Chicago Nature Journaling Club: Connecting Through Observation
Maureen Murphy, inspired by naturalist John Muir Laws, developed a passion for nature journaling. As a volunteer with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, she decided to start a club devoted to this hobby. In September 2021, she invited others to West Ridge Nature Preserve along the Chicago River for the first meeting of the Chicago Nature Journaling Club. Over a dozen people attended.
Murphy describes it as a monthly meetup where participants can explore nature with others who share their enthusiasm. The group meets at various parks and preserves in the Chicago area. Murphy chooses locations accessible by public transit or bicycle. She saw a need in Chicago for such a club.
Meetings attract around 12 to 20 people and begin with three nature journaling prompts. Participants start by walking around the site. The first prompt, ‘I notice,’ encourages neutral observations through all senses. ‘I wonder,’ the second prompt, invites participants to ask questions about their observations, developing curiosity. The third prompt, ‘It reminds me of,’ allows connections to past experiences and other knowledge sources.
Since its inception, the club has met monthly at various locations, including Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie and Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland. Participants spend half an hour on these prompts, followed by personal journaling time. Options include sketching, photography, and writing.
There is no wrong way to participate; members have the freedom to experience the environment how they wish. Meetings conclude with participants sharing their journal entries or experiences. Murphy, who attended art school, includes words, numbers, and pictures in her journals. She prefers ‘pictures’ instead of ‘drawings’ to avoid pressure of representation.
Member Carrie Carlson from Orland Park notes the diversity in the group’s creativity. Participants dabble in drawing and writing. Numbers, like counting petals or timing observations, challenge her most. Nonetheless, she sees their value in her journals.
Noah Frazier, another member, says club meetings impact his whole month, akin to attending church for community and self-reflection. Frazier, involved with urban farms and land trust projects, enjoys illustrations in his journal, sometimes using unique materials, like charcoal from a burn area.
“Spending time with nature gives me a sense of rest, enabling more thoughtful communication and problem-solving.”— Noah Frazier
Interaction with other members enriches his perspective, as he appreciates their discoveries and insights. After Murphy’s temporary departure, members collaborated to sustain the club, fostering a community-driven structure.
Interested individuals can join the club or seek advice to start their own by emailing [email protected] or following the Chicago Nature Journaling Club on Instagram.
Melinda Moore is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.