Albany Bulb Nature Journal Club
Do you want to spend more time outdoors? Wish to slow down and take time to closely observe nature? Are you curious about the vibrant ecosystem of the Albany Bulb? Do you love being in awe of the shapes, smells, and textures of living organisms?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Albany Bulb Nature Journal Club is perfect for you! This unique program by Love the Bulb brings together nature enthusiasts who want to explore the diverse wildlife of the Bulb through the art of nature journaling.
Nature journaling is a creative way to connect with the natural world. Using words, sketches, and numbers, you'll collect and record your observations, questions, connections, and discoveries in a notebook. No artistic skills or scientific background required – just curiosity and an open mind!
Our Nature Journal Club will meet monthly for five sessions, running from March to July, offering an immersive exploration of the Bulb's rich plant and animal life. Join us and discover the hidden wonders of this unique urban ecosystem!
Instructor
Kate Rutter
The Spring/Summer 2025 Nature Journal Club will be lead by Kate Rutter. Kate is an avid nature journaler, urban naturalist, educator, and native plant enthusiast who enlivens nature-human connection through sketching, observation, and curiosity. A lifelong sketcher with an experimental and rambunctious visual practice, Kate’s education work spans nature journal workshops at public & private gardens and nurseries, online teaching, and corporate and nonprofit trainings and conferences. Kate is a Certified California Naturalist, a board member of the Wild Wonder Foundation, has illustrated three books, and holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Wellesley College. Her upcoming book Bay Area Botanical will be published in 2025. When not teaching, she can be found nature journaling the tenacious plants who grow up between cracks in the pavement.
• Kate Rutter (she/her) :: intelleto.com :: @katerutter :: katerutter.bsky.social
Program Details
Must be 13 years old or older (and be accompanied by an adult if between the ages of 13-16)
$50 registration fee* (The fee will cover the cost of materials, including: a journal, writing, drawing and painting supplies, scissors, tape, magnifying glasses, field guides, and snacks.)
* We would like to make this opportunity available to anyone. If the registration cost is prohibitive, please inquire about scholarship funds at albanybulbinfo@gmail.com
Sessions will be held on the 1st Sunday of each month from 1-3pm (with the exception of June, which will be on the 2nd Sunday)
Participants are expected to attend all 5 sessions, and must attend at least 3 out of the 5 sessions (no exceptions). If you are unable to commit to the full series, please check back with us in the fall for another journaling opportunity.
Spring 2025 schedule
March 2nd - Intro to Nature Journaling
April 6th - Plants & Trees
May 4th - Aquatic Plants & Marine invertebrates
June 8th - Birds
July 6th - Celebrating the Joy of Place in Your Nature Journal