Nature Journaling #159: Fall Plants Going to Seed

Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world.

Want to create a nature journal with your child? Grab some paper and a pencil, step out the front door and use the prompt below. We’ll publish a new prompt daily, so be sure to check back here for more!

The leaves of a sugar maple turning red in fall.
The leaves of a sugar maple (Acer saccharum) turning red in fall, where they will soon go to seed. Photo courtesy Steffen Foerster/Shutterstock.com

Today’s Prompt: Fall Plants Going to Seed

Take a walk outside and find a plant that has gone to seed. What does it look like? Smell like? Is there one seed or many? Observe the plant for a few minutes. Does anything come to it? Did any animal eat a seed?

Are the plants that have gone to seed in fall different than the plants that went to seed in spring? What about the plants that went to seed in summer?

A Few Tips for Success:

  • Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
  • Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
  • Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
  • Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.

Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.


Amy Roell
Director of Education & Events