Nature journaling is your path into exploration of the natural world around you, and into your personal connection with it. How you use your journal is entirely up to you. You can be as involved as your interest.

You won’t find the world journaling in the dictionary. It is a word we created as an action form of the noun journal. Simply put, nature journaling is the regular recording of observations, perceptions and feelings about the natural world around you.

Go find a piece of paper; it doesn’t matter what type or size. Find any pencil, marker, or drawing tool. Now gather up your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: “What is happening outdoors, this particular season, this time of day, and in this particular place where I live?”

Draw a cloud, a bird flying by, a tree branch, ivy vines on a building wall, a potted plant, or a garden flower. Don’t judge your drawing. You are not an artist yet. You are a scientist, simply recording what you see, in this moment in time.

Be very quiet, be very still. Slow your breathing and think only “bud,” “plant,” “bird.” After one minute or less, no more, write what you drew and go on to the next sighting, keeping it relevant to season, time of day, and place.

You have begun nature journaling.

Some people prefer to record in written prose or poetry, some do it through drawing or painting, others with photographs or tape recordings, and still others through musical notation. Others like to incorporate the writings and thoughts of others to stimulate their own journaling. Many people use all or a combination of these techniques.

People have entered lists of birds seen at certain hours. Some count insects in a square yard of field and record their findings. Others keep moon-phase and weather charts. You can write poems, draw poems, or carefully diagram and draw a dead gull you’ve come upon on the beach.

The journal is yours to use as you wish.