Nature Journaling Meetup at the Albany Bulb

Come nature journal at the urban wilds of Albany Bulb! This bayside park has a wide variety of flora and fauna…native plants, birds in the estuary, trees, a small beach, views of the bay over to SF and Marin. There’s also interesting emergent artwork, small paths, a CA native garden, and even some tide-dwelling beings for folks who are more on the daring side.

Bring your own journaling supplies and spend the afternoon discovering the fascinating ecology of the Bulb while practicing your nature journaling skills!

The session will be led by Kate Rutter, an avid nature journaler, urban naturalist, educator, and native plant enthusiast who enlivens nature-human connection through sketching, observation, and curiosity. Kate is a Certified California Naturalist, a board member of the Wild Wonder Foundation, has illustrated three books, and holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Wellesley College. Kate will be available to provide guidance and answer any questions about your nature journaling practice.

This event is FREE, and we recommend a donation of $5-20 if you can.

We will be holding these meetups quarterly. If you can't make this one, our next meetup with be in August (keep an eye out on our website for updates).

We will meet at Carlo Ferretti’s Cove, a mini-amphitheater about a 1-minute walk west of the bathrooms at the Albany Waterfront Trail parking lot. Google maps location is approximately 1 Buchanan Street.

By bicycle: Bicycling to the Bulb is easy! There are plenty of bike racks at a highly visible location next to the bathroom at the parking lot, as well as fully enclosed Bikelink lockers (you must sign up for Bikelink in advance). The Bay Trail connects to the meeting point from the north and south. From the east, take the separated bike path on the south side of Buchanan Street, then the separated bike/ped path on the bridge that starts at the northwest corner of Pierce St. and Buchanan Street. At the western end of the bridge, don’t take the first crosswalk, which crosses the freeway onramp. Instead, loop around to the right and make a hairpin left turn at the bottom of the slope to head west under the freeway to join the Bay Trail.

Lyft/Uber: the address of the dropoff/meeting point is 1 Buchanan St., Albany CA 94710. Do NOT let your driver use Waze to navigate or try to approach from Gilman Street.

By public transit/foot: The meeting spot at 1 Buchanan St. is a 30 minute walk from bus lines on San Pablo Ave. and there is a safe bike/pedestrian path under the freeway.

Street parking: There is free parking at the Albany Bulb, but please note that most spots are limited to 2 hours and the limit is enforced with tickets. We strongly encourage walking or biking to the Bulb. Additional parking can be found under the freeway, and in adjacent neighborhoods east of the freeway. There is a safe pedestrian/bike path under the freeway. You can park in the neighborhood near the intersection of Pierce Street and Buchanan Street east of the freeway then take the pedestrian/bicycle path that starts at the northwest corner of Pierce Street and Buchanan Street.

Near the parking lot there is a vault toilet but no drinking water. We'll provide some snacks, but please bring your own water or other beverage.

The Bulb can be cool and windy, so wear layers. Wear a hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring sunscreen and water.

Love the Bulb is a community-based organization that builds community and supports art and nature by celebrating and protecting a unique outdoor space in Albany for the human imagination. We present playful art, environmental education and stewardship events at the Albany Bulb that celebrate its unique place in the Bay Area art and natural ecosystems. We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the creative spirit of the Bulb as an inclusive, diverse and participatory public commons – artistic, cultural, and environmental – through stewardship, programming, and advocacy.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Albany Bulb, 1 Buchanan Street, Albany, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App