Introducing a New Blog Series: The Art of Noticing with Zowie

At the Glacier Institute, we believe that education starts with presence. Before the facts, the field guides, or the trails—there’s the moment you pause, look around, and notice something for the first time.

That’s why we’re so excited to introduce a new blog series—one that steps away from enticing you onto programs or highlighting our favorite trails to hike in Glacier National Park and dives into the quiet heart of what we do. As much as we love the accomplishments of getting to the shore of Avalanche Lake, or the thrill of hiking the high-exposure parts of Highline Trail, you’re just as likely to find our staff taking time to be still, taking in the fresh air and rolling waves at Lake McDonald. We wanted to give you a glimpse into that part of our mission. 

Over the coming months, you’ll hear from Zowie, our program director of Field Camp and our adult programming, as she shares reflections from the field through the lens of nature journaling—a practice that invites us to slow down, observe, and reconnect.

These posts aren’t checklists or itineraries. They’re windows into the seasonal rhythms of the land, small lessons in presence, and gentle encouragement to build a relationship with the natural world around you. You’ll hear insights directly from Zowie’s personal sessions, special moments of connection to a place that captivated her heart long ago. 

Whether you join Zowie’s Nature Journaling Series in person this summer or simply read along from afar, we hope these stories offer you a few moments of stillness, wonder, and connection. And really, we hope that they tempt you into setting aside some time out of your day to go to a natural space where you live– a local park, your own garden, the nearest public land– and enjoy the ability to sit and just be part of the landscape for a while. 

Because in the end, that’s what we’re here for—not just to guide you through Glacier, but to help you fall in love with it.