How to Keep a Nature Journal

Learn how to document the sights, sounds, and wonders of the natural world in your very own nature journal. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Pick your spot. Find a place where you can sit quietly for a few minutes. It could be your backyard, a local park, or even just looking out your window at a tree.
2. Record the basics. At the top of your page, write the date, the time, and what the weather is like. Is it sunny, cloudy, or windy? This helps you see how nature changes over time.
3. Observe and draw. Look closely at one thing, like a flower, a rock, or a bug. Try to draw it in your journal. Don't worry about making it look perfect; the goal is to show what you see.
4. Add your notes. Write down a few words about what you found. What color is it? Does it make a sound? Does it have a smell? If you don't know the name of what you found, you can write a description and ask a grown-up to help you identify it later.