Jeffco Open Space Nature Journal Club Field Trip: Using Colored Pencils in Your Journal

Want to deepen your love of the natural world, notice nature’s tiniest details and spend time surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors? Then start keeping a sketchbook nature journal! Join us for a free journaling field trip in a different Jeffco Open Space Park each month and make this activity a habit. A short demonstration on a drawing or painting topic will be followed by ample time to write and sketch. Previous attendance at one of our basic nature journaling classes (which are offered several times a year) is helpful but not necessary. Instruction will be geared for adults, but children are welcome to attend with an adult.

The December field trip will be held at North Table Mountain. This sunny lower-elevation park is the perfect place to sketch in the winter. It is also a great location to observe mule deer, winter raptors, grassland plants and basalt rock formations. On this outing, we will learn how to use colored pencils to capture the beautiful hues found in the landscape at this time of year.

After a demonstration on colored pencil techniques near the trailhead, we will walk 30-minutes up a steep road to our journaling location on the flank of the Mesa. This area will provide great views of the cliffs while allowing us to get away from the traffic noise of Highway 93. To make the walk easier, we will take short breaks along the way to learn natural history and complete some quick sketches. Once we reach our destination, we will write, sketch and enjoy our portable potluck lunch. There are no restrooms at our journaling location, but there is one located at the trailhead. For the comfort of fellow participants, please leave pets at home.

All ages.