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Nature Journal

When you’re outside, do you look around and notice what’s around you? If you don’t, this could be a great time to learn to observe the different living things around you and start keeping track of what you see! You could log the birds, animals or the trees you see, or you could even track all three!

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Plan

  • Is there a local expert who may be able to help you learn to identify the things you see? What other resources may be helpful?
  • What gear will you need?
  • Where will you go? How will you get there?
  • What kind of journal do you want to keep? Why not have your style of journal complement some of your other passions: photography, writing, sketching, painting, blogging, etc.

Do

  • Get outside and start keeping track of the things you see! You could write names, make sketches or take photos.
  • If you see things that you cannot identify, try to take a photo or write down a description of what you saw so that you can identify it later using a guidebook.

Review

  • What do you know now that you did not know before?
  • What were some of the highlights of this adventure?
  • What challenges did you face?
  • Will you continue to explore this interest? Why or why not?
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map to the Review section.

Keep it Simple

  • A plant journal might be the easiest way to start off, since plants can’t hide from you! See how many trees, shrubs and flowers you can spot during a hike or camp.

Take it Further

  • Learning is fun... but learning outside is even better! Explore Take Me Outside for more ideas on getting outdoors and learning about the wonderful nature and wildlife that surrounds us! Encourage your friends, family, school peers, and community members to get outside and explore, too!