June Regional Nature Journal Club Field Trip @ Albany Bulb, Albany CA

We're heading back to this favorite spot!
Come nature journal at the urban wilds of Albany Bulb. This bayside park has a wide variety of flora and fauna…native plants, birds in the estuary, trees, a small beach, views of the bay over to SF and Marin. There’s also interesting emergent artwork, small paths, and some tide-dwelling beings for folks who are more on the daring side.

• Learn more about the Albany Bulb here: www.albanybulb.org
• Free; Suggested $20 donation for the Wild Wonder Foundation.

Field trip host: Kate Rutter, Regional Nature Journal Club Trip host

Special Color Matching workshop, 10:30-12:15 : Want to do a deep dive in matching color? Come to this optional workshop during the first part of the field trip. We'll head to the native plant garden and practice color mixing to match what we encounter in the field. You'll get an instructional 'zine with color matching tabs to guide your practice. Kate will be on hand for questions and guidance. Bring your watercolors and let's bring on the color!

Weather note: If for any reason rain is forecast for the day of the field trip, grab an umbrella and come anyway. There’s not a lot of cover, but we can journal the wet conditions! Do note that conditions have been very warm, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Transit & Parking:

• Public Transit is available, but it’s a bit of a walk. Take AC Transit #72 to the San Pablo+Marin Ave stop. From there, walk ~1.1 miles West. This path includes some tricky road crossings, but it’s possible.
• Please post on the Meetup group for carpools.
• Parking is available in two lots along Buchannan Street. Come a little early to be sure to get a closer spot.

How to find us:
Meet at the restroom at the start of the Albany Waterfront Trail.
(If you come a little late, look for people sketching. :)
Location Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9GsK4V3e7sde7Ww2A

Bring:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing / dress for variable (including HOT or WINDY) weather.
• Sunscreen and hat.
• Waterbottle (water is available onsite.)
• Nature journaling supplies.
• Potluck Lunch: Bring potluck treats to share for lunch, and bring your own bowl and spoon.
• A sense of wonder and humor.
• Anything else to make the day lovely for you: folding stool, magnifying loupe, umbrella, depending. ;)

Flow of the day:

• We'll gather for our opening circle at **10am** and do short intros and a warm-up. Then we'll head out for journaling, either in small clusters, or solo, whichever you prefer.
• If you want to do the Color Matching workshop, we'll walk to the native plant garden together and get started around 10:30.
• We'll gather together at 12:30 for lunch, to share work, and to socialize. Then we'll head back out for more journaling!
• We'll meet again at 3:30 for a final closing circle and connection time, then wrap.

Good to know:

• Open to all ages and ability levels. No registration is necessary. $20 suggested donation.
• Accessibility: mostly flat and accessible pathways; benches and seating. Some paths are unofficial, so don’t venture beyond your comfort zone.
• Bathrooms are available onsite.
• Cell coverage is moderate so plan accordingly.

Bring friends and family!