Have you ever kept a journal—a book where you write down what you do and how you feel each day? Here’s another idea: Keep a nature journal! You can use your special notebook to keep track of what you see, hear, think, and feel when you’re outside in nature.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Notebook
A notebook with lined pages is best for writing neatly. But a book with blank pages is better for sketching. Either way, choose a notebook that’s easy to carry around in a pocket or backpack.

• Pen or pencil
You can use the same pen or pencil for writing and sketching, then add color later, if you like.

GET STARTED

• Go outside.
You don’t need to hike deep into the woods—there’s nature to be found everywhere! Sit on your porch or walk to a local park.

• Ask yourself questions.
What sounds do you hear? What do you smell? Can you see any animals? If so, what kind and what are they doing? With words or drawings, answer these—or other—questions in your nature journal.

• Show and tell.
When you draw an animal or plant, pay attention to the details. Does a bird you see have stripes on its wings or spots on its head? How many petals are on a flower you might find? And how are the leaves arranged on that plant you see? Be sure to take note of size and color, and write down when and where you saw the plant or animal.

• Tape or glue stuff in.
Take photos with a phone or camera, print them out, and glue them into your journal. You can also tape in natural things you find, such as leaves or seeds.

• Look it up.
Not sure about everything you saw outside? When you get back home, the detective work begins. Your job will be easier if you have a field guide for your area, but you can also find a lot of good information online. Some phone apps will identify plants or animals from the photos you take. (Doublecheck what your phone tells you, though—those IDs aren’t always correct.)

What if you can’t find the name of something? That’s OK, because you’ll learn what parts of the plant or animal to look at more carefully the next time you see it. You can have a lot of fun keeping a nature journal. Why don’t YOU give it a try?