Date/Time
Date(s) - May 18th, 2024
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Bullitt Reservation
This morning to late afternoon event includes two sessions of lessons with nature journaler, artist, and teaching Lori Austin who will guide students through building a nature journaling practice of curiosity about the natural world. Students will explore ecology and wildlife through observation, notation, and optional drawing at Bullitt Reservation in Ashfield. The scenic landscape of meadows, wooded trails, garden, and a stream provide a breath of habitat and material to spark student’s exploration of the world around them.
When asked why she nature journals, she noted that, “Journaling allows me to slow down and really observe the natural world around me. It has helped me develop an intimate relationship with the local flora and fauna – and deepen my appreciation for the wonders of nature.”
What to bring to a nature journal class. Participants should bring a water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, sun hat, and a blanket or towel and/or lightweight folding chair. Participants should also bring a bagged lunch and any additional art supplies they wish to work with. Colored pencils and journals will be provided.
About Lori Austin
Lori Austin is a semi-retired teacher, with over 25 years’ experience teaching all aspects of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math. While she dabbled in art her whole life, it was only when she studied botanical painting under the tutelage of renowned Ashfield artist, Beverly Duncan, that her passion for nature flourished and she began nature journaling. Lori has been nature journaling for over 15 years in places as far away as the jungles of Mexico to the deserts of Arizona but prefers journaling right in her own neighborhood of Plainfield, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband and two Welsh corgis, Quinn and Arlo.
Access Info
We will begin the day inside the Bullitt Reservation historic building, gathering around a table with chairs while Lori begins the first session. We will then move outdoors for nature observations; students have the option of moving through the grass and mulch garden, on their own through forested trails with uneven ground with the potential of roots, rocks, and mud, or students can stick to the gravel compacted road around the building.
- Bathroom: Indoor facility accessed by a ~60-foot wooden ramp with and low (2″) side guide rails but no handrails. There is a large single-stall bathroom on the first floor with a changing table and grip bars.
- Distance Traveled: Students can walk around the property and explore the trails on their own but will not be required to travel more than 200ft from the parking lot and to the building.
- Fragrances: To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances.
- Parking: A compacted gravel parking lot.
- Public transportation: Public transit is not available to the DAR. Contact us if you are interested in coordinating a carpool.
- Seating: There is a large picnic table with benches outdoors, folding plastic and metal chairs indoors and outdoors, and fabric and cushioned chairs indoors.
- Surfaces: Mown grass lawn with scattered fall leaves, wood chip garden pathways (optional), compacted gravel and dirt parking lot.
We’re happy to discuss your access needs for this event! Please reach out with questions and accommodation requests.
Questions?
Please reach out to juliette@hilltownlandtrust.org or call (413) 628-4485.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the Ashfield and Goshen Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
