Keeping a Garden Journal

There's so much to see outside! One of the first lessons that Mary learns is that even in winter there is life everywhere. One way to help notice the world around us is to keep a nature journal. Many may feel that they need to be talented artists in order to properly keep a record of the outside world, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. All that's needed is an inquisitive mind and a love for nature! Let's look at some examples of nature journals for ideas.

This journal has drawings and writing in it. Many nature journals are a mix of the two.

This journal uses photographs instead of drawings. That's fine! You should use a method that will make things easier for you to remember.

This journal has more drawings than writing. Sometimes people have a hard time putting thoughts into words. Drawing is a great way of expressing your thoughts!

Now that we've seen some examples, let's talk about some places you can go to write about and some things to look for:

Your own backyard! - Many animals live there and call it home. Even in winter there are birds and other animals that may reside there. With your parents help you can look online for instructions on how to make a bird feeder,  and soon you'll have plenty to see. Also look at the trees that may be in the neighborhood. Do you know what type of trees they are? How long have they been there? If your parents or a neighbor have cut down a tree in the neighborhood, you can look to see how old it is by counting the rings. 

 

Out in Nature! - There are many animals in the wilderness and any time of the year you can find them. Looking in the mountains, in deserts, or near water will give you very different results.  What type of trees do you see? Some trees keep their leaves all year long and others don't, why do you think that is? Are there any animal tracks? What is the weather like? 

Zoo! - if you dont have a backyard, or can't go to the great outdoors, many cities still have places you can go to learn about nature. Zoos will let you come really close to animals that would never be here normally, and often you can look at them in a habitat similar to their own. 

Things to keep in mind when you go explore:

• Don't go alone! Make sure a parent is with you.
• Keep still! Many times animals don't want to be seen because they're scared. If you are quiet and still, you'll see more.
• Respect your surroundings! Always make sure you leave a place cleaner than you found it. Clean up garbage you brought, and if you have time, clean up garbage you may find others left before you.