“It’s Better Than a Video Game”

Keeping a nature journal may sound like a big project, but it’s pretty straightforward. It’s just a matter of getting a notebook, going out into nature and documenting what you encounter. That’s it. Even if you start small, the rewards are great, enabling anyone to forge an intimate bond with nature. So grab a pen (more on that later) and go.

With over 20 years of experience, botanist Lara Call Gastinger reveals the what, why and how of nature journaling.

Why start nature journaling?

I think it’s a first step to become emotionally connected with plants and feeling like you’re a part of something, I think we’re too removed from that right now. And so pausing, getting off your phone and drawing outside can be a really deep experience. It’s being curious about what the natural world is doing and also having that sense of awe and wonder. That’s when we want to save things and care about things.