Do I need to have art experience to join?

No, this workshop welcomes all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned artists.

Bring a waterproof notebook, drawing tools, layered clothing, and sun protection as needed.

Are the sessions suitable for children?

Yes, children with adult supervision can participate and enjoy the experience.

Is it okay if I arrive late?

Arriving late may disrupt the session, so try to arrive on time to make the most of the workshop.

Yes, registration details and fees are available through the Glacier Institute’s booking page.

What should I do if it rains?

The workshop is adaptable to weather conditions; bring rain gear or reschedule if necessary.

Outdoor Education & Nature Journaling at Glacier Institute

Glacier National Park in Montana is a sprawling wilderness renowned for its rugged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse ecosystems that mirror the park's 1.35 million acres of protected landscape. The Glacier Institute offers a captivating opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to deepen their connection with this iconic area through their Nature Journaling Series, led by expert Zowie Caouette. This two-hour workshop is designed to sharpen your observational skills and ignite your creativity amidst stunning surroundings. Participants will learn techniques to record natural scenes, from the jagged strata of bedrock to the intricate patterns of alpine flora, making this an ideal activity for all skill levels. What makes the Glacier Institute’s programs stand out is their focus on active engagement coupled with environmental education, fostering a genuine appreciation for conservation efforts in Glacier. The sessions take place in various scenic locations within the park, providing plenty of inspiration for sketching and note-taking. Whether you're a seasoned artist or simply curious to reconnect with nature, this workshop offers a meaningful way to engage with Glacier’s wilderness. The institute's location at 27603 Spirit Lake Rd, west of the Many Glacier area, puts you steps away from some of the park’s most breathtaking vistas. Attending this program not only improves your artistic ability but also enriches your understanding of Glacier's geology, plants, and wildlife. From observing mountain goats on craggy ledges to capturing the subtle palette of a sunset over lakeshore, this series immerses adventurers in the details that make Glacier extraordinary. Overall, the Glacier Institute’s Nature Journaling Series combines education, outdoor adventure, and artistic expression, highlighting why Glacier remains one of America’s most compelling national parks.

About Glacier Institute

Glacier Institute is an outdoor education organization based in Columbia Falls, Montana, offering guided hikes, workshops, and multi-stop series in Glacier National Park. The Institute leads day trips and experiential classes that combine field-based education with interpretive natural history, emphasizing geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and land stewardship. Trips range from short nature-journaling sessions to full-day hikes such as the Highline Trail, Many Glacier, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook.

Guided hikes commonly run between two and ten hours and are led by Outdoor Education Specialists who provide on-trail instruction about alpine ecosystems, glacial landscapes, and local flora and fauna. Evening and specialty outings—like the Evening Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook and the Fire Lookout Series—pair scenic viewpoints with focused lessons on park ecology.

Educational workshops include the Forest Bathing Workshop led by Ellen Horowitz, and a Nature Journaling Series taught by Zowie Caouette; these classes emphasize sensory awareness, creative observation, and conservation-minded engagement. The Into the Wild: A Nature Immersion Experience blends forest bathing and journaling into a guided five-hour session designed to deepen connection with place.

All programming centers on immersive, interpretive experiences inside Glacier National Park. The Institute’s offerings are factual, time-defined, and described in trip summaries to help participants select appropriate routes and durations. Prospective visitors can expect guided, curriculum-driven outings that prioritize safety, interpretation, and environmental stewardship in one of Montana’s most iconic landscapes. Booking information, trip distances, and detailed itineraries are provided in official trip descriptions to support informed decision-making, and gear recommendations where available.