If you’ve visited a Jackson County Library branch this week, you will likely have noticed that we’re encouraging library users to “Embrace the Wild” as part of our 2025 Summer Reading Program. All over Jackson County, library branches are putting books on display, decorating their spaces, and planning special events that help patrons of all ages walk on the wild side.
Last week, my fellow blogger Ethan encouraged readers to “Embrace the Wild” in themselves; to reach for the things they always wished they could achieve and go ahead and do whatever they keep putting off.
Essentially: to live life to the fullest.
If you need a little inspiration to take a chance, to pick up a neglected hobby, or to read the book you’ve been meaning to get to, go back and read that blog. This one will still be here when you’re finished.
Are you back? Feeling inspired? Good.
This week, we’re going to explore a different interpretation of how to get in touch with wildness. We’re going to talk about connecting with the natural world through art and observation. One of the gifts that art gives us is an opportunity to see things in a different light, to focus your attention on something you might not have noticed before. This is true when we experience art made by someone else or when we create something ourselves. Making art is a perfect tool for learning about nature. When you take the time to pause and observe the natural world, the more you look, the more you see.
At JCLS, we have a delightful array of nature-inspired art programs planned for the summer, inviting you to Embrace the Wild at your library. Some use natural materials to create art, others teach methods for how to get your creativity rolling by spending time in relationship with nature. There’s something for every age and ability, so please join us!
Nature Journaling
Several of our branches are offering nature journaling workshops and/or materials this summer, and in case that’s a new concept for you, I wanted to define what nature journaling is. At its simplest, nature journaling is going out into nature with a notebook and some art supplies and recording what you observe through writing and art. It is easy to begin (you can’t do it wrong) and it can be a lifelong practice. Different people use it for different purposes: from keeping a record of the changing seasons to capturing impressions of birds at a backyard feeder or meditating on how your mind and body respond to spending relaxing, purposeful time in nature – all are good reasons to keep a nature journal. If you’d like to learn more, consider taking part in one of these nature journaling programs at our libraries:
The Ruch Library is offering a two-part Nature Journaling 101 class for ages 12 to adult on Saturdays, June 7th and June 14th. Participants may attend one or both.
Ashland Library is offering a series of Intro to Nature Journaling workshops for ages 18 and up, starting on Thursday, June 12th with a focus on flowers. Every two weeks, for a total of six meetings, the group will learn writing and drawing techniques to enhance their nature journaling skills. Topics will include flowers, mammals, birds, invertebrates, trees and landscapes, and will culminate in a field trip to a local park. Sign up for the full series or drop in for one or two as your schedule allows.
Children ages 8 years and up can visit the Eagle Point Library to make Outdoor Journals on Friday, June 13th to record their summertime outdoor adventures.
Art That Inspires You to Go Outside
Birder and wildlife photographer Robin McKenzie will visit the Jacksonville Library on Wednesday, June 12th to share tips for adults on how to create outdoor environments that attract local and migratory birds to our yards.
All ages are invited to make Earth Dumplings at the Applegate Library on Saturday, June 21st. Also known as Seed Cookies, these seed-rich balls can be used to nourish the soil and re-wild natural spaces.
On Wednesday, August 6th, teens can stop by the Ashland Library to add a nature-inspired poem to an indoor Poetree. Afterward, the tree will be displayed in the teen section.
Making Art with Natural Materials
The Central Point Library invites children ages 5 years and up to make art with pressed flowers on Wednesday, July 9th.
Kids ages 3 years and up can make a fairy house at the Jacksonville Library on Saturday, July 19th. They’ll use leaves, sticks, pebbles, and other natural materials to create a cozy home for a fairy friend.
On Tuesday, July 22nd, the Teen Department at the Medford Library will teach 12-19 year-olds how to make coasters using air-dry clay imprinted with the shapes of leaves and flowers.
Of course, you don’t need to go to a library program to appreciate nature. We’re lucky to live in a part of the world with plenty of parks, trails, and avid gardeners. But if you would enjoy a facilitated opportunity to connect with others who enjoy nature and creativity, swing by a library program. Each of the events listed above can serve as an entry point to deepen your connection with the natural world. And while you’re here, sign up for Summer Reading and explore different ways to Embrace the Wild this season and beyond.