomy of plants.

Club member Carrie Carlson, a nature enthusiast from Orland Park, values the diversity of expression within the club. Some members focus on drawing, others prioritize writing, and Carlson finds numbers challenging. She mentions how nature journaling influenced her to observe more closely, highlighting examples like counting petals or bird visits.

Noah Frazier, another club member, relies on the scheduled meetings as motivation. While he recently rejoined after a break, Frazier reflects on how the sessions influenced his month, noting, “It’s about community and self-awareness.” With experiences spanning urban agriculture and conservation, Frazier adds both illustration and unconventional materials to his journals. He recounts using charcoal from a forest burn for drawing, deepening his connection to nature.

Frazier emphasizes the benefits of nature connection for better environmental stewardship. Following Murphy’s temporary withdrawal, club members united to sustain the group’s communal organization. Frazier shares that intentional time in nature fosters rest, creativity, and a greater understanding of people’s behaviors.

He appreciates the insights shared by other members, enriching his perspective of the world. Those interested in the club or seeking to start similar initiatives can contact them via email at [email protected] or Instagram.

Melinda Moore, freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown, provides this report.