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As an artist, art teacher and mom, nature journaling has become one of my favorite ways to document our travels across Arkansas. It’s not just about capturing the beauty of the natural world but also about connecting more deeply with it. My husband, our son George, and I have found that nature journaling enriches our outdoor adventures, turning them into creative, personal experiences that we treasure.
What is Nature Journaling?
Nature journaling can be what you want it to be, but it’s typically a combination of sketches, paintings, notes, and reflections on the natural world. It’s a creative way to document what you see, hear, and feel when you’re outside. For me, it’s like creating a visual diary of our outdoor experiences. I like sketching some of our favorite places and noting things we did and the plants and animals we saw. You don’t need to be an accomplished artist to start nature journaling. The goal is to capture your observations and enjoy the process.
Nature Journaling Supplies
Getting started with nature journaling is simple and doesn’t require a lot of supplies. Here’s a basic list to get you going:
- Journal or Sketchbook: Choose one with good-quality paper that can handle a variety of media. You can buy a big one, or a small one that fits in a hiking pack. Or, you can make a simple handmade one. I like to staple a few sheets of paper inside of a folded upcycled gift bag. The handle makes it easy to carry, and it has a built-in pocket for collecting mementos.
- Pencils and Pens: A few pencils (HB and 2B are good choices) and waterproof pens are essential.
- Watercolors: A small, portable watercolor set adds color to your sketches.
- Brushes: A few water or travel brushes work well for outdoor use.
- Field Guides: Local nature guides that show the flora and fauna of the region you’re journaling in are invaluable. We’ve picked up many guides at State Park visitor centers and Arkansas Game and Fish Nature Centers.
Tips for Nature Journaling
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your nature journaling experience:
- Start Small: Begin with quick sketches and notes. You can always add more detail later.
- Be Observant: Take time to really look at what you’re documenting. Notice the colors, shapes, and patterns.
- Use Field Guides: These are great for identifying plants and animals you encounter. They also provide interesting information that you can include in your journal.
- Experiment with Media: Don’t be afraid to try different materials and techniques. Watercolors, colored pencils, and even collages can add variety to your pages.
- Write Reflections: Jot down your thoughts, feelings, and observations. This can turn your journal into a more personal and meaningful record.
- Document Date and Location: I always try to include the date and location of my journal entry.
What Goes is a Nature Journal
There really is no right or wrong way to make a nature journal. My journals include a mixture of drawings, small watercolor paintings and notes about weather, observations, or simply how the day made me feel. Here are a few quick activities to get you started:
- Zoom – Select a small nature object and draw a life-sized view, a zoomed-in view and a zoomed-out view.
- Sound Map – Take a few moments to listen to the world around you. Sketch or note the sounds you hear (birds, bugs, wind, planes, cars, people, etc.) around you.
- Snapshot – Instead of taking a photo, capture the location on paper.
- Poetry – Write a simple poem about the natural world. Note what you see, what you wonder and things you are reminded of.
- Diagram – Use your nature journal as an opportunity to learn more about nature. Sketch and object (such as a tree or a flower) and label the parts, perhaps even learning their scientific names.
Nature Journaling Workshops
If you’re looking to dive deeper into nature journaling, workshops can be incredibly beneficial. Last summer, my husband and I took a nature journaling workshop with Rob Beadel through Project Learning Tree at the Little Rock Audubon Center. It was a fantastic experience that allowed us to explore the trails at the center and get hands-on instruction. Our son George even got involved, making it a fun family activity. Rob Beadle says,
Anyone can take up the hobby of nature journaling. No artistic ability is required; just a desire to connect with the natural world around you. There is no right or wrong way to do it, just get outside and put your thoughts, observations, and connections on paper.
Project Learning Tree classes are geared toward students and educators, but nature journaling workshops are regularly offered at many Arkansas State Parks. These workshops are great for beginners and seasoned journalers alike, providing tips, techniques, and inspiration to enhance your journaling practice. You can find upcoming sessions here.
You can also find nature journaling workshops at Arkansas Game and Fish Nature Centers and public libraries across Arkansas.
Nature Journaling is for Everyone
One of the things I love most about nature journaling is that it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of art ability. It’s about the process of observation and documentation, not about creating perfect art. Whether you consider yourself an artist or you’re someone who hasn’t picked up a pencil since childhood, nature journaling can be a rewarding and fulfilling activity.
Nature journaling has become a cherished part of our family’s outdoor adventures in Arkansas. It’s a creative and personal way to connect with nature, capture memories, and explore our artistic side. With just a few supplies and an open mind, anyone can start nature journaling and discover the joys of documenting the natural world.
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