Nature lovers can try their hand at capturing their favorite flower, leaf, chipmunk or bird in a sketchbook drawing or painting when Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, N.Y., sponsors its Nature Drawing and Journaling program Sept. 8.

An added attraction to the program, which will begin at 10 a.m. at the 1974 Lillibridge Road property, will be instructor Jennifer Miller, who was selected as the 2015/16 Federal Duck Stamp Artist.

Miller, a resident of Portville, will guide and help individuals draw what they observe during the class. The fee is $10 for non-members, $5 for members and is free for children 13 and under. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, however, and registration is requested by Thursday.

Miller said nature drawing is the act of going outdoors and recording one’s personal observations about nature, which can be anything from a sweeping landscape to a tiny mushroom, though the use of drawings and notes. She said the end result is personal enjoyment, learning and growth as an observer of the natural world.

“We’re going to focus mostly on drawing, but people don’t have to have any drawing skills to participate,” Miller added. “The idea is that when you translate something visual through your mind and you draw it, you create a much stronger memory and you understand things better.”

She said journaling is also a “great way to get out and do something interactive with nature” while walking or hiking.

“You can use this for any aspect — plants or landscape,” Miller continued.

She said participants need to bring their own supplies which can include a sketchbook, journal, or a lined or unlined notepad. Also needed will be the individual’s favorite drawing tool, such as a pencil, colored pencils, pen or paint brush with travel kit watercolor paints, which Miller uses.

“Some people just bring a pencil and notebook, it doesn’t matter as long as they’re comfortable using it,” Miller remarked. “The main idea is to learn how to do this activity however you feel most comfortable. But you don’t have to be an artist to do it — I’ve taught young kids and I’ve taught older adults.”

Beverly Jones, nature program coordinator at Pfeiffer, said the program “is a wonderful opportunity to meet Jennifer and to observe her amazing talent first-hand.

“I would love for folks in our community to know that Jennifer has made herself available” for the event, Jones added.  

Vicki Schmidt, executive director of Pfeiffer, said the program has done well in the past, and she hopes for a repeat at the upcoming event.

“The people who came really enjoyed it,” Schmidt said. “It’s a way to connect up with nature and record observations.”

Jones said that as the event is an outdoor activity, participants are asked to dress appropriately.

On a related note, Miller said she will be a judge of another event sponsored by Pfeiffer, the  2018 Photo Contest slated to be held Sept. 22 at the Lillibridge property. The contest, which is open to the public, runs from noon to 2 p.m. and will judge photos taken at the Lillibridge Road property or the Eshelman Property on Yubadam Road.

Jones said this year’s photo contest is open to all ages, however people under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the contest agreement form for participation.

Contest categories include general, which includes anything on a Pfeiffer property; Pfeiffer Icons for photos that show one of four notable “icons” that represent Pfeiffer, such as the cabin, one of the three scenic overlooks, Wendy’s Tree or the Pavilion.

Photographs of any landscape, natural element, animal, bird, tree, structure or even people enjoying nature are also acceptable.

Miller said participants of the Nature Journaling on Sept. 8 are also welcome to bring along a camera or device to take photos during that event for the Sept. 22 photo contest.

“They can (take pictures) at any time, but if they want to do it during the journaling program, or before or after, that would probably be ok,” Miller said.

More photo contest details can be found on the website www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org or by contacting the office at (716) 933-0187.