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. 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: Weaving Your Own Nest

Spend time looking for nests on your walk today. Look for evidence of a nest on the ground, in the bushes and in trees. If you find one (or more), can you tell what they are made of?

As you walk, collect small sticks, blades of grass and other natural items that you think you could weave into a nest. Do not take items that critters are using as a home. When you get back home, try your hand at crafting a nest. See if you can weave the materials together to make your own small nest.

Write about what you saw on your walk today and about your experience trying to make a nest.

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.