James Sisti, an artist and wilderness guide from New York, brings his passion for nature to life through Hike and Draw, a unique platform blending art and education. He discusses how scouting shaped his outdoor skills and explores the rhythm of the seasons and their impact on mental health. A fascinating injury led him into the world of nature journaling, revealing its power to combat loneliness. He emphasizes the importance of ethics in nature interaction and how historical naturalists inspire his work, advocating for community connections through outdoor experiences.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Nostalgic Autumns in Hudson Valley
James grew up hiking in the Hudson Valley every autumn with his family.
These memories deeply connect him to the rhythm of New York seasons.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Scouting Empowered Outdoor Skills
James credits scouting for teaching him to thrive outdoors in challenging environments.
He wanted to help inner-city kids develop skills to appreciate nature even in urban settings.
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Corporate Burnout to Hike and Draw
After burning out in corporate, James left it to pursue his passion for nature and art.
He started combining hiking and drawing to engage people with nature meaningfully.
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Andrea Wulf's "Invention of Nature" is a biography of Alexander von Humboldt, a Prussian polymath who made significant contributions to various scientific fields. The book details Humboldt's expeditions and his groundbreaking work in biogeography, geology, and climatology. Wulf's narrative highlights Humboldt's influence on scientific thought and his impact on the development of environmentalism. The book explores Humboldt's personal life and his relationships with other prominent scientists of his time. "Invention of Nature" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of a remarkable figure who shaped our understanding of the natural world.
A Sand County Almanac
And Sketches Here and There
Aldo Leopold
A Sand County Almanac is a seminal work by Aldo Leopold, comprising essays that describe the natural world around his home in Sauk County, Wisconsin. The book is divided into three main sections: 'Sand County Almanac,' which details seasonal changes and observations; 'Sketches Here and There,' which includes personal experiences and observations from various landscapes; and 'The Upshot,' which explores philosophical issues in wildlife conservation. Leopold introduces the concept of a 'land ethic,' emphasizing the moral responsibility to treat the land with care and respect, recognizing the intrinsic value of the environment beyond resource extraction. The book has been highly influential in the environmental movement and continues to be widely read and studied today.
The Ways of Reading Lost Nature Signs
The Ways of Reading Lost Nature Signs
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Tristan Gooley
The Amateur Naturalist
The Amateur Naturalist
Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell's "The Amateur Naturalist" is a captivating memoir recounting his childhood passion for wildlife and his early experiences collecting and caring for animals. The book blends personal anecdotes with insightful observations about the natural world, showcasing Durrell's unique blend of humor and scientific curiosity. His adventures in collecting animals and his later work in establishing wildlife parks are central themes. The book is a celebration of nature and a testament to the importance of conservation. It inspires readers to appreciate the diversity of life and the need to protect endangered species.
Handbook of Nature Study
Helming
Anna Botsford Comstock
First published in 1911, this classic work by Anna Botsford Comstock serves as both a teacher's guide and nature reference, covering plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Organized by species and elements, it includes observational exercises, study questions, and methods for engaging students with the natural world. The book remains a foundational text for homeschoolers and outdoor educators, emphasizing hands-on exploration and scientific curiosity.
James is an artist and wilderness guide from New York. Driven by a desire to make the outdoors accessible to more people, James created Hike and Draw - a platform where he combines art and education to help people connect with nature in a meaningful way.
Listen to hear more about:
The rhythm of the seasons in New York.
How the Scouting movement taught James to thrive in a range of outdoor environments.
How James developed Hike and Draw.
How nature connection can combat loneliness.
The early natural historians that inspire James’ work.
The difference between and expedition and an adventure and how this relates to nature journaling.
How a broken leg led James to nature journaling!
How to be guided by ethics when interacting with nature.
Nature journaling as a tool for conducting scientific research.
Journaling With Nature 
