Nature Journaling Workshop

Seasons of Noticing: A Nature Journaling Series

This event is organized by a UMN Lab Group, composed of CTC residents and non-residents, in partnership with CTC and IonE.

This four-part workshop series is hosted by a University of Minnesota research lab group—made up of both CTC residents and non-residents—in partnership with CTC. Together, we’ll explore the turning of the seasons through mindful walks, journaling, and creative reflection.

Workshop 1: Finding Treasures

We’ll begin with a gentle 30-minute walk through our community, pausing to notice the natural details around us. Each participant will collect a small natural “treasure”—a leaf, flower, seed, or piece of bark. Back indoors, we’ll use words, sketches, and quiet reflection to deepen our noticing.

No prior art or journaling experience is needed. Supplies, snacks, and coffee provided.

• Date & Time: Friday, Sept 20, 2–4 pm
  • (RSVP by Sept 17)
• Location: CTC Community Center – Meeting Room
• Ages: All are welcome (children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult)
• Register: https://z.umn.edu/naturejournaling_workshop1
• Space is limited to the first 20 participants

Workshops 2, 3, and 4 will follow the seasons—dates to be announced!

About this Project

This event is part of a larger initiative funded by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE) through a Spring 2025 Mini Grant. The project—Cultivating Biodiversity & Climate Awareness at CTC—is a 12-month collaboration between a biodiversity-focused research lab and the CTC community (July 2025–June 2026).

Together, we’ll co-create a sustainability education curriculum tailored for CTC residents. Highlights will include:

• Interactive workshops on soil biodiversity, composting, and climate connections
• Hands-on activities like a compost food-web matching game and a build-your-own worm bin session
• New infrastructure: installation of secure, centralized compost bins—something residents have long requested

This initiative responds directly to community interest in composting and soil health, while aiming to boost climate and biodiversity literacy by 70% among participants. Through shared learning, creative activities, and new composting resources, we hope to build lasting stewardship and deepen connections between research and community life at CTC.

Start your own group or event —it's easy, and we're here to help!

This event, like the majority of CTC's events and groups, is made possible by one or more resident volunteers. 

Do you have an idea of an activity or event for our community? Or want to teach or learn a new skill or hobby or aspect of life? Do you want to help volunteer to bring your or other's ideas into fruition? Email CTC's Office and/or join CTC's Programs Committee at our next meeting to brainstorm and discuss ideas!