Tidepool Portals: Nature Journaling Along the Coast

When you move half as fast, you can notice twice as much: a tiny mushroom on the trail blooms into an entire cosmos of texture; upon closer look, the vibrant red of a crab's shell reveals its deep purples and blues, an ombré exoskeleton. Instead of rushing to the top of a summit, how might we pause to develop a keener sense of observation? Science illustrator Sami Chang will guide us in balancing our individual perception of the world with a scientific illustration perspective known as "nature journaling." 

Through nature immersion and teachings from nature journaling, you will leave with:

• Science-based nature journaling skills to observe and experience the world through our senses, incorporating annotations of shapes, colors, textures, and patterns 📓
• A newfound appreciation of flora and fauna you may have not attended to before, as well as their relationships with each other and environment 🔍
• A personal storytelling style as you infuse your own emotions, thoughts, and experiences alongside your journal pages 🌈

What's Included 

Shared access to Wild Awake workshop materials, including:

• Markers, pencils, and waterbrushes
• Watercolor paints & cups for water
• Jewelry loupes and magnifying glasses to peer more closely

What to Bring 

• Sketchbook (with watercolor paper)
• Black pen (Micron-style preferred)

Workshop Pricing* 

By all of us contributing what we can afford, make this experience accessible for a diversity of incomes. The range reflects the disparity between economic conditions in the Bay Area, and is designed for those with more wealth to cover some of the costs of those with less access to wealth. Thank you for giving as much as you are able so that people of different economic backgrounds are able to join our programming.

As you decide what amount to pay, we ask that you not only consider your present-day financial situation governed by income but also factors including historical discrimination faced by your peoples, your current financial wealth, your access to income and financial wealth, people counting on your financial livelihood, and the socio-economic conditions of your locale.

Partner: $40

Supporter: $35

Friend: $30

*Adapted from Dr. Bayo Akomolafe’s We Will Dance with Mountains: Into the Cracks Slow Study course with For The Wild.

Covid-19 Safety 

Please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in close contact with anyone who is COVID-19+.

About 

Wild Awake curates immersive outdoor learning experiences that are rooted in connecting with and caring for ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human world.

We believe that when we re-orient our attention to the time and space around us, we can cultivate relationships that recognize our mutuality and interdependence.

For more details about Wild Awake, please visit www.wildawake.us.

About the Guide 

Sami Chang is a science illustrator who is interested in marine ecosystems and the complex interactions displayed between different marine organisms and their environment. Her interests also expand above sea level and into the world of terrestrial organisms and processes. Through her artwork, she wishes to inspire others to enjoy the natural world around us in hopes to protect it for future generations.