Maureen Murphy, inspired by renowned naturalist and educator John Muir Laws, developed a deep interest in nature journaling. She began leading workshops for the Forest Preserves of Cook County as a volunteer. This passion led her to establish the Chicago Nature Journaling Club in September 2021.
The club’s inaugural meeting took place at West Ridge Nature Preserve, located along the Chicago River’s North Side. Murphy sent out invitations, and over a dozen people attended. She described the gatherings as a monthly meetup where nature enthusiasts connect with the natural world.
Murphy emphasized the club’s accessibility, choosing meeting sites reachable by public transit or bicycle. She noted the absence of nature journaling groups in Chicago as a motivating factor for starting the club, mentioning its rising popularity in recent years.
Meetings typically attract 12 to 20 participants, commencing with three nature journaling prompts. Participants collectively explore the site before focusing on specific observations. The first prompt, “I notice,” encourages neutral observations without judgment. The second prompt, “I wonder,” involves raising questions about observed phenomena without needing answers. The third prompt, “It reminds me of,” allows participants to connect observations to personal experiences or existing knowledge.
The club gathers at various parks and nature centers across the Chicago area, including Emily Oaks Nature Center and Sand Ridge Nature Center, meeting on the last Sunday of each month since its inception. During these sessions, participants engage in diverse forms of nature documentation, from sketching to photography to writing descriptions. Some use sketchbooks, others take photos, and many jot down detailed descriptions. There is no right or wrong way to participate.
Murphy, with an art school background, enjoys incorporating words, numbers, and pictures in her journals. She prefers the term “pictures” over “drawings” to remove pressure about artistic representation.
The club also includes individuals like Carrie Carlson, an artist and educator from Orland Park, who finds the group dynamic encourages curiosity. Carlson finds words and pictures easier than using numbers in her journals but appreciates the difference nature journaling has made.
Member Noah Frazier shared the influence of club meetings on his routine. His work with community and urban farms, alongside a role with the nonprofit NeighborSpace, complements his interest in nature. He recalls using charcoal from a forest burn for drawing, finding the experience deeply personal.
Frazier and others stepped up to maintain the club’s operations after Murphy briefly stepped away. He values the community aspect, noting the shared discoveries and perspectives that enrich personal understanding of the natural world.
Anyone intrigued by nature journaling is encouraged to join the club or seek advice on starting similar groups by contacting [email protected] or following them on Instagram.
Melinda Moore is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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