Lookout Mountain Nature Center Public Programs

Want to deepen your love of the natural world, notice nature’s tiniest details and spend time surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors? Then start keeping a sketchbook nature journal! Join us for a free journaling field trip in a different Open Space park each month and make this activity a habit. A short demonstration on a drawing or painting topic will be followed by ample time to write and sketch. Previous attendance at one of our basic nature journaling classes (which are offered several times a year) is helpful but not necessary. Instruction will be geared for adults, but children are welcome to attend with an adult.

This month’s field trip will be held at Mount Falcon Park. The breathtaking views of the mountains and foothills from Mt. Falcon beg to be sketched. However, drawing such vast scenery can sometimes be intimidating. On this outing we will learn to create small, simplified landscapes in our nature journals that still capture the essence of the place.

 We will start with a demonstration and some journaling near the west park trailhead. Afterwards, we will grab our portable potluck lunch items and head ½ mile to a meadow with great views of the city and mountains. Here we will have time to eat lunch and work in our journals. The trail to this location is easy and well-maintained though there are some gradual inclines along the way. There are restroom facilities near the trailhead.

 Please bring the following items:

• Your own sketchbook, a pencil and any other art supplies you would like to use. We will also have some art materials to share.
• November is a wonderful time to visit the park without the summertime crowds, but it can be chilly. Pack plenty of warm clothes and include a rain coat. Disposable hand warmers are helpful to keep fingers from getting cold while you are drawing and a thermos with a hot beverage is always nice to have.
• A bowl, spoon and portable potluck item for a shared trailside lunch
• Water
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
• A backpack or shoulder bag to carry your supplies
• A portable chair, stool or sit pad (optional but great to have if the ground is damp)
• Binoculars (optional)

 We will send out an email if the program needs to be changed or cancelled due to hazardous weather.

All ages.

Registration for this program is available one month before the date of the program.  If you are registering during this time, but space is no longer available, please call Lookout Mountain Nature Center at 720-497-7600 to be placed on a waiting list.