Supplies for Pressing Plants
Pressing plants can be as simple as putting a plant inside of a book and closing the pages. You don’t need much. The following are some of the supplies that […]
Ten Days Ten Trees
“What if I climbed a tree, nature journaled, and made a video about it every day for ten days?” That was the seed for this creative project that I called […]
Nature Journal Beach Vacation
Imagine your feet in the warm tropical sand, a trusty piña colada by your side, your sketchbook and watercolors in hand and the molten sun setting over the Pacific Ocean […]
Butterfly Blitz: Cloudforest Nature Journaling Intensive
Want to get a feel for what it is like nature journaling in Monteverde? Check out my YouTube video below for a vicarious adventure there. Insects and arachnids at the […]
Top Five Nature Journaling Techniques for 2025
Here are my top five nature journaling techniques for 2025. All lists like this are a bit arbitrary and imperfect. However, these are based on my over 10 years of […]
Too wet for watercolor…
The cabin fever was setting in… l had been editing videos for several days. Giant machinery rumbled just outside of my tiny hotel room, generators roared, and men shouted. All […]
Nature Journaling Cactus in Balboa Park
Want to have fun sketching and nature journaling while learning about cactus? Join this nature journaling field trip and learn some of the basics of drawing plants from observation while […]
Season Five is Here!
The first episode of Season Five was available early for Patreon members. That’s how it works this season. Patreon members get to see the episodes one week early. See the […]
Nature journaling with cheap watercolors?
Do you actually need expensive watercolors for nature journaling? What is the difference between student grade and professional grade? What are the pros and cons of cheap watercolors? I spent […]
Key Takeaways from Wild Wonder 2024
Here are some of the key lessons I got from Wild Wonder nature journaling Conference 2024. Did I miss some? Add yours in the comments. Find joy in the familiar. […]
(sold out) Andes to Amazon 2025
Nature Journaling Adventure: Andes to Amazon 2025 Do you want to go on a nature journaling adventure with a select team of nature journalers and Marley Peifer as your leader? […]
How to Nature Journal Like a Kid!
Today, we are going to steal from kids. I know that sounds bad but hear me out. To be more specific we are going to try and steal their learning […]
Nature Sketching and Nature Journaling: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between nature journaling and nature sketching? Nature sketching and nature journaling are two popular ways to connect with nature and record observations […]
Nature Journal Beach Vacation
Nature Journal Beach Vacation: Costa Rica Are you ready to relax into the beauty of a Costa Rican sunset while unlocking your creativity? Do you want to rejuvenate your winter […]
Nature Journaling and Botanical Illustration
Have you ever wondered about the differences between nature journaling and botanical illustration? In this week’s episode of the Nature Journal Show I will address this question as I take […]
Scrapbooking and Nature Journaling
Scrapbooking and Nature Journaling Have you ever used scrapbooking techniques in your nature journal? In this video I demonstrate how. Scrapbooking and nature journaling are two forms of creative expression […]
Art Journaling and Nature Journaling with Alex Boon
Alex Boon combines elements of art journaling, scrap-booking, and even bullet journaling into his nature journaling practice. He also gets inspiration from the work of such artists as Edith Holden, […]
How to Nature Journal Tidepools in Costa Rica
I have done lots of nature journaling in tidepools in California but right now I’m going to show you how to nature journal tidepools in Costa Rica!….Did I mention I […]
#InktoberNatureJournal (Week Three)
Can you believe it is already week three of #inktobernaturejournal? It’s true, I have gotten the weeks mixed up a little. However, the important thing is doing a little bit […]
Nature Journaling Questions: A Taxonomy
Nature journaling questions are essential to what we do as nature journalers. However, we are not taught how to ask questions. In fact the dominant society and most schools teach […]
Birding Homework (live episode)
Do you ever give yourself nature journaling homework? In this live episode of the Nature Journal Show, Marley shows us how to use birding homework to make us better nature […]
Intertidal Zone Nature Journaling
What do you like to do during the low tide? If you’re like Marley Peifer, you might enjoy going to the rocky shore, doing some nature journaling of the intertidal […]
Nature Journaling Kid
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to nature journal all day, everyday? Does such a dream seem unattainable and far-fetched? Let our resident nature journaling kid, Raybonto, […]
Nature Journaling Adventure
Nature journaling is more than a hobby. It is more than an art form. In fact it is a way of seeing the world. Whether you are nature journaling at […]
Botanical Art and Nature Journaling
Botanical art and nature journaling are essential to how Dion Dior makes meaning of the world. She shares some of her pages, favorite supplies, and technical tips in this talk. […]
Nature Journal Adventure: Kayak Nature Journaling
Join me on a nature journal adventure with my friend and fellow nature journaler JP! It was Superbowl Sunday but we decided to nature journal instead. We saw a dead […]
How to Nature Journal Old Trees
Drawing old trees is one of my favorites! I’m gonna show you how to nature journal old trees; in this case a charismatic old oak tree. I’ll use ink, watercolor, […]
How To Nature Journal From Your Window!
Do you know how to nature journal from your window? This nature journaling technique is useful on cold, snowy, or rainy days. It is also useful during global pandemics or […]
Rosalie Haizlett on the Nature Journal Show
Rosalie Haizlett is a conservation-focused illustrator. She has built a career around painting maps, botanical art, and detailed nature scenes in watercolor and ink. In addition to her art sales […]
How to Nature Journal Where You Grew Up
What was your connection to nature where you grew up? In this video, I show you how to nature journal where you grew up as I explore the natural area […]
The Nature Journal Show in 2020…
It was a weird year but the Nature Journal Show persevered! In 2020 I made over 60 episodes packed full of humor, tips, interviews, and motivation. Making these episodes for […]
Fish Illustration With Paul Vecsei on the Nature Journal Show
Paul Vecsei’s fish illustration is world class. His underwater fish photography is spellbinding, and his fisheries work is critical. So let’s dive into the world of fish, why they matter, […]
How to Nature Journal on a Kayak
Learning how to nature journal on a kayak can take your enjoyment of nature to the next level. You are guaranteed to see new things because a kayak is an […]
Extreme Nature Journaling with Kim Mcnett
Extreme nature journaling has lessons for all of us even if we are just nature journaling from home. Do you want to find a deeper connection and purpose in your […]
How to Nature Journal Without Fear!
In this video I show you how to nature journal without fear, because I think it’s the most important thing for your nature journaling. Why Nature Journaling Without Fear matters […]
Nature Journaling in the Grand Canyon! Post-Trip Share (Part 1)
I’m back from nature journaling in the Grand Canyon for 21 days. In my live “Show and Tell” video I share experiences and pages from the adventure! You already know […]
Nature Journal for Beginners with Heather Crellin
Do you want to learn how to start a nature journal for beginners? In this conversation with nature journaler Heather Crellin you will find tons of good ideas! Even though […]
How to Draw Rocks in Your Nature Journal
If you know how to draw rocks then you will always have a subject. The bird flew away, the deer were hiding, and you missed the wildflower bloom. However, the […]
Birding and Nature Journaling: Special Technique
Let’s combine birding and Nature Journaling to see more birds, learn faster, improve our memory of field marks, and go deeper with each bird. In this video I show you […]
How To Draw Standing Up
Learning how to draw standing up can make you a better artist in addition to multiplying your drawing opportunities! Here, I describe several mistakes you are probably making right now […]
Nature Observation: How to See More With Your Nature Journal
Nature observation used to be essential for your survival. You would not be here today if your ancestors were not observant. This was the case for most of human history. […]
How to Nature Journal in 10 Steps
Do you want to learn how to nature journal? Do you want to avoid the most common beginner mistakes? Right now, I show you 10 steps to getting started with […]
Pets in Your Nature Journal
Pets and nature journaling are a match made in heaven. If you have a pet and you have not nature journaled them yet then you are missing out! In this […]
Tree Drawing In Your Nature Journal
Tree drawing is a cornerstone of nature art in general and nature journaling in particular. When you learn how to draw trees better your sketchbook or nature journal will improve […]
Nature Journaling For Kids and Families
Nature journaling for kids could be the solution for your summer. Are your kids already bouncing off the walls at home? Are you worried about them losing focus, losing momentum, […]
Nature Comics to Show Action in Your Nature Journal
Have you ever witnessed an exciting event in nature? An action even that you could not represent in your nature journal? If so, then nature comics might be the perfect […]
Flower Drawing in Your Nature Journal
Do you like flowers? Do you like drawing? If so then this video about flower drawing in your nature journal is for you! First, it is important to understand some […]
Botany Basics For Nature Journaling
In this video we learn botany basics to help you understand flowers. In so doing we can draw them better in our nature journals. Sometimes it is easier to draw […]
Drawing Prompts For Nature Journaling at Home
In this video you will learn ten drawing prompts that are fun, helpful, and engaging. Have you ever experienced creative block? Have you ever felt a lack of ideas or […]
My First Nature Journal
Have you looked at your very first nature journal recently? Or are you just starting out with nature journaling? In this video I share the good, the bad, and the […]
Best Brush Pens: Follow Up Review
Have you experimented with brush pens? Do you have time to sort through all the different types as well as their confusing names? In this video I review several types […]
Landscape Painting From Photos: How-To
Are you stuck at home but you still want to make art and nature journal? Me too! That’s why I made this video on how to make a landscape painting […]
10 Nature Journal Ideas You Should Know!
Every hobby has special concepts and lingo and nature journaling is no exception. Have you ever encountered nature journal ideas or language that you were unfamiliar with? If so, this […]
North Bay Nature Journaling Paradise!
People who live in the North Bay are in luck! Because the San Francisco Bay Area is the epicenter of the Nature Journaling movement! If you live in Sonoma, Napa, […]
How to Paint Landscapitos!
Do you want a fun and creative way to connect with a place and create a memory? Painting small landscapes is the answer. In this video I have ten tips […]
How to Nature Journal When You Don’t Have Time!
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time ? Do you ever wish that you could carve out more time or be more disciplined about drawing or journaling […]
How To Learn More From Your Old Journals
Do you need some nature journaling ideas, inspiration, and motivation? Did you know that you can learn a lot just by reviewing your old journals? In this episode of The […]
Nature Journal Weird Carnivorous Plants!
Do you want to escape the cold and the rain to go on a nature journaling vacation to a tropical rain forest in February? You are in luck because on […]
How to Deal With the Blank Page!
Have you ever stared at the blank page of a new sketchbook for a little bit too long? Have you ever been on a roll with your nature journaling and […]
Nature Journal Galapagos Voyage!
In the summer of 2022 I will be nature journaling in the Galapagos Islands with John Muir Laws and a boat-full of nature journalers! The trip is already full but […]
Good Tips For Any Nature Journaler
You all asked for more interviews and shares with different nature journalers in our community so here you go! In 2020 I’m planning on doing lots more interviews like this.
The Best Gift For You!
What do you think the best present for a nature journaler is? In this holiday episode I share my opinion on the subject.
Two Books You Need in 2020!
In this episode of the show I review two books that I think you need. While these books aren’t specifically about nature journaling I think they can help you take […]
Secret Nature Journaling Locations!
Do you need some inspiration for new nature journaling locations? Check out this video where I nature journal at the Bohart Museum of Entomology on the UC Davis Campus!
Nature Journaling for Beginners!
Are you interested in nature journaling but don’t know where to start? In this video I cover the basics on nature journaling for beginners. In addition to this video you […]
Nature Journaling During the Holidays
Do you want some ideas of how to stay sane this holiday season and get more nature journaling in?
How To Do a Curiosity Wander
The curiosity wander is the most basic nature journaling technique in the field. It is open ended and easy to do in a short amount of time. In this video […]
Mix up Your Media!
Do you get stuck in artistic ruts? In this video I describe a personal rut and how I got out of it.
The Nature Journal Show!
Those of you that follow my youtube channel have seen that I started a weekly nature journaling show! I am really excited about it and have been putting a lot […]
Tracking and Journaling Elk!
In November, the North Coast Nature Journal Club will go back to Tomales Point for a second chance to see the elk during the tail end of their breeding season! […]
10 Landscape Painting Tips on a Hot Day!
Did you see my last video and want to learn more? In this one I share the technical side…Let me know where you are at in your learning journey. What […]
Follow me in this video as I discover that it is hotter in California than it was in East Africa!
Elk Adventure!
In September, the North Coast Nature Journal Club will pass through the mists of time and go back to the Pleistocene! We will stand spellbound with our journals watching 500 […]
Enjoy and Journal at Heart’s Desire Beach!
In August, the North Coast Nature Journal Club is in for a treat! We are going to escape the heat but still get outside at Heart’s Desire Beach in Tomales […]
CANCELLED DUE TO LIBRARY CLOSURE! Tracking for Journalers: The Secret Language of Nature (Lafayette)
Do you want to take your nature observations to the next level? Do you want to see more animals and understand more of what is going on around you? Join […]
Tracking for Journalers: The Secret Language of Nature (Tiburon)
Do you want to take your nature observations to the next level? Do you want to see more animals and understand more of what is going on around you? Join […]
Nature Journal With Me
Follow me to the coast for a fun and challenging nature journaling outing.
Nature Journal Quick Tip:
Nature Journaling is not about drawing pretty pictures. It is about accelerating your learning and deepening your observations and connection in nature. Ironically, if you are focused on pretty pictures […]
Rainy Day? Eleven Nature Journal Ideas
It has been a really rainy/snowy winter, but that should not keep us from nature journaling. I spent a rainy day making this video with Eleven nature journaling ideas you […]
Nature Journal Full Bloom!
In April, the North Coast Nature Journal Club will have the special opportunity to spend the day in a flower-filled apple orchard. We will enjoy the beauty of the blossoms, […]
Learn to Nature Journal at the Hallberg Butterfly Gardens!
I’m super excited to be collaborating with the biodiverse pollinator sanctuary Hallberg Butterfly Gardens! We will be offering an introduction to nature journaling course at their site in Sebastopol. […]
Marvel at Incredible Carnivorous Plants!
In the month of January, the North Coast Nature Journal club will stay out of the rain and warm inside the bio-diverse greenhouses at California Carnivores in Sebastopol! This local […]
More Than Just Drawing Plants
It is easy to think that nature journaling is just about drawing plants and animals when it is actually so much more. In this video I describe some of the […]
Nature Journal Inside! No Excuses
I had to cancel the nature journaling field trip for today but here is a video that I made to motivate you to nature journal at home! Consider it your […]
Special Access to Nature Journal at the Laguna!
In November, I have the opportunity to lead a crew of nature journalers on some normally inaccessible trails in the Laguna de Santa Rosa! I am really excited to be […]
The Quest for the Ultimate Nature Journaling Bag Continues!
In August I asked Tom Bihn Bags to send me one of their products to test for nature journaling and to use on my Tanzania trip. I already did an […]
Nature Journaling Process in the Field
Here is my journaling behind the scenes from this week: In addition to amping up my journaling practice I am also working to do a lot more videography and sharing […]
I’m Working Hard and Loving It
I include a lot of my thoughts, feelings, and routines on a roadtrip to teach at the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. I talk about my growing conviction that this kind […]
A Peak at My Latest Journal
Come with me as I peruse the pages of my last journal, sharing drawings and peppering the video with rants about the benefits of journaling. One journal usually spans three […]
Capture the Essence of California Oak Savanna
In the month of October the north coast nature journal club will be exploring the rolling hills and oak savanna of Helen Putnam Regional Park near Petaluma. We will practice […]
Second Chance Elk Rut!
EVENT CANCELLED due to likelihood of smoke!!! If you want some nature journaling home study inspiration or exercises for this weekend please email me: marley339@gmail.com. I will also probably […]
Draw Majestic Elk and Epic Landscapes!
In September we will hike out on Tomales Point in Marin County to see the elk herds during their rut and enjoy the overall epic scenes! The Tule elk will […]
Practice in Adverse Conditions
This video is meant to entertain and motivate you to learn faster, try harder, and push your edges…
Learn Faster: Nature Journaling in Information Dense Environments
Here is a practical technique that you can apply to learning almost any new skill but is especially useful for nature artists and nature journalers! I have been unintentionally doing […]
Sketch at the Reptile Expo!
On October 22nd I will be geeking out with my nature journal at the reptile expo in Santa Rosa at the fairgrounds!! It will be a great opportunity to see […]
The North Bay Nature Journal Club
The North Bay Nature Journal Club is a way for you to share your passion for sketching, observation, and learning with other people in nature. Sonoma and Marin counties in […]
The Most Powerful Learning Technology
Journaling is the most powerful toolkit for dynamic human learning. It is affordable, accessible, democratic, and it can be modified and specialized in almost infinite ways. All you need is […]
Explore Sunset at the Laguna!
In December we will meet at the Laguna de Santa Rosa trail during the most exciting and most beautiful time of day! The crepuscular hours are when many raptors can […]
Second Chance Elk at Tomales Point!
In November we will hike back out to Tomales Point for a second chance or a double dose of the Tule Elk! We went once in September and it was […]
Draw Majestic Elk and Epic Landscapes!
In September we will hike out on Tomales Point to see the elk herds during their rut and enjoy the overall epic scenes! The Tule elk will be on their […]
Scope Out Shollenberger Wetlands!
In May, the North Coast Nature Journal Club will scope out the marshes of Shollenberger park near Petaluma. This convenient park provides ample opportunities to sketch water birds and learn […]
Delve Deeper at Bodega Dunes
In the month of May the North Coast Nature Journal Club will be going to one of my favorite locations, Bodega Dunes! This is another great spot to learn the […]
“Easter Egg hunt” Hood Mountain!
I plan on going despite some rain in forecast. Do you want to go on an “Easter egg hunt” with a bunch of curious and fun nature nerds? What better […]
Discover Salmon Creek!
For the magnificent month of March we will meet at South Salmon Creek, just North of Bodega Dunes campground on Hwy 1. This is a very fun location to observe […]
Explore Ragle Ranch, Sebastopol
Join the North Coast Nature Journaling meetup this month at the Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol! We will stay out of the mud but still have fun drawing oak trees, […]
Explore Ragle Park: North Coast Nature Journal Club
This gem of a park is nestled close to the town of Sebastopol. Breeding white-tailed kites, brazen tree squirrels, and many other creatures make this their home. Technique demos will […]
A Match Made in Heaven!
Tracking and nature journaling; a match made in heaven! Come explore coastal lagoons, meadows, and dunes for an awesome day of tracking and journaling in a great location. We will […]