The Nature JournalKeeping a nature journal or naturalist's notebook can be a wonderful hobby. For writers, it is useful for generating materials for ideas and first drafts. Observations can find their way into natural history essays and other writing. It is a satisfying way to get to know and understand the land that you live in. My notebooks help me to know, share, live respectfully and protect the land. Many hometown naturalists rarely traveled out of their local areas. One of my favorite quotes is "Run away to a village and make it the center of your world." (author unknown) Henry David Thoreau said that he traveled widely in his hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. Most of his essays focus on his local area and a few special excursions to other places.Themes and StylesThe naturalist's notebook provides a writer with on location observations, impressions, phenology, drawings, photos and invaluable source material for later use. It can follow one or more themes.
A naturalist's notebook is not meant to be private but is often shared with others. Keeping a separate personal diary where you can record your private thoughts and feelings solves the privacy issue. You may want to use:
Thoreau threw everything into his one journal. Getting StartedKeeping a naturalists notebook is very simple. Very few items are needed to keep a naturalist's notebook. But if you are particular about paper like me, finding the right style blank book can become a part-time job. I have narrowed my equipment down to a few simple items based on my experience.If you are new to keeping a naturalist notebook, you may wonder what to write about. Not to worry. Connecting with Nature has extensive lists of writing prompts to get you started or spark new and fresh ideas. There is also a gallery of some of my nature journals available if you would like to see them.
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