Projects, Publications, Workshops & Training Certifications
2022
Workshop Leader
Restarting a series of monthly morning Nature Journal Walks along the American River. Event combines readings from Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge with natural journal workshops to enjoy the beauty of the setting, observe, write or sketch. Link here to download flier.
Presenting two 1-hour workshops (in person) workshop at the California Trails and Greenways Conference in Modesto Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28, 2022. My session, “Walking the Alphabet Trail and other Ways to Engage Families.” Will be presenting three activities to increase observational skills while having fun doing some Nature Detectives work at same time. Visit the conference website for more information and stay updated as more becomes available. https://lnkd.in/grtKSPSW
Our 4-week in person Life Writing: Finding Your Stories workshop began at Sun City Lincoln Hills Retirement Community on Monday, March 7, 2022. First session introduced Where to Find Ideas, Mind Mapping Techniques to brainstorm ideas and easily organize details. Participants reviewed books featuring questions as “story starters.” Other topics include “meaningful objects,” character development, kitchen, travel and home stories. We added “firsts” such as first car, home, friends, and more)
Completed Training
Eight-week online Interpretive Writing Class. Presented by Heritage Interpretation Training Center. Course completed February 26, 2022. Assignments included basics principles & practices; creating a comprehensive outline including content, timetable and sources needed; Interpretive trail guide; writing panels with feeling & imagination, museum and trail interpretive panel texts; and creating text to meet management objectives at a site.
2021
Training Guides & Workshop Leader
Nature Detectives Leader Discovery Guides
The series of five Nature Detectives Discovery Guides present a complete list of activities and supplies arranged in seasonal themes. Each guide presents tips on how to work with young children when introducing them to outdoor experiences at school, in their neighborhood or nature-based site.
Workshop leader, National Storytelling Network, EarthUp Conference, April, 2021 . “Nature in Motion: Capturing Sense of Place in a Journal.” Learn how to capture sense of place in a Nature Journal – with outside activities and breakout room discussions.
2020
New Books, Collaboration & Media Interviews
Live Interviews: Beth Ruyak, Capital Public Radio (Feb 2020) and Good Day Sacramento, Cody Stark (March 2020). Janice describes her experiences that inspired Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge blogs and book.
Community Works Institute Online Journal feature story Summer 2020 – Emerging Opportunities in Nature Education
Contributor, Green Schoolyards National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative, Summer and Fall 2020. Features online publications and resources for learning outside. Visit Greenschoolyards.org to view resources
Inspired by John Muir, A Guide to Studying Nature, Capturing our Stories and Advocating for Wild Places
What Song does the Rain Sing? A Creative Writing Journal for kids. Visit Nature Detectives website to learn more.
Mornings of Fair Oaks Bridge podcasts. This new series of 15 podcasts features selections from the beginning of the book to its final entry.
2019
Interpretive Media & more
El Malpais NCA Ranger Station Interpretive Panels: Write text for a series of panels describing natural and cultural history of this monument to the Native American people of New Mexico.
Executive Summary, Land Trust of Santa Barbara Strategic Plan. Highlights and photos of the new 2020-2025 Strategic plan
Guest Blogger
Guest blogger, “Beauty for All” website.
Published in August 2019, this blog highlights the scenic beauty and history of the Lower American River flowing through the suburban areas of Sacramento.
2018
New Book & Interpretive Media
Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge; Watching Wildlife at the Lower American River
Blogs assembled into new book featuring 75 blog posts, more than 100 full color photographs, history of Fair Oaks, Fair Oaks Bluffs, Fair Oaks Bridge and American River Parkway as background for this iconic crossing of the American River. Visit Facebook page for dates of readings and other activities.
North Country National Scenic Trail: From East to West, the Peoples and the Stories.
Narrative text for primary website ~ Write nine brief narratives to describe each region. The trail crosses seven states and 4,600 miles. Summarize history of diverse population settlements, birth and development of major industries, recreation opportunities, and key individuals who made significant contributions to the region. Collaboration with prime contractor who developed the Interpretive Master Plan for National Park Service.
Media Profile
Inside Sacramento Neighbor Profile
Neighbor profile published in Inside Sacramento. Highlights Janice’s launch of Nature Detectives outdoor exploration program in schools and neighborhoods.
Completed Training
Aldo Leopold Education Project Facilitator Training.
Janice received a scholarship from Region 9 (Western Region) to attend her first National Association of Interpretation (NAI) Annual Conference in 2006. She completed the Facilitator Training as a pre-conference event.