Online Wildlife and Nature Sketch Journaling Course for Wildlife Volunteers
FREE for Wildlife Volunteers
Research tells us that creative expression has a part in healing and wellbeing. Join us for a 3-part online course where we explore our relationship with wildlife and nature through mindful sketch journaling and its connection to our emotions and mind.
No artistic experience is necessary! We will grow our skills together.
Each course will be a maximum of 20 wildlife volunteers so we can allow for a more individual experience.
“I have discovered I can take a few minutes each day to do something just for myself without feeling guilty about spending those few minutes on myself rather than on my wildlife charges or the family.”
– Course Participant
About the Course
As wildlife volunteers we are often having interactions with wildlife which may, over time, mean we need to re-connect with the joy of noticing their uniqueness, and the inspiring beauty and wonderment of their natural environment.
The last 18 months have been particularly challenging, and this course is an invitation for us to take a moment to breathe.
Understand the role of creative expression in the way emotions and the mind works. Find out why mindfulness – purposely bringing your attention to the present moment – plus immersion in nature plus creative expression are important for your wellbeing and recovery (read more about this here).
Two Green Threads has partnered with NatureArt Lab for a special wildlife and nature journaling course – free for wildlife volunteers.
You don’t have to be able to draw! Your skills of observation and appreciation for our natural environment will be nurtured – a reminder of the bigger picture in a smaller frame that you experience as a wildlife volunteer.
A wildlife and nature journaling kit with essential supplies to get you started will be provided to registered participants prior to the course.
Course Dates and Times
The course is online so you can participate from anywhere.
The course consists of an introductory session (1 hour) and then two ‘hands on’ sessions (2 hours each). The sessions are held over three separate days.
June 2021 Course Dates (Fully Booked)
This course is fully booked.
Session 1:
Friday 11 Jun 2021, 7pm – 8.30pm AEST
Introduction, creative expression relevance to wildlife volunteers wellbeing + kit check (kits to be supplied)
Session 2:
Sunday 13 Jun 2021, 10am – midday AEST
Journaling Tutorial 1
Session 3:
Sunday 27 Jun 2021, 10am – midday AEST
Journaling Tutorial 2
What other participants have said about the course
“Was able to take myself away from injured animals for a short while and totally concentrate on something else.”
“…it took a while to accept that it was OK to accept what was being generously offered. It was a lovely program, well aligned with wildlife caring. and I hope that I keep up the practice that I’ve just started to become comfortable with.”
“I am so thankful that I registered for this course. You have really inspired me to take up art work again and not only that you have taught me about a new world of journaling, which I am loving. I do suffer with anxiety but feel this will now be one of my tools to help me calm. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
“…a great reminder of how 10 minutes of connecting to creativity can bring such peace & self healing. The pack given was such a beautiful & heart warming gift. Thank you.”
“Since I started working for wildlife, it has been a huge burden and very stressful tasks. This course made me realise to refocus on the beauty of wildlife which I love.”
“It has increased my ability to ‘be present’ because of the focus it requires. It also has me looking more closely at the little things on our rural property.”
“Journalling has had such a positive effect that I will be adding it to my daily routine.”
But I’m not any good at drawing
“I was never any good at drawing but the course has motivated me to have a go and has also made me look more deeply at nature, shapes, colours, etc.”
“It was good to be told I didn’t have to be able to draw well and whatever I produced was fine.”
“…couldn’t be more hopeless than me [at drawing] but I loved it.”
“…felt safe to share and show what I had drawn.”
“…felt really good not having any pressure to feel that the drawings needed to be perfect.”
How do I get started?
- Complete the Expression of Interest here to save your spot for the next available course date.
- You will be sent an email once new course dates are confirmed.
- You will receive your Wildlife and Nature Journaling Starter Kit 5 -10 days prior to the start of the course.
- You will also receive calendar invites to join for the three on-line sessions per course. The invites will have links to log in to the sessions.
- Simply enjoy and recharge.
Supported By:
The Foundation of National Parks & Wildlife is gratefully acknowledged. These courses are part of the Wildlife Heroes Caring for Carers Campaign supported and made possible by the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife and the Australian Government.
NatureArt Lab is a social enterprise who’s goal is to promote engagement with nature enabling a better understanding of our precious environment and the value of biodiversity. NatureArt Lab is providing in kind support to help with the costs of running this course.
Two Green Threads is a national not for profit which empowers and energises wildlife volunteers. We offer a space to honour the fact that being a wildlife volunteer can be full of moments that give, and moments that take. We recognise that we need to recharge, have access to resources and opportunities, normalise the people side of wildlife volunteering through shared language to build a sustainable self, a stronger community and expand knowledge.
