Habitat Advocate: Nature Journaling & Navigating Citizen Science Apps

Explore the basics of nature journaling from local extraordinaire, Carol Welsh, and bolster your skills in navigating scientific apps like iNaturalist and BirdNet to record your wildlife findings.

Watercolor paper and paints provided, although you are welcome to bring your favorite supplies for nature journaling in the field.

Your Presenters

Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., is a community collaborator working to rebuild ecological literacy and biodiversity through hands-on ecological gardening experiences in South Central PA. She is certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and Ecological/Permaculture Designer, along with earning an Ecological Gardening Certification from Mt. Cuba Center. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Education, 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification, and participated in Cornell University’s Civic Ecology program.

Elyse works alongside homeowners in a participatory approach to their gardening for wildlife needs, infusing educational opportunities during the design, installation, and stewarding process. She invites homeowners to deeply engage with their land to maximize its potential in enhancing human well-being and supporting dwindling wildlife populations.

Carol Welsh began the practice of nature journaling as she retired from the Educational Foundations Department at Millersville University. She has studied with John Muir Laws in California and with various instructors at the Hog Island ME Audubon Camp. Carol has provided journaling workshops in numerous locations including most recently with the PA State Park Educators. Carol serves as VP of the board at Homefields Organic Care Farm and enjoys creating journal pages through the year at the farm and at the Conservancy’s properties.

About Registration Options

The Conservancy does not want financial barriers to keep our community from being able to expand their knowledge about native plants and ecological gardening. People registering for the class can choose between three ticket options, “Reduced Cost”, “At Cost”, and “Pay It Forward” (which helps cover the cost of those looking to attend the program at the “Reduced Cost”). If the “Reduced Cost” ticket rate still presents a barrier to attending these classes or completing the certificate program, please reach out to Keith Williams at KWilliams@lancasterconservancy.org to discuss options.

About this Class

Note, you must have taken the prerequisite “Habitat Advocates: Building Biodiversity in our Community” prior to taking this course. This prerequisite is offered monthly as part of the Habitat Advocate Class Series. Learn more about Habitat Advocate Classes and Certification.

Attendees ages 16 and over are invited but must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

T his class will be held rain or shine, with cancellations for severe inclement weather being made 24 hours in advance.

This project was made possible by the Lancaster Clean Water Partners and the Lancaster County Community Foundation through the Lancaster Clean Water Fund.

Photo: Elyse Jurgen