Blending Art and Science: Ecology
Saturday, Aug. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Overlook Building
12685 East C Ave., Augusta, MI 49012
Learn how to keep a nature journal to deepen your connection to art, science, and the environment. The program will begin with a presentation on ecology by Kellogg Biological Station scientists, followed by outdoor activities at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
This four-part series begins with a Saturday session introducing you to Nature Journaling, followed by four Tuesday evening weekly sessions to observe and document nature using graphite and colored pencil techniques, guided by local artist Taylor Scamehorn.
Throughout the program, participants will explore the intersection of science and art, developing skills in thinking like an artist, naturalist, and scientist.
Join us to:
- Gain an understanding of biodiversity at various scales,
- Learn to identify patterns and interactions in nature,
- Learn to observe the structure and form of individual organisms.
Additionally, participants will learn art techniques using colored pencils and watercolors to make scientific and artistic observations about nature at different scales.
Cost: $160 Bird Sanctuary member, $180 non-members
Schedule:
Week 1: Nature Journaling: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: “How to Think Like a Naturalist, Artist, and Scientist.” We will learn about the intersection of art and science and gain tools for both.
Week 2: Species: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. “We will discuss the ecology of organisms (i.e., moths, switchgrass, and ants), and participants will learn how to draw a specific organism.
Week 3: Communities: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. We will discuss plant-plant and plant-insect interactions in the context of prairie communities and visit a prairie with the art instructor.
Week 4: Landscapes & Ecosystems: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Overview of landscape ecology and ecosystem functions. The class will visit multiple habitats (e.g., agricultural land, prairies, wetlands, forest). In-Class Art Activity: Landscapes in pencil.
Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their meals and accommodations; on-site accommodations can be booked through the KBS Conference Center. To make a reservation, email conference@kbs.msu.edu or call 269-671-2400.
Cancellation Policy for Events Requiring Registration: A full refund will be issued if the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary cancels a program due to weather or other circumstances. A full refund will be issued if a registrant must cancel before the event’s registration deadline. No refunds will be issued on the day of an event or after. No space will be held without full payment for events requiring prepayment. Registration can be transferred to another person at any time.
Registration for Blending Art and Science is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 30, 2025.
There are 19 openings available.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at 269-671-2510 or birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu.