Mindful Nature Journaling Hike; Fresh Kills Park, Staten Island

Come check out this first section of the 2,200 acre Fresh Kills Park that's open to the public. When I visited I felt like I'd been transported to Ireland! There are beauitful green vistas, tons of wildflowers, and birds. Admittedly, it's tricky to get to, but absolutely possible.

One week prior to the hike I'll send more tips on getting there. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected] (917) 689-4651.

AGENDA

We'll hike for 25 minutes to the bird tower overlooking an estuary, pause for a 5 meditative breathing exercise, sit for 25 minutes of nature journaling, and then hike back out.

The nature journaling could be; writing a haiku, noting the weather, sketching nearby plants, tracing a fallen leaves, doodling, or absolutely anything that keeps one's attention focused on the natural surroundings with pencil to paper for 20 minutes.

(approx. 1 1/2 hrs total)

• Supplies are provided but, feel free to bring your own sketchbook or journal
• Wear layers, comfortable walking shoes, hats &/or sunscreen
• There's a restroom 5 minutes into the hike

MEET UP LOCATION

We'll meet in the parking lot at the Fresh Kills Park, this is the north entrance to the park.

GETTING THERE

IMPORTANT: Be sure to plug in the following specific coordinates to your GPS:

Also, there's an MTA train from the St. George Ferry Terminal however, the train gets you to a point south of the park so you'd need to take an Uber/Lyft to the north entrance at East Service Road and Wild Avenue.

*After the hike a shuttle to St. George Ferry Terminal will be provided.

(Pics of meet up location & past hikes below)

Mindful Nature Journaling Hikes engage participants with nature threefold; the hike immerses us, the meditation tunes us to nature’s wavelength, and the journaling provides the means to closely observe and thereby connect more deeply with nature.

Jessica Dalrymple is a Brooklyn based artist inspired by nature in the city working in oil paint and mixed media. She has taught painting and botanical drawing at several institutions including; Trestle Workshops, The Old Stone House Brooklyn, Gowanus Dredgers, Hamilton College, and New Jersey Institute of Technology & Design.

Host or Publisher Jessica Dalrymple & Marisa Lowenstein