How to keep a nature journal

Nature journal page ©Donna Long

I have been keeping nature journals and sketchbooks for years and have plenty of helpful hints and tips.

I think of nature journals in several different ways. One way is the informal sketched filled nature journal like you see to the right.

There is also the more scientific Grinnell Field Journal System.

Another journal style is the arts-and crafts style nature journal which includes pressed flowers, bark rubbings, and nature printing.

My nature journal is developing into a hybrid of all three.

What can it include?

• It can contain your notes on the cycles of the seasons, patterns in nature, weather and other nature happenings
• It can contain sketches, drawings, and photographs.
• It can contain quotes and poems.
• It can contain scientific inquiry for naturalist field study.
• It can be created by one person, a couple or a family group.

Where can you nature journal?

• You can record the happenings in one spot, like your backyard or garden.
• You can travel on trips to exotic and not so exotic locales, like the local park or nature center.
• You can focus on the dramatic live and death struggles on your rose bush.

Why a nature journal?

Many hometown-based naturalists never traveled out of their local areas. Henry David Thoreau said that he traveled widely in his hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. It is good to know a few spots well.

"Move to a village and make it the center of your world." (author unknown)

By keeping nature notes, I have come to know the land that I live in. I know who lives here and why. And by knowing the hows and whys, I can help the living beings here, survive. My notebooks help me to know, share and protect the land.

I also like to record the interconnectedness of happenings. Scientists call this phenology.

What equipment do I need?

All you really need is a book you are comfortable with. It can be pocket-sized or larger. For pencils or colored pencils, most papers will work. Watercolor pencils, are just like plain colored pencils until you wet them and then you get a beautiful watercolor wash. You’ll need a heavier paper to use them.

If for some reason you can't write, a recording device, can also be used. If this device is able to be downloaded into computer voice recognition software, you thoughts can be printed out.

I have found photocopying a ruler and gluing it on the inside back cover, provides a handy measuring tool.

All of this equipment can be purchased inexpensively from local stores or online art stores like Dick Blick Art Supplies.


I have a list of published nature journals that provide inspiration.

This is the BEST book on nature journaling.

Donna's Journals

Other Journaling Topics

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