International Nature Journaling Week

Every year, I look forward to International Nature Journaling Week. It’s a time to pause, grab my sketchbook, and intentionally reconnect with the natural world around me. Whether I’m journaling in my backyard or on a trail, this week gives me the extra push to show up, observe closely, and document what I see and feel.

If you’ve been curious about starting a nature journal—or you already have one but want fresh inspiration—this is the perfect opportunity to dive in and build a habit that sticks.

What is International Nature Journaling Week?

International Nature Journaling Week is a global celebration of observation, creativity, and connection through nature journaling. Held annually from June 1 to June 7, it offers a free and flexible program designed to help people connect with nature, themselves, and a wider community.

Each day of the week focuses on a unique theme:

• June 1: Describing the Indescribable
• June 2: The Words We Use
• June 3: The Poetry of Nature
• June 4: The Names We Give
• June 5: Sharing/Telling a Story
• June 6: Open Your Senses
• June 7: Vision for the Future

On the official website, you’ll find blog posts, workshop links, journaling prompts, and daily inspiration from contributors around the world. You can join live sessions or use the prompts solo at your own pace. Even if you can only participate for one or two days, it’s worth dipping in.

For extra support, sign up for the official newsletter or follow the daily updates on social media. You can also browse my own nature journaling prompts if you want even more ideas.

Key Points

• You don’t need art skills—just curiosity and willingness to observe.
• The daily themes are totally optional—use them however they help you.
• You can join in from anywhere, even your kitchen window or city sidewalk.

Why Nature Journaling Matters

Nature journaling helps me shift gears—mentally, emotionally, and creatively. It gets me out of my head and into the present moment. If you’ve ever felt overstimulated or creatively stuck, this practice gives your brain and senses something to focus on without pressure.

Over time, it becomes a form of mindfulness. You start noticing seasonal changes, recurring patterns, and even your own growth as an observer. Looking back through my old journals, I can track not just the wildlife or plants I saw, but how I felt and what I was learning about the world and myself.

The act of journaling also turns fleeting experiences into something tangible. You’re creating a visual memory of time spent outdoors—something you can return to later. It’s also a way to engage with science, storytelling, and creativity all at once. I go deeper into this in the benefits of nature journaling.

Getting Started: How I Prepare for INJW

Here’s how I set myself up for a meaningful and low-stress experience during the week. These small preparations make a big difference. If you’re new to the event, or even if you’ve done it before, it really helps to reduce friction ahead of time. Clear a bit of mental space, gather your tools, and think about what success looks like for you. Maybe that’s seven full pages of journaling—or maybe it’s just showing up once with intention.

Brush up on the basics

I always begin with a quick refresher from my nature journaling basics post. It reminds me to stay playful, curious, and open to mistakes. This isn’t an art competition. You can fill a page with rough sketches, written notes, or a few colors—it all counts.

One practical tip: write the date, location, time, and weather on each entry. These tiny details help create a fuller picture when you look back later.

Set a flexible plan

I jot down a simple plan in my calendar with blocks of time I might use for journaling. I also make a short list of locations: one close to home (like my porch or nearby trail), one medium (a local park), and one “stretch” goal that might require more time. That way, I don’t spend all week deciding where to go.

If weather or energy levels change, I’m ready with backups. And some of my favorite observations have come from sitting in the same spot three days in a row—watching light change, bugs pass through, or a bird return.

You can find more inspiration in my guide to creative nature journaling excursions.

Pack light and stay mobile

Overpacking can slow you down. I use a small pouch or day bag with the basics: a mixed-media sketchbook, pencil, pen, eraser, water brush, and a mini watercolor set. I explain more in my nature journaling supplies list.

If you’re brand new, a pencil and folded piece of paper are enough. Don’t let supplies be the thing that stops you from starting.

How to Make the Most of International Nature Journaling Week

This section shares some of the ways I keep the week fun, flexible, and inspiring—even when life gets busy. If you’ve ever started something with great intentions only to fall off halfway through, you’re not alone. These tips are meant to help you stay engaged, get more joy from the process, and give yourself some grace if your week doesn’t go perfectly. The goal is connection, not perfection.

Use the themes—your way

Treat the daily themes like creative springboards. Some days I follow them exactly, like writing a poem about the wind. Other days, I ignore the prompt and draw whatever’s happening in front of me. There’s no “wrong” way.

You can also break up the theme across multiple days, pair it with your own idea, or use it as a journaling warm-up. If you’re leading a group or homeschooling, my post on how to teach nature journaling might help you frame the themes.

Join or create community

There’s a built-in global community around this event, which makes it special. The official site features journalers from different countries, sharing techniques and ideas. You can also find virtual sessions and downloadable resources.

If you’re craving in-person connection, try organizing a local meetup or just inviting a friend along. You could also join or host a nature journaling workshop in the wild. Even one group session can boost your energy.

Let your pages reflect your experience

Not every page needs to be “finished.” Some days I only capture a quick observation, a list of bird calls, or a tiny sketch of bark texture. Other times I fill a whole page with layered watercolor washes and written reflections.

Using words, pictures, and numbers together makes your entries more dynamic. For example, you could draw a leaf, count how many ants cross it, and describe its smell or sound when you crinkle it. The more sensory details you include, the more immersive it becomes.

Nature Journaling for Everyone

This practice is truly for all ages and backgrounds. If you’re an adult looking for a screen-free, centering creative outlet, nature journaling for adults is a great place to start.

And if you’re journaling with kids, know that children are often better observers than adults. You can keep it playful—like drawing bugs with names or making up plant stories. The goal is to explore together, not make polished pages.

Need a jumpstart? Browse my favorite nature journaling ideas to get going.