June 2026
What does it mean to truly notice the world around us?
For naturalist, educator, and nature journaler John Muir Laws—known to many simply as Jack—careful observation is more than a skill. It's a way of building curiosity, deepening understanding, and strengthening our connection to the natural world.
In this episode of The World We Want, host Gerry Ellis explores Jack's commitment to helping people learn through direct experience. Through nature journaling, drawing, questioning, and close observation, Jack has inspired educators, students, scientists, artists, and lifelong learners to slow down and engage more deeply with the living communities around them.The conversation explores how observation strengthens learning, why curiosity is a critical part of environmental education, and how paying attention can transform our relationship with nature.
Together they discuss:
- Nature journaling as a tool for learning and discovery
- Observation, curiosity, and scientific inquiry
- The relationship between art and science
- Environmental education through direct experience
- Building stronger connections to place and nature
- Why attention is one of the foundations of care
At its heart, this conversation asks a simple but powerful question: What might change if we learned to see the natural world more carefully?
Resources for Educators
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (also available in Spanish)
The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling
The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds
How to Teach Nature Journaling
"Inspiring Curiosity and Critical Thinking Through Nature Journaling" (eeWEBINAR)
About the Guest Speaker: John "Jack" Muir Laws
John Muir Laws (aka Jack) is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement and the co-founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation. An award-winning naturalist, artist, scientist, and educator, Jack has dedicated four decades of his life to connecting people to nature through art and science. From an early age, his parents instilled in him a deep love and respect for nature. Over the years, that love has grown to a commitment to stewardship, nature conservation, and a passion to share the delight of exploring nature with others. As a writer, scientist, and artist, Jack has developed numerous interdisciplinary educational programs that train students to observe with rigor and develop intentional curiosity. He is the author and illustrator of several books including The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (also available in Spanish), The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling, The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds. He is co-author with Emilie Lygren of How to Teach Nature Journaling. Jack earned a BS in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, a MS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, and a certificate in Science Communication from UC Santa Cruz. Learn more about John Muir Laws here.
Wild Wonder Foundation
https://www.wildwonder.org/
Founded in 2022, the Wild Wonder Foundation is dedicated to encouraging nature connection and conservation through attention, curiosity, art, science, and community. Join the global nature journaling community!
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About The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast
Imagine a world where communities thrive, curiosity sparks change, and hope fuels action. Welcome to The World We Want, the NAAEE podcast that's bringing a better future to life, one inspiring story at a time. Join us as we chat with people across continents and cultures who care about education and the environment—the trailblazers, visionary leaders, and everyday heroes making a difference. Season two of The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast is produced by NAAEE, in partnership with GLOBIO, and funded by ee360+.
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