Safely Enjoying Nature

Nature Journaling for Everyone

Nature journaling is a way to keep a record of what you observe and experience in nature. It is a tool to help you become immersed in your surroundings and remember those experiences. You do not need to be a scientist or an artist to enjoy nature journaling, you just need to be curious.

Every week, we will be posting prompts to help you explore nature from your home, balcony, backyard, or local trail. There’s so much beauty and wonder around us if we take a moment to observe.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Need a little more structure? Print our blank nature journal template or guided nature journal activities below to dive into your nature exploration.

Behavior Bingo

Behavior Observations

Bird Tally

Bug Tally

Colors and Shapes

Nature ABC’s

Nature and Me

Nature Counting

Nature Poem

Nature Stamps

Other Half

Senses

Walking with a Naturalist

Taking a walk or hike along a non-crowded trail is not only good for your physical health, it is essential for our mental well-being, especially in stressful times like these. Join our education staff on their walks and see what they see.
VIDEO - Introduction to iNaturalist & Plant Identification: Poison Oak vs. Blackberry

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Woodland Strawberries

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Pacific Pea

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Mission Bells

VIDEO - Citizen Science: Phenology

VIDEO - Botany: Oak Catkins

VIDEO - Conservation: Introduction to Weeds

VIDEO - Seed Dispersal: Stork’s Bill

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Maidenhair Fern

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Nemophila

VIDEO - Wildlife Spotting: Bumble Bees

VIDEO - Conservation: French Broom

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Purple Needle Grass

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Miner’s Lettuce

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Mugwort

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Lupines

VIDEO - Ecology: Poison Oak Berries

VIDEO - Wildlife Spotting: Banana Slug

VIDEO - Seed Dispersal: Oats

VIDEO - Conservation: #NoToPlastic

VIDEO - Plant Identification: Suncups

Need an ID? We recommend iNaturalist, an excellent identification app that not only can help you name the plants and animals around you, but can also help scientists by collecting data on the distribution and biodiversity in an area. Click here to see how it works.

Check out some of our All Ages activities like Neighborhood Nature Bingo and Nature Collage for more that you can do while exploring nature.