What is
Nature Journaling?
Nature Journaling is the creative practice of recording thoughts and observations of the natural world using a combination of words, pictures and numbers.
It all begins with stepping outside with paper, a pen or a pencil, and an open mind.
Journaling Prompts To Get You Started
I NOTICE… I WONDER… IT REMINDS ME OF…
I notice: We can use all of our senses to notice the world around us. Sight, hearing, touch, smell, and even taste (when safe). We can document these observations in our journals using sketches, colors, diagrams, labels, notes, poems, stories, graphs, and more. We can also pay attention to our own inner experience, our emotions, and stay connected to the present moment.
I wonder: Being curious means accepting that we don’t know everything, and embracing the fact that there’s always so much more to learn and discover. Asking questions is one of the ways to train our curiosity and create a deeper connection with the places where we nature journal.
It reminds me of…: We can connect our present moment with past experiences and memories, things we’ve learned, and stories we’ve been told. We can build connections based on shapes, colors, and patterns, and movement. Doing this can be playful and creative, but also help us see and remember things we might have missed otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nature journal if I don’t know how to draw, or know much about nature?
Be brave and try anyway! You learn by trying, and if you join a meetup, we’d be happy to teach you some tricks to get you started.
Nature Journaling is about connecting with nature. The act of recording your observations helps you slow down and deeply observe what’s around you. You choose whether that means writing, drawing, measuring, or some combination of techniques. There’s no need to worry about the end product. No one is grading you or judging you.
You also don’t need to worry about being able to identify the plants and animals that you see. That’s a skill that comes with time and familiarity. You can observe a bird just fine without knowing what kind it is! (But if you’re still curious, check out our posts with links to field guides)
The most important thing is to be curious and kind — to others, to yourself, and to the world around you.
What’s a normal workshop or meet-up involve?
The day includes a mix of instruction, prompts, independent journaling time, and (optional) group sharing.
Every gathering is flexible, and based on the experiences and situations of the day and the interests of the group. Ultimately, the land is the best teacher, and remaining open to what can be learned in the moment is the most important lesson.
What supplies do I need?
You don’t need to buy expensive supplies, but having dedicated items for journaling will make it easier and more special each time you go.
Basically, you need to be prepared for the weather, you need a journal (or something to write on), and you need something to write with. If you’d like more detailed recommendations, read the supplies post.
Learn more about nature journaling in the Learn section of this site
and on the Wild Wonder Foundation website.
Do you want to teach others how to nature journal?
Wonderful! Check out our new page on this website for teachers:
If you’re interested in hosting meet-ups in your own community, email info@katerighter.com for support, and to get your events listed on this site. The more the merrier!