Nature Journal Enrichment class visits Dry Canyon, Smith Rock

Students in Samantha Tonroe’s Nature Journal Enrichment class have been enjoying fall weather by spending a lot of time journaling in the great outdoors.

The class recently visited Redmond’s Dry Canyon where they captured renderings of flora and fauna alike. This week, they visited Smith Rock State Park and spent 2.5 hours at the edge of the Crooked River, taking in the sights and sounds and recording the experiences in their journals. The focus of the visit was the different topography and elevation changes.

Students first sketch what they see, whether it’s leaves, caterpillars, birds, rivers, etc., and they then research what they’ve sketched, providing a good mix of outdoor and inside-the-classroom learning opportunities.