How to Start a Nature Collection

Learn how to gather, identify, and display natural treasures you find while exploring the outdoors. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Pick your spots. Decide where you want to explore. A local park, your backyard, or a nature trail are all great places to start. Make sure to ask a grown-up to come along with you.
2. Look but don't disturb. When you find something cool, look at it closely with your magnifying glass. Only collect items that have already fallen to the ground, like dry leaves or loose stones. Leave living things like flowers or bugs where they are so they can keep growing.
3. Record your findings. Before you put an item in your bag, draw a picture of it in your notebook or take a photo. Write down where you found it and what the weather was like that day.
4. Sort and display. Once you get home, use your egg carton to sort your treasures by color, shape, or type. You can label each section of the carton so you remember exactly what you found.