Nature Journaling in Gerstle Park

We will introduce you to nature journaling–a creative way of paying closer attention to the world around us. The practice invites us to slow down and attune to our surroundings, as well as better remember what we observe.

We will provide instruction, paper, and drawing material. No artistic skills needed – bring only your curiosity!

This is a great opportunity to discover the nature in your own backyard and connect with community members. Recommended for ages 12+ (with adult supervision).

Total Distance
Less than one mile. Much of our time will be active journaling.

Leaders
Ayesha Ercelawn and Jessie Rountree

Weather Policy
Heavy rain cancels.

Cost
Free; Reservations are required.

Where to Meet
Gerstle Park is located in San Rafael. Street parking is available along San Rafael Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood streets.

We will meet near the stairs off San Rafael Avenue and in front of the grass field (37.966035, -122.536591) before exploring the park.

From the East Bay:
Take I-580 West toward the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge, then merge onto I-101 North toward San Rafael/Novato. Exit Central San Rafael exit, turn left onto 2nd Street (heading west into downtown San Rafael), then turn left onto B. Finally turn right onto San Rafael Avenue — Gerstle Park will be on your right.

From San Francisco:
Head north on US-101 North. Take the Central San Rafael exit (2nd Avenue / Downtown San Rafael), then turn left onto 2nd Street heading west into downtown.Turn right onto San Rafael Avenue — Gerstle Park will be on your right.

Notes
Bring water, a snack, sun protection, and a blanket or chair if you would like them for the journaling portion.

If you have any questions about this outing, email Jessie Rountree ([email protected]) or phone her at 415-543-6771 x307.

Ayesha Ercelawn is a Marin-based naturalist, environmental educator, and gardener, who has been exploring as well as teaching and journaling about the natural world of the Bay Area for 20 plus years. Her teaching style is light-hearted, with a focus on joy, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. She is a member of the Nature Journaling Educators Forum and loves sharing her fascination with natural history with others.

Jessie Rountree is the Marin Resilience Manager at Greenbelt Alliance. She is trained in climate mitigation and resiliency solutions, ecology, environmental management, and government relations, and brings this breadth of experience to build a healthier climate future in the Bay Area and beyond.

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