Join artist and educator John Muir Laws for a morning of nature journaling at the Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. The event will be focused on Sierra birds and includes both instructional time and individual journaling time. No experience required, all artist levels welcome!
What to bring:
Art Supplies: A notebook or journal, graphite pencils, colored pencils, clipboard, and any other preferred art materials
water bottle and sun protection, warm layers (we may be outside depending on weather), and wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes
What to expect: We will focus our journaling and instruction on Sierra Birds, working in a small group with John Muir Laws in a live journaling setting! $40/PP
Celebrate the publication of The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds by award-winning author, artist, and educator John Muir Laws with a talk, reception, and book signing—Saturday, November 16, from 2:30pm to 4pm.
John Muir Laws (also known as Jack) is an award-winning author, educator, artist, scientist, educator, and a principal leader in the worldwide nature journaling movement. He helps people forge a deeper and more personal connection with nature through keeping illustrated nature journals and understanding science. His work intersects science, art, and mindfulness.
Jack is the co-founder and president of the Wild Wonder Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community.
Jack is the author and illustrator of several books including The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (also available in Spanish), The Laws Sketchbook, The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds, Sierra Wildflowers: A Hiker’s Guide, and The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada. He is co-author with Emilie Lygren of How to Teach Nature Journaling. Check out more at JohnMuirLaws.com
A new Nature Center and Preserve headquarters is planned where visitors and locals alike can experience the wonders of Sierra Valley and deepen our understanding of the natural world and our place in it.
Monday, November 18, at 6:00 PM in Room 4 at the District Office
Dear Families,
Assembly Bill 101 of 2021 mandates that all high schools in California have an Ethnic Studies course in place by 2025-26 and adds this course as a high school graduation requirement starting with the class of 2030 and beyond. Join us for an evening to learn more about the course, what it is, what it is not, and our timeline and plan for rolling it out. Food and childcare will be provided, so please RSVP to ssnider@spjusd.org or 530-993-1660 ext.100 with your name and how many will be attending.
Tuesday, November 19, at 6:00 PM in the Main Building at Downieville School
Dear Families,
Assembly Bill 101 of 2021 mandates that all high schools in California have an Ethnic Studies course in place by 2025-26 and adds this course as a high school graduation requirement starting with the class of 2030 and beyond. Join us for an evening to learn more about the course, what it is, what it is not, and our timeline and plan for rolling it out. Food and childcare will be provided, so please RSVP to ssnider@spjusd.org or 530-993-1660 ext.100 with your name and how many will be attending.
Annual Quincy Turkey Trot offers Thanksgiving fun for the whole community
Proceeds to benefit the Fire Safe Council in honor of the late Ryan Tompkins
The sixth annual Turkey Trot will take place Thanksgiving day, November 28 at Feather River College in Quincy, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Runners can choose between three events: a competitive timed 5k race; the “pack test,” in which participants complete the course with a 45 lb pack; and the dog- and stroller-friendly “chill” version families can enjoy at their own pace. Prizes will be offered in every category, and snacks will be available.
“The Turkey Trot is a fun way to take a break from cooking, get out of the house, and enjoy fitness and being outside, together with our wonderful community,” said organizer Alie Randall-Hillar, of Lost Sierra Circuit. “It’s also a great way to give back to the people and organizations who serve our community all year long.”
Registration is $25 for teens and adults, and free for children 12 and under. Proceeds will go to benefit Plumas Fire Safe Council in Ryan Tomkins’ name, at his family’s request. Tomkins passed away earlier this year while receiving treatment for cancer. He is remembered as a dedicated forester and a passionate advocate for healthy forests, including through his work as a UC Cooperative Extension natural resources advisor for Plumas, Sierra and Lassen counties, as a volunteer with the Fire Safe Council, and as the driving force behind Quincy’s Firewise community status. Friends describe him as “gentle, kind and hilarious.” The pack test event is new to the program this year, in acknowledgement of Tompkins’ work in wildfire safety—a similar timed pack test being part of the certification process for wildland firefighters.
The event typically sees about 50 entrants. Organizers are hoping for an even better turn out this year.
“Our goal is to bring everyone together to enjoy the environment and each other, and on Thanksgiving, to express our gratitude for this community that we’re all part of,” said Randall-Hillar. “We can’t wait to see you there.”
