Join Author Eve Quesnel and Illustrator Anne Chadwick in a conversation with John Muir Laws to explore the writing and illustration processes that created this new book. 

About the Book

In Snow Fleas and Chickadees, Eve Quesnel invites readers to join her on strolls through the forest surrounding her neighborhood in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. The book serves as an extended field guide and natural history reference for residents of the region and those visiting and exploring the Sierra. Through her writing, the author shares personal narratives and information gleaned from experts in the field, including biologists, ornithologists, and foresters. Each of the book’s twenty-one essays begins with a detailed black-and-white drawing by illustrator Anne Chadwick that provides a backdrop for the vignettes that follow.

Quesnel embraces the notion that to simply walk in one’s neighborhood is to familiarize oneself with the local flora and fauna, drawing attention to everyday things too often neglected. She argues that we can be complacent with what surrounds us, but with careful observation and research, we become acutely aware — and in awe of —nature’s everyday activities.

About our Guests

Eve Quesnel has written articles centered on her observations through a storytelling and educational approach for more than two decades. She holds an MA in literature and the environment from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is an active columnist for Truckee-Tahoe’s local newspaper, Moonshine Ink. She is also the coeditor of The Biosphere and Bioregion: Essential Writings of Peter Berg. She lives in Truckee, California. 

Anne Chadwick, an avid member of the Nature Journaling Community, is an author, illustrator, and photographer. She is a leader in several organizations devoted to protecting the environment and advancing the arts, including serving as board chair of Point Blue ConservationScience. Anne splits her time between Sebastopol, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. No registration is necessary.

Suggested donation: $20. Your donation helps support me and my family. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and it makes an immediate difference in my ability to continue to offer these programs. Your donation is tax-deductible. Click here to donate. If you are not able to donate at this time, no problem–please continue to enjoy the classes and find another way to pay it forward in your community with acts of kindness and service. Thank you!

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!

Bring

• Your Journal and favorite drawing materials. Taking notes while you watch and participate will help you remember the new techniques and incorporate them into your journaling.
• Your sense of humor!