A nature journal is a notebook or sketchbook that you record your observations and thoughts in when you are in nature. Find a natural place outside to explore. Sit quietly and let all your senses awaken to the world around you. Imagine that you are experiencing this environment for the first time and record in words and pictures what you see, hear, smell and feel. You can write a poem or describe in detail a single plant. If questions pop into your head write them down, too. Notice the similarities and the differences between things. Imagine how all the living things around you, from the worm deep beneath the ground to the tree that reaches many feet into the sky, are connected. Think about how each one affects you, and how you affect them.
Make your own Nature Journal from recycled items from around the house!
You’ll need:
– Scrap paper that is all the same size
– A piece of colored paper or any paper you would like to use as a cover
– A stick about 7 or 8 inches long
– A rubber band that is long enough to stretch the length of the stick
– A hole punch
1) Place one piece of paper blank side up on top of another piece with the blank side facing down
2) Glue, staple or tape the two pieces together. Repeat this a few more times until you have a nice stack of paper.
3) Gather all the paper together in a pile with the colored cover piece on top. Fold the papers in half.
4) Use the hole punch to punch two holes 1/4” from the folded edge and 1 1/2” from the top and bottom.
5) Through the back of the book, thread one end of the rubber band through the top hole and insert the stick into the loop.
6) Thread the other end of the rubber band through the bottom hole and insert the stick into the loop.
Tip: You can attach a plastic ziplock bag to the back of your journal to collect things you find while exploring.
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