Maureen Murphy discovered a deep interest in nature journaling, inspired by naturalist and educator John Muir Laws. Her passion led her to launch the Chicago Nature Journaling Club in September 2021. The first meeting took place at West Ridge Nature Preserve, along the Chicago River, where over a dozen enthusiasts gathered.
Murphy views the club as a casual monthly meetup. Participants come together to connect with nature in the company of others who share similar interests. The meetings occur in various parks and preserves across Chicago, prioritizing locations accessible by public transit or bicycle.
“There were no nature journaling clubs in Chicago, which motivated me to start one,” Murphy explained. “It’s a hobby that has gained popularity in recent years.” Monthly gatherings attract between 12 to 20 participants. Each session begins with three prompts to guide the journaling process.
“We’ll start by taking a walk together. When someone finds something intriguing, like a tree or a patch of mushrooms, we begin with the first prompt: ‘I notice,'” Murphy said.
This prompt encourages participants to neutrally observe and voice what they notice, tapping into all their senses. The second prompt, “I wonder,” invites questions about the observed objects or phenomena, fostering curiosity without necessarily needing answers.
“The final prompt, ‘It reminds me of,’ allows participants to connect observations with past experiences or knowledge,” she added.
The club meets on the last Sunday of each month at various natural sites in the Chicago area, including Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie and Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland. Participants spend around 30 minutes on the prompts before delving deeper into nature journaling. Some sketch, others photograph, and many write descriptions.
“There are no wrong ways to participate,” Murphy emphasized. “You simply show up and have the experience you want.” At the end of each meeting, participants gather to share a journal page or recount their experiences.
Murphy combines drawing and writing in her journals and includes words, numbers, and pictures. By using “pictures” instead of “drawings,” she aims to make the activity more accessible, especially for those hesitant about their drawing skills.
Carrie Carlson, a member and artist from Orland Park, praised the group for its warm atmosphere. “It’s a mix of drawing and writing,” she said. “Numbers are the hardest for me, but I’ve noticed more of them appearing in my journals over time.”
Noah Frazier, another club member, found motivation in the scheduled meetings. He noted how the practice instilled a sense of community and self-awareness. “It helps me approach daily tasks with more creativity and insight,” he shared.
Frazier, with experience in urban farming and land conservation, enjoys adding unique elements to his journal, like using charcoal from a forest burn.
“Connecting with other members and hearing their stories broadens my perspective,” he said. “It prevents me from seeing the world in a monotonous way.”
The club invites anyone interested to join or learn how to start their own by contacting [email protected] or following them on Instagram.
Melinda Moore, the author of this article, is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.