Big Creek Outdoor Education Center

Spring Reflections: Embracing Nature Journaling in Glacier National Park

What do you notice in the landscape today?

Is it the small fungi and lichen on the stump you’re sitting on?
The cold wind on your cheeks?
The large Douglas fir standing tall by the historic Ranger Cabin?
The sound of the babbling brook of Big Creek rushing with snowmelt?
The feeling of the mud under your feet as you walk down the drive?
The smell of conifers in the air?

It’s different for everyone. The person who loves plants may notice the Oregon grape’s waxy leaves, lightly covered in snow. The amateur birder may notice the dark-eyed juncos joining the fleet and pecking at the ground. The rock lover’s eye might wander to the top of the mountains, thinking about the glaciers that carved this remarkable landscape in northwest Montana.

Signs of Spring in Northwest Montana
At Big Creek Outdoor Education Center—nestled near Glacier National Park, within the Flathead National Forest—spring is awakening.  In Blackfeet culture, the start of the new year is marked by the return of the geese.

We recently welcomed our 2025 Big Creek team, outdoor educators, and operations crew and initiated our training period on the newly renovated campus. Our first student groups of the year arrive in early April. I wonder if the ground will be covered in fresh snow or if mud season will have begun.

The Art of Nature Journaling
During training, we embraced the practice of nature journaling—a cornerstone of our educational approach. After explaining the concept, I took a brief walk to the nearby campfire circle and twenty minutes of quiet observation profoundly shifted my day’s rhythm.

Nature journaling isn’t just about sketching what you see; it’s about capturing the essence of the moment—whether through words, colors, or simple observations. It’s a practice that helps slow down time and attune our senses to the rhythms of the natural world. I find that every time I sit quietly in nature, I notice something new—whether it’s the subtle shift in the sound of the creek or the first buds emerging from the earth.

Embarking on Your Own Journey
As the seasons continue to change, more green begins to pop up in the environment around us. We begin to see more trillium and violets. Starting a nature journaling practice so early in the spring helps me become more aware of the changes in the environment. It’s like saying hello again to old friends when I notice that the new flowers are back. Building a relationship with a place over time through journaling reminds us: we’ve been here before, and each visit deepens our understanding.

If you’re inspired to embark on your own nature journaling journey, consider joining our Nature Journaling Series this summer. I’ll be your instructor, leading you through the practice.  Hosted at our Field Camp location within Glacier National Park, these workshops offer an immersive experience to connect with the great outdoors while expressing your artistic side. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or a curious beginner, these sessions provide a supportive environment to develop your skills and deepen your connection to nature.

Whether you join us in person or begin your own journaling practice at home, I encourage you to carve out moments to sit, observe, and reflect.

Nature gently invites us back to ourselves, and journaling can serve as the gateway. It reminds us that even after a long, quiet winter, life persistently returns, vibrant and full of color.

As we step into this new season, I’ll continue my practice of sketching, silent observation, and full presence here in Glacier Country. I hope you’ll join me on this journey.