Seeing Like a Naturalist June 8, 2026

Seeing Like a Naturalist

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Required Book:

  1. “A Field Guide to Cape Cod: Including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, and Eastern Long Island”; Patrick J. Lynch; Yale University Press; ISBN 978-0300226157

(All Books Can be purchased at Brewster Book Store)

Suggested Books:

  1. “Keeping a Nature Journal: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You”; Claire Walker Leslie; Storey Publishing; ISBN 978-1635862287
  2. “The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling”; John Muir Laws; Heyday; ISBN 978-1597143158
  3. “Drawing Nature: The Creative Process of an Artist, Illustrator, and Naturalist”; Linda Miller Feltner; Princeton University Press; ISBN 978-0691255385
  4. “The Curious Nature Guide: Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You”; Claire Walker Leslie; Storey Publishing; ISBN 978-1612125091
  5. “Sketching Nature”; Dianne Sutherland; David & Charles; ISBN 978-1446314098

Recommended Supplies:

Highly Recommended:

  1. Field journal or sketchbook (5x7 or 8x10 recommended; mixed media paper preferred)
  2. Pencils (HB, 2B) anderaser
  3. Fine-tip waterproof pen (for labeling and line work)
  4. Watercolor set (Art Toolkit)
  5. Small paintbrush (water brush recommended)
  6. Portable water container or water brush

Optional:

  1. Clipboard or hard surface (if journal is softcover)
  2. Binoculars (optional but helpful for birds and distant observation)
  3. Small pouch or kit bag to carry supplies
  4. Published field guides (birds, plants, coastal life of Cape Cod/New England)
  5. Smartphone with apps installed (iNaturalist; Merlin Bird ID)
  6. Hand lens or magnifier (for examining small details like leaf structure or sand textures)

June 8, 2026 – 10:00 am - 2:00 pm – Seeing Like a Naturalist – Brewster Book Store

Description: Shift from passive looking to active seeing through the creation of a personal field guide. Explore what a field guide can be – from traditional scientific references to expressive, artist-created journals. Discover digital companion tools that deepen understanding, and begin curiosity-driven, observation-based nature journaling as the foundation of building your own guide.

Topics Covered:

  1. What is a field guide? Structure, purpose, and possibilities
  2. Nature journaling as the foundation of your guide
  3. Observation techniques: slowing down, noticing patterns, asking questions
  4. Analog and digital identification tools
  5. The role of questions in field-based discovery