Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, Heidi guides participants of all skill levels through nature journaling techniques, making it accessible for everyone.

What should I bring to the workshop?

Bring a nature journal, pencils, water, layered clothing, and insect repellent in summer; all other supplies can be provided.

Can children participate?

Absolutely! The workshop is designed for all ages with activities to engage young nature lovers.

Is there shelter in case of rain?

There are covered areas at Canterbury Shaker Village, but light, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended for outdoor time.

How physically demanding is the activity?

The activity is easy and involves light walking and sitting outdoors, suitable for most fitness levels.

Is prior experience with journaling required?

No prior experience is necessary; the instructor provides all the guidance needed to get started.

Nature Journaling Workshop in Canterbury, New Hampshire

Explore the calming beauty of Canterbury, New Hampshire, through the art of nature journaling with certified Nature Journal Educator Heidi Colburn. This private outdoor workshop offers participants of all ages a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. Held at the historic Canterbury Shaker Village, the experience combines observational skills, creativity, and mindfulness under the open sky. Whether you're sketching intricate leaf patterns or capturing the subtle colors of the surrounding landscape, this activity encourages you to slow down and appreciate the small wonders around you. Heidi’s expert guidance ensures beginners and seasoned journalers alike leave inspired and more mindful of their natural surroundings. The peaceful rural setting adds an extra layer of tranquility, making it an ideal escape from the daily rush. Remember to dress for the weather and bring your curiosity — this experience is as much about self-discovery as it is about nature appreciation.

About Canterbury Shaker Village

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic Shaker community and living history museum located in Canterbury, New Hampshire. The Village offers guided tours, special exhibitions, community readings, concerts, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events that interpret Shaker life, craft, and communal practices.

Educational programs highlight primary sources and personal narratives, including special tours inspired by Nicolas Briggs’s memoir Forty Years a Shaker and guided walks led by the Village’s education staff such as Director of Education Kyle Sandler. Visitors can attend readings in the 1792 Meeting House, music on the green, antique and vintage car shows set among fall foliage, and exhibition openings that honor the Shakers’ legacy.

Workshops and demonstrations teach traditional Shaker skills; examples include a cherry oval box workshop led by instructor Dick Bennett and farm-to-table dinners paired with historic tours at community gatherings like Simply Shaker. Members and preview events bring curators and historians together to contextualize artifacts, as seen in the Keeping Faith exhibition talks with curators Renée Fox, Kyle Sandler, and Shirley Wajda.

Canterbury Shaker Village maintains credibility through documented artifacts, named curators and educators, and a range of public programs that connect visitors directly to Shaker material culture. The Village’s calendar of events and combination of tours, exhibitions, and hands-on learning provide reliable opportunities for visitors to explore early American religious life and Shaker craftsmanship. Public programs often include live music, community readings, vintage car exhibitions, curator talks, and light refreshments during exhibition openings to deepen visitor engagement with Shaker history and authentic material culture.