As part of an educator’s stewardship project, Guna Petermane conducts nature journaling sessions at the largest children’s hospital in Riga, Latvia. Her work focuses on adapting nature journaling methodologies for unconventional, highly regulated settings. The initial phase of the project involved engaging day patients in the hospital lobby. This requires managing an inconsistent flow of participants who are unfamiliar with the nature journaling practice, while accommodating various immediate medical constraints, such as pre-procedure anxiety or short-term physical incapacitations. The clinical setting also necessitates strict adherence to infection control protocols regarding the handling of natural objects and art supplies.

The program is being adapted to facilitate regular nature journaling sessions and guided outdoor walks in the hospital garden for psychiatric patients. Her focus remains on the practical application and accessibility of nature education in clinical environments.

About Guna Petermane

Guna Petermane is a nature journaling educator in training based in Riga, Latvia. After 15 years in the financial sector, she changed careers and now works as a guide in a Montessori elementary school. Thankfully, that is an easy setting to explore the world and converse with the future decision-makers about the challenges and choices of our times. Her current focus involves spreading the word about nature journaling practice while cooperating with the local library, as well as working on integrating it into clinical environment and adapting educational practices for diverse audiences with specific physical and psychological needs. 

Guna is also the recipient of 2026 WWF microgrant and is ‘sowing the seeds of nature journaling practice’ among the educators (preschool to middle school).

She documents her pedagogical methods and field practices through her Instagram account, @dabaspiezimes_naturejournaling. 

All ages and experience levels are welcome. No registration is necessary. If you are new to Zoom or are having trouble with the meeting controls, please see these notes and suggestions on Zoom Tips for Online Classes with John Muir Laws to help you get more out of the online workshop. When possible I will also make a recording of the workshop and post it on my blog. I look forward to seeing you there!

NOTE: Start time is 12 PM Pacific, 1 PM Mountain, 2 PM Central, 3 PM Eastern Time