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.

Join us in keeping a nature journal throughout 2021. This is your journal – something to help you connect to the natural world around you and make discoveries along the way.

If the weather is too awful to go outside for your nature observation, take a peak out a window from the comfort of inside your home! If you do venture outside, you may want to take a small pocket notebook to make notes or quick sketches to work further with them when you get back inside. Also, use a pencil – ink in a pen could freeze if it is too cold! Any notebook will work for your journal.

Today’s Prompt: New Inventions From Nature

In celebration of National Inventors Day, here is just a small list of things we now have that were inspired by nature or that nature had first.

• Velcro – Plants like bedstraw and burdock have seeds that stick to fur and clothing.
• Sonar – Some animals like dolphins and bats send out sound waves to be able to tell what their surroundings are. In the early 1900s, scientists studied sonar and were able to harness that ability to assist humans.
• Flight – Scientists have studied birds and insects to learn the different facets of flight. Humans have utilized flight to build airplanes and helicopters.

On a walk today, look for something that an animal or plant has. (Remember, if it’s too cold to go outside for your nature observation, take a peak out a window!) Think of something that nature has that humans don’t. What could you build or create to help people that was inspired by nature?

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.