Habitat Advocate: Nature Journaling & Navigating Citizen Science Apps

Explore the basics of nature journaling with 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. Participants are responsible for providing their own sturdy shoes, sun/tick protection, and refillable water bottle. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the class!

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres of natural lands, which are critically important to supporting biodiversity. Smaller patches of native habitats spread throughout urban landscapes are also essential to creating corridors of habitat – food and refuge – for wildlife. This is why we are offering our Habitat Advocate program at Tec Centro in Lancaster City.

The cost of the Habitat Advocate classes covers instructor fees. If the cost of this class is prohibitive, please reach out to Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, at [email protected].

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.

Note, you must have taken the prerequisite “Habitat Advocate: Building Biodiversity in our Community” prior to taking this course. 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.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least two weeks before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo: Elyse Jurgen

Host or Publisher Lancaster Conservancy