I had the pleasure of facilitating mandala making with natural materials for a group of young stewards as a part of the Youth Environmental Stewards (YES!) Program offered by the Northwest Watershed Institute (more info below). Our activities took place during their weeklong intensive camp stay at Fort Flagler, near Port Townsend, Washington.
Another artist and friend Rebecca Welti worked with the group around issues of ocean and plankton, health and awareness. With the help of a microscope they viewed freshwater plankton, collected from Rebecca's frog pond, then created drawings of the plankton they witnessed.
I gave a short presentation about art work with, and in nature. Then afterwards the young stewards collected natural materials from nature surrounding them to create their own mandalas.
It was inspiring to see them engrossed in their creations! The images that follow give a hint as to their work and process.
Youth Environmental Stewards (YES!) Program NWI coordinates an accredited high school class in which students from three schools work side-by-side with natural resource professionals from seven organizations. Over the course, students experience watershed science from headwaters to bay and dedicate 30 hours each to environmental projects in East Jefferson County. Some students intern with experts to pursue in-depth biological projects. Partners include: Jefferson Land Trust, North Olympic Salmon Coalition, United Good Neighbors, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and Jefferson County Public Health Department.
Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation founded in 2001. NWI's mission is to provide scientific and technical support to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats and watershed ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. NWI works with willing landowners and partner organizations to conduct innovative, science-based model projects to assess, protect, and restore watersheds and habitats. NWI also provides educational events and programs for students and volunteers of all ages to promote understanding of watershed ecology and conservation.
*** If you're interested in being inspired by some stunning nature mandalas check out https://www.morningaltars.com/about/ . Day Schildkret is internationally known for Morning Altars and has inspired tens of thousands of people of all ages across the globe to renew our relationship to nature, creativity, and impermanence with the ritual and practice of earth art. Day is the author of the book, “Morning Altars: A 7 Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art and Ritual” .
