Nature Journaling with Buckthorn Ink

Over the past 20 years, community groups have been invited to aid in the restoration of Riverwood—a 150ha green space nestled in the heart of Mississauga. In its early conservation efforts, The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC), a land stewardship and nature-connection charity, diligently worked to reclaim old farm pastures overrun by European Buckthorn, an invasive shrub. TRC removed tons of this plant, disposing of it in landfills, thus halting its spread.

However, inspired by the 94 calls to action, two of which emphasize reconciling with the land and incorporating Indigenous perspectives into education, TRC's staff, stirred by the words of Elder Peter Schuler, reconsidered their relationship with this plant. Rather than simply discarding the material and contributing to landfill accumulation, TRC sought to repurpose it for positive ends. Now, the plant material serves as garden stakes, camper hiking sticks, and barriers to close off unsanctioned trails and protect sensitive naturalized areas. Additionally, TRC utilizes the berries to create ink.

Billie Jo and Erin would like to acquaint you with this green interloper—the European Buckthorn—through a Nature Journaling experience. In this workshop, you will explore the three languages of words, pictures, and numbers, discovering how they can engage your brain in novel ways as we document observations, curiosity, and connections through Nature Journaling. This practice cultivates focus, tranquility, and the freedom to let curiosity roam.