Recharge your creativity at our two-night Creative Nature Retreat at the Campsite at Shield Ranch. All adults are welcome, and no artistic experience is needed for this restorative retreat, which combines the tranquility of nature with the inspiration of creative expression in a supportive community environment.
WHEN: Fri.-Sun., Oct. 23-25, 2026; noon to 2 pm (2-night stay)
WHERE: Campsite at Shield Ranch, 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd., Austin, TX 78738
Deadline and Rates
Early bird registration is from March 30 to June 1, 2026
Cost: $625 per person (includes all programming, supplies, meals, snacks, and two nights shared accommodations for three with option to request roommate/s). Early bird registration receives $100 off. Early bird savings cannot be combined with other discounts or scholarships.
Use code: EARLYBIRD26.
Scholarship Cost: $425 per person. A limited number of scholarship registrations are available on a first-come, first-served basis to increase access for individuals who may face barriers to participation. Thank you to our Shield Ranch Foundation supporters.
Use code: SCHOLARSHIP26.
Registration Schedule: Wild for Good Circle supporters receive priority registration on Tues., March 30. Registration opens to the general public on Fri., April 3. Deadline to register is Tues., Oct. 13.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that registration for the Creative Nature Retreat is non-refundable. However, if you’re unable to attend, your ticket is transferable to another participant.
About Our Creative Program
Creative Nature Retreat is led by creative coach Natalie Davis, and Shield Ranch program director Justine Kies. All skill levels are welcome—no artistic experience needed. Creativity lives in everyone, and time in nature helps tap into that potential. Retreat participants may choose from the following experiences, with free time available.
Experiences
Collaborative Nature Art
Intended to spark creativity, curiosity, and connection by creating individual and community ephemeral art projects using found natural materials throughout the weekend.
Guided Birding
Over 200 species of birds make their homes or migrate through Shield Ranch. Sharpen your awareness to catch sight and listen to the birds around you with an experienced birding guide.
Herbal Happy Hour
Learn to craft herbal tinctures and shrubs using botanicals that boost our mood and excite our taste buds. Led by herbalist Lauren Peterson of White Deer Apothecary, sample several local Texas herbs, learn techniques to inspire you to create your own tonics, and take home recipes.
Landscape Contour Drawing
Natalie Davis will invite mindful observation of Shield Ranch’s landscape with a pen or pencil in hand that awakens creative expression and sharpens your ability to notice your natural surroundings.
Plant Wisdom Walk
This guided walk combines the tradition of Mexican herbalism and connection to local plants. Plant educator and herbalist Jesus Garcia of the Herbal Action Project will introduce specific plants and talk about how plants heal us and connect us to the natural world.
Self-guided Resources
Your facilitators will offer self-guided prompts for exploration, inspiration, and reflection throughout the retreat. The Book Nook lending library is available with books about the local ecosystem, mindfulness, poetry, environmental movements, nature art, field guides, and more.
Stargazing with Telescopes
Explore the night sky through telescopes at the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas. Lay back and gaze up at the night’s constellations and look through the telescope guided by a night sky educator to see specific stars, planets, and more.
Sun Prints
The botanical world offers an endless array of inspiring shapes, silhouettes, and details. Creating a cyanotype or sun print with local herbalist Lauren Peterson of White Deer Apothecary is a chance to slow down your observation and revel in the visual beauty of plants.
UV Night Walk
This guided UV night walk offers a unique and captivating perspective on the natural world. Look for mushrooms, night pollinators, birds, glowing plants, lichens, and more with an educator from Central Texas Mycological Society.
Watercolor in the Wild
Let go of creative outcomes with Natalie Davis, who encourages experimentation with watercolor outdoors with an emphasis on exploration. Participants may enjoy adding watercolor to their contour drawings, botanical sketches, or sun prints.
Wildlife Screen Printing
Bring your own T-shirt, tote, or bandana to screen print original art of creatures who live on Shield Ranch, illustrated by Jules Buck Jones.
Yoga & Sound Bath
In our open-air pavilion overlooking the meadow and trees, recharge on your yoga mat with a gentle yoga session for all levels and relax with a meditative sound bath led by an experienced practitioner using chimes and sound bowls.
Schedule at a Glance
| Friday, Oct. 23 | Saturday, Oct. 24 | Sunday, Oct. 25 |
| Yoga & sound bath // Free time | Guided birding // Free time | |
| Breakfast | Breakfast | |
| Free time | Free time | |
| Plant wisdom walk with Jesus // Landscape contour drawing with Natalie // Free time | Watercolor in the wild with Natalie | |
| Arrival | Free time // Packing | |
| Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| Settle in at your own pace | Sun prints with Lauren // Botanical sketching with Emma // Free time | Closing ceremony |
| Community intro, orientation walk & collaborative nature art | Loading & departure | |
| Free time | Wildlife screen printing // Free time | |
| Herbal happy hour with Lauren // Free time | ||
| Dinner | Dinner | |
| Sunset guided hike // Free time | UV night walk // Stargazing with telescopes // Free time |
Meals
Our dedicated Campsite Chef Addie makes every effort to source local, sustainable, seasonal ingredients from local farms. Fresh, delicious meals will be prepared daily during your stay. Our kitchen can accommodate most dietary needs and preferences including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
Lodging & Facilities
Come experience the award-winning, SITES Gold-certified Campsite at Shield Ranch—an off-grid, sustainably built facility just 22 miles from downtown Austin. Designed by Andersson / Wise, who received an AIA Austin Design Award of Excellence for the project, the Campsite offers an immersive connection to the natural world. Screened sleeping shelters feature natural air flow, solar-powered ceiling fans, and movable wooden panels for added comfort and protection. ADA-accessible shelters are available upon request. Guests can enjoy a lending library in the Pavilion and scenic trails. Showers and restrooms are located a short walk from the shelters.
About Shield Ranch: Shield Ranch is a 6,600-acre protected wildland and historic district comprising 10% of the Barton Creek watershed. The Ranch is sustainably managed for the benefit of people and nature. It is the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas designated by DarkSky International and a recipient of the Quiet Conservation Area Award from Quiet Parks International.
Please review our recommended packing list to help prepare for your stay.
About Our Facilitators
Natalie Davis
Natalie Davis is an intuitive leadership coach and creative professional with 20+ years in the design industry and 8 years as an executive coach. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Design|Media Arts from UCLA and her Master of Fine Arts in 2-D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. As a first-generation Arab-American, handmade goods and traditional artistry have always been a part of her life. Through Canoe, she continues to explore the ornate textiles, furniture, and objects of her youth through the tactile practice of ceramics and leatherworking. She enjoys supporting others through workshops, executive coaching, and speaking engagements.
Justine Kies
As Shield Ranch Foundation program director, Justine Kies facilitates groups’ goals and implements nature immersion programs at the Campsite. Since 2016, her boots have been walking along the trails of Shield Ranch Barton Creek with youth and adults connecting them to the beauty and significance of the land. She has led seven Camp El Ranchito seasons, five as camp director. In January 2020, Justine trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy as a certified forest bathing guide.
Contact
For more information about the Creative Nature Retreat, contact Justine Kies.
