Journaling Backyard Birds Workshop

I'm excited to be teaching a four-week nature journaling workshop at Viles Arboretum in Augusta next month inspired by Amy Tan's The Backyard Bird Chronicles. This delightful book demonstrates how careful observation and recording of the activities of the feathered visitors to our yards and feeders can turn these mysterious wild creatures into familiar friends, each with its own story to tell.

Over the course of a four-session workshop, we’ll read and discuss select passages from The Backyard Bird Chronicles and use these as inspiration to create illustrated journals of our own bird observations.

Through in-class lessons and take-home exercises, participants will:

• Learn the basics of nature drawing and writing.
• Develop skills in observing and recording bird behavior.
• Cultivate a creative practice that fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Each participant will receive a blank book for their backyard bird journal, and art supplies will be available for use during class. This workshop welcomes participants of all experience levels—no prior writing, art, or birdwatching skills are required.
To fully enjoy the workshop, participants should have access to:

• A place to observe wild birds outside of class.
• A copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles.
• A field guide to birds.
• Basic art supplies (pencil, pen, and colored pencils) for at-home exercises.

This four-session workshop held on Tuesdays April 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 6:30-8pm. Register with Viles Arboretum.