Invasive Species Pencil-Making workshop

Transform invasive plants into art supplies! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how Himalayan blackberry and black locust trees, harvested from local restoration sites, can be turned into charcoal pencils. Learn about the history and ecological impacts of these invasive plants while exploring how materials removed during restoration can be given a new purpose. Stick around after the demo to use the new art supplies for some nature journaling and drawing! Supplies and journal paper will be provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbooks. This workshop will be facilitated partially outdoors, so please dress for the weather. About the Instructor Joshua is a settler from Treaty 2 territory of Scottish, English, and Manitoba Metis ancestry. Since 2021, he has spearheaded the Invasive Art Initiative, a traveling project aiming to re-life and re-story invasive plants pulled from local environmental restoration sites. WHAT: • · Learn about the history and ecological impacts of invasive plants. • Discover how plants can be transformed into charcoal pencils. • Try your handmade charcoal pencils through nature journaling and drawing inspired by the natural world. Register here to avoid fees. The Fraser River Discovery Centre Society is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to bring together the many stories and voices of the Fraser to discover, celebrate, and inspire passionate stewards of the river. Support us by making a donation.