The Quiet Connection: journaling the water and the woods

Explore Flathead Lake with your nature journal in hand! Join Northern Rockies Nature Journaling where pine forests meets a sparkling lake. We encourage you to engage with nature on the shores of the largest natural body of freshwater (by surface area) in the western U.S. and is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world. 

Our base camp is the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) which is the second oldest biological field station in the US and the oldest west of the Mississippi River.  Established in 1866, Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is a University of Montana Center of Excellence that conducts ecological research with an emphasis on fresh water, particularly Flathead Lake and its watershed fed by Glacier National Park and other pristine wilderness areas. FBLS is one of the world’s premier freshwater research facilities and is a mecca for international and national researchers and students to learn or study biology, ecology and limnology (the study in inland waters).

Located on the east shore of the big lake, the FLBS plays a key role in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem by conducting scientific research on processes that influence natural and cultural interactions. Scientists at FLBS have provided a clear understanding of how the alpine, mountain and river valley landscapes are ecologically interconnected in natural and cultural contexts.  Detailed records show how organisms respond to human influences, including climate change, and how human economies and lifestyles are tied to the natural goods and services of the ecosystem. 

Nature journalers of all experience levels are invited to attend, however, we are limiting youth to 13 years and older. Terrain will involve short walks on level to semi-level ground but no strenuous hiking. Activity is rated as easy.

Evenings will be a quiet opportunity to reflect and add to your journal while watching the sunset from the deck of the lodge, along the nature trail or at the edge of Flathead Lake. If a hike is how you relax, there are local trails near our base camp for your enjoyment.

In addition to the natural beauty of Montana, we are thrilled to have Kate Rutter as our featured educator.  You may have met Kate at our Rendezvous in 2024 and found her as delightful as we did. Kate describes herself this way:

I’m an avid nature journaler, urban naturalist, educator, and native plant enthusiast who works to enliven nature-human connection through sketching, observation, and curiosity. I facilitate sketching, sketchnoting, and nature journaling workshops online and throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

In a previous life, I was a UX designer, focusing on human-centered digital products, product metrics, learning environments, visual thinking, and entrepreneurship. In 2020 I traded computer screens for living greens, shifting from a life apart from nature to life as a part of nature. I focus on native plants and restoration storytelling in urban areas, and advocate for ways to be in healthy reciprocity with our nature kin.

It is our goal that when you head for home, you are inspired and motivated in your nature journaling practice, have new nature journaling friends and leave full of great memories.

Please review the detailed information below before you register.

Location

Our Summit will be on the east shore of the lake at Flathead Lake Biological Station in Yellow Bay near Polson, Montana.

Schedule highlights (all times are Mountain Time)

Please plan to arrive Monday, 6/2/25 at the Biological station to check in at 2:00 pm.  This allows time to get settled in your cabin or room before the orientation and meet & greet at 3:45 PM. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM followed by a class on Warm-Up’s with Kate Rutter.

Tuesday is a day of classes followed by your choice of Fibonacci Scavenger Hunt or free time. Everyone will have the opportunity to attend all the classes.

Wednesday morning is a time for citizen science and learning about the Biostation. The afternoon is free time to do whatever you please. You can use the time to go hiking, rest and rejuvenate, explore local towns (Big Fork has a really good bakery!) or journal.

Thursday is scheduled like Tuesday with a day of classes. Everyone will have the opportunity to attend all the classes.

Friday morning, we will meet in the classroom as a group to learn about our inner critics, to reflect and share our insights.  Check out is at 11:00 AM. 

Every evening we will have journal share with the community and one-on-one time with the instructors.

A detailed schedule and field trip description will be provided upon registration.

Accommodations

The remote location of the Bio Station is peaceful and beautiful. For lodging, we offer single and double rooms in the lodge. The lodge has shared bathrooms. Bed linens, bath towel and wash clothes are provided.

We also have comfortable cabins which accommodate two people. The cabins share bath and restroom buildings. Bed linens, bath towel and wash clothes are provided.

There is mobile phone service available.

Meals

All meals are catered and the menu includes vegetarian and gluten free options.

Transportation

Kalispell, MT has the nearest airport. Missoula, MT is another option for flights. We do not offer transportation to the Biostation. Maps and driving directions will be provided. We encourage attendees to carpool if possible.  

Costs

Registration opens February 1, 2024 on our website northernrockiesnaturejournaling.org  and there are two options.

• $675.00 includes lodging, all meals and all activities from Monday afternoon through Friday morning.

• $775.00 for all the above plus a private room. Limited spaces available.

There is no camping available at the Biological Station

Refunds

If you cancel prior April 14, 2025, your registration fee will be refunded minus a $150.00 cancellation fee. If you cancel after that date, there will be no refunds unless we are able to fill your spot with someone from the waiting list. If so, we will refund your registration fee minus a cancellation fee of $150.00.

Travel Insurance

We suggest all participants purchase travel insurance that includes cancellation and medical evacuation. There are many providers of travel insurance such as Travelguard but it’s best you look around and find a carrier that you are most comfortable with. The cost of coverage varies but it’s usually quite affordable and most policies can protect you financially if you experience illness before departure, cancelled flights, lost baggage, or a medical incident during the event OR if we have to cancel the event due to local emergencies such as wildfire, flood, or global health crises.

Have questions?

Please feel free to email us at northernrockiesnaturejournal@gmail.com.

Stay curious!