How do we discuss environmental issues in a way that promotes realistic, constructive engagement? Berating students about the end of the earth does not work. How can we discuss environmental issues in ways that help students evaluate issues and constructively engage with them? How do we help them take care of themselves maintaining hope and Read More

Join us for a discussion of resilience, adversity, and the power of paying attention. Join John Muir Laws as he sits down with Storyteller Gene Gryniewicz for a Thursday Workshop ... to talk about changes, challenges, adapting, and moving forward in the face of adversity. In 2005 Gene was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease; Read More

Learn how to draw birds in the field to help you observe more carefully and remember the details more accurately. You do not need to be an artist to enhance your field notes with quick drawings that portray the field marks that you see. These notes can help you learn to identify birds and report Read More

Let's explore intrinsic motivations behind nature journaling. What are the transferable skills behind nature journaling? How do these skills relate to career paths? Learn how to teach Nature Journaling! Join our weekly discussion and idea-sharing for teachers, home school parents, and other educators interested in teaching nature journaling skills. Each meeting will have a theme. Read More

Learn how to use a simple line work system to convey light, shadow, and the orientation of surface planes. Crosshatching is a great way to show value and form with a pencil or pen. Learn the basics and give it a try. Download and construct this dodecahedron before the class. Bring paper and a pencil Read More

Join John Muir Laws at the "Flying By The Seat of Our Pants" Free Virtual Festival. Let's explore seven things you can do to make your bird watching richer and more enjoyable. Click here to see the full schedule (January 13-16, 2022).

Join John Muir Laws at the "Flying By The Seat of Our Pants" Free Virtual Festival. Learn how keeping a journal can add richness to your birding adventures and how to get started. Click here to see the full schedule (January 13-16, 2022).

Join John Muir Laws at the "Flying By The Seat of Our Pants" Free Virtual Festival. How can you make fast bird sketches in the field? Learn techniques to capture the posture, proportions, and details of birds you see and make fast and accurate sketches. This is a two-hour workshop. Click here to see the Read More

How can we use story to connect us to place? Explore how story can engender a sense of belonging and connection to nature. Join the Educators Forum and special guests Rebecca Rolnick and Kate Righter for a rich discussion about storytelling and relationship with land and place. Learn how to teach Nature Journaling! Join our Read More

Learn to draw birds with the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory and acclaimed artist, author, educator, and scientist John Muir Laws! In celebration of SFBBO's 40th anniversary, we're learning to draw 3 species SFBBO scientists have worked with extensively over the years: the Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and White-crowned Sparrow. In addition to learning about Read More

Learn the basics of stipple technique (shading with dots) to add value and volume to your drawings. Join John Muir Laws for weekly live nature Journaling workshops with tips, techniques, inspiration, teaching strategies, and interviews. Topics are usually announced in advance of the workshop. If special materials or class-specific downloads are available, you can find Read More

Meet Dawn and Mora Berkelaar, a Mom and daughter team who have been homeschooling and journaling together for Nature Journal insights and DIY tips! Dawn and Mora Berkelaar are a family duo who will inspire you. Learn their tips and suggestions to enhance your own nature journaling experience. Making your own nature journaling supplies (e.g. a Read More

Learn how to create value gradations with monochromatic watercolor and brush pens. Let's use a brush to create our values. Learn techniques with monochromatic watercolor and Tombo brush pens to create fast value studies. Bring paper brushes, watercolor, and gray value Tombo pens. Try an N95 (lightest), N75 (light), and an N65 (dark).  Download and Read More