Capturing Nature

Spending time outside is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it involves drawing and watercoloring in my nature journal. Nature journaling has become one of my main hobbies and passions because it gives me a chance to slow down and appreciate the small intricacies of nature while capturing its essence through personalized creative expression. Over time, my journal has become more than a clustered collection of sketches and notes, it has become a personal record of my relationship with the natural world, evolving with each adventure in nature. 

Nature journaling focuses on observing the world around you through art and practicing your ability to notice finer details. Luckily, you do not need to be “good” at art to be able to try nature journaling! Whether you prefer drawing, writing, painting, or a different art form, or maybe even a combination of multiple, nature journaling can be whatever you want it to be, as it is all about capturing your unique perspective and interactions with nature. 

Here are a few of my favorite journal spreads from the past year, featuring moments I captured while exploring the Indiana Dunes National Park and other adventures along the way.

These two pages are on my trip to Washington state, I got to see a lot of wildlife and landscapes that I haven’t seen before!

A nature journal page I did while sitting outside the lodge here at DLC, drawing and painting the trees and cabin circle.

I love to incorporate nature journaling activities into my programs at DLC whenever I can. Nature journaling is an incredibly flexible tool that works for different ages, learning styles, and creative abilities. Using nature journaling as a technique for learning helps individuals connect with the outdoors in a way that feels personal and meaningful to them while encouraging kids to tap into their creative side, practice observational skills, and inspire a passion for exploring as well as a desire to protect their local and national parks - a passion that DLC strives to inspire through our programs. Whether I have kids draw what they see in the ecosystems that we explore or set aside time for quiet reflection during our Cowles Bog hikes, nature journaling can look different for each group. No matter how it is implemented and how it looks, the goal remains the same: to encourage kids to slow down, make observations, and build lasting, thoughtful connections with nature. 

Throughout each season, the education fellows learn about the different wild edibles that grow in the park. Drawing and painting the plants in my notebook helped me learn more about the information we were given.

 The addition and exploration of nature journaling into my personal hobbies and how I approach spending time outside has been a huge part of building my ongoing connection to nature. If you’re someone who wants to spend more time outdoors and be intentional while doing so, nature journaling is worth trying. It’s a flexible and rewarding activity - something you can pick up anytime, whether you’re out on an adventure or simply enjoying your local park! 

Cleo Johnson

Environmental Educator