Keeping a nature journal is one of the best ways to develop a long-lasting and deep connection to the natural world. What is a nature journal, you may ask? It’s exactly what it sounds like, a journal documenting your observations and interactions with nature!
Nature journaling is for everyone, from toddlers to adults, and can be a practice that involves the whole family. There’s no one way to keep a nature journal, and you don’t need to be a “good” artist to start one.
Glueing nature items into a journal can be good for toddlers.
Nature journals are all about curiosity. What are you curious about? What was something you saw in nature that made you say “woah!”? Nature journals help you keep track of all those woah moments.
Use words, pictures, and numbers to describe what you observe outdoors.
Want to try it out? Try making a Moon Journal with your family this month. It’s like a special nighttime edition of a nature journal!
How to Start:
- Bring your kids outside at night. Find a comfortable spot to sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Ask them what they notice about the neighborhood at night.
- Can you see any stars?
- What does the moon look like tonight?
- What can you hear? Any animals?
- Do you see any insects you don’t see during the day?
- Spend a few minutes drawing and writing down your observations.
- Do it again in a few days to see what has changed!
This is an activity that can be done anywhere! The Garden invites you to try it with us at our spring edition of Flashlight Nights. Grab a free nature journal and start your observations of the moon right here at Desert Botanical Garden. Join us for a nighttime adventure in the desert!
