Nature Activities

Nature Journaling

I am really loving nature journaling right now! I took an online class that got me started journaling what I see in my backyard. I keep my bird feeder filled and take the time to watch the birds and squirrels who visit my yard. My cat loves sitting in the window and chirping at the birds. I have used Stokes Field Guide to Birds to help me identify the birds at my feeder for many years. I just recently learned of a great free app that helps with this as well, it is the Merlin Bird ID app. It is very easy to use!

If you are interested in birds, here is a great website to explore. There are several "bird cams" where you could either watch birds at a feeder or watch an owl or hawk sitting on a nest. Click on "All About Birds" at the top right to take you to the bird cams. There are many interesting links on this website!

https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/

Here are a few helpful websites with more nature journaling ideas to get you started.

https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2018/05/nature-journal.html

https://expeditionaryart.com/blog/2018/04/nature-journaling-with-kids/

https://www.scratchmadejournal.com/blog/nature-journaling-for-kids-recommended-supplies

Backyard Scavenger Hunt

This idea is super simple! One day, my dog and I explored my backyard searching for anything with a heart shape. You could choose any shape or even do this activity while on a walk or hike. I took pictures of what I found, cropped the pictures, and included them below. I may even sketch a few to add to my nature journal.