We kicked off our very first Nature Journal Club meetup, and it was everything we hoped for—curious minds, muddy shoes, and magic waiting around every bend. 🌿

After a quick warm-up to get our senses tuned to the trail, we set out to explore—and it didn’t take long to start discovering. One of our favorite finds was the striking Violet-toothed polypore, sparking questions and sketches as we paused to really see what’s often overlooked.

Curiosity led the way as we wondered about tiny trail mysteries like the Ocellate gall midge, proving that even the smallest discoveries can make the biggest impressions.

Down by the water, the excitement kept building—spotting basking Red-eared slider and Yellow-bellied slider, plus a lively Northern cricket frog and its tiny tadpoles in motion.

What made it even more special? The grown-ups leaned in too—sketching, observing, asking questions, and reconnecting with that same sense of wonder right alongside the kids.

This is what Nature Journal Club is all about—slowing down, noticing more, and turning simple moments on the trail into meaningful connections.

And if this was just the beginning… we can’t wait to see what we discover next.