Meet Marmot
Meet the smallest member of the team.
Marmots are naturally curious. They spend their days basking on warm rocks, nibbling wildflowers, keeping watch over their surroundings, and announcing exciting discoveries with a whistle. They remind us that a good day outdoors doesn't have to be filled with grand adventures. Sometimes it's enough to find a sunny spot, enjoy a snack, and notice the little things.
That's the spirit behind The Marmot Deck.
Every card is an invitation to slow down, play, and discover the small stories unfolding all around you. We hope you'll leave every walk a little more curious, a little more connected, and looking forward to the next one.
P.S. Marmot strongly recommends stopping for flowers.
Meet Jillian
Author and Illustrator, Jillian Roper
Hi, I'm Jillian.
I've always been more interested in the things people walk past than the things they come to see. Those quiet moments of curiosity have shaped my artwork for years and eventually led to the creation of The Marmot Deck.
As an artist and educator, I've spent countless hours exploring parks, sketching wildlife, and sharing creative experiences with people of all ages. Along the way, I've realized that the most memorable discoveries are rarely the ones we set out to find. They're the feather tucked beside the trail, the marmot perched on a sunny rock, or the question that changes the way we see a familiar place.
The Marmot Deck grew from a simple idea: what if a walk wasn't about getting somewhere, but about paying attention along the way?
Rather than teaching facts or sending you on a scavenger hunt, these cards invite you to notice, imagine, create, and connect. My hope is that they help you build a deeper relationship with the places you explore and the wild neighbors who share them with us.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll take a card, take a walk, and find something worth stopping for.
Why this Deck?
Notice What You Would Normally Miss
The smallest discoveries are often the ones we remember most. A feather beside the trail. A flower pushing through the sidewalk. A marmot warming itself on a sunny rock. Every card is an invitation to pause long enough to notice.
Imagine a Different Perspective
What would the forest sound like if you were a bird? Which animal would be the pickiest restaurant customer? The Marmot Deck uses play and imagination to help us see familiar places in unexpected ways.
Build a Relationship with Place
The goal isn't to collect facts or complete a checklist. It's to leave knowing a place a little better than when you arrived—and wanting to come back.