How to Plan a Nature Journaling Adventure

I started my first nature journaling adventure with a half-empty sketchbook, a leaky pen, and no clue what I was doing—but that didn’t stop me from falling in love with it. There’s something grounding about stepping outside with the simple goal of observing, recording, and drawing. You don’t need to be a skilled artist or a scientist. You just need a little curiosity and a willingness to slow down.

This post isn’t about showing you the right way to nature journal. It’s about sharing what’s worked for me, what’s made it fun and sustainable, and how you can create your own nature journaling adventure, whether that’s in your backyard or halfway across the world.

If you're brand new, you might want to check out nature journaling basics first. But if you're ready to go beyond the basics and turn your sketchbook into a field guide of your own experiences, let's dive in.

Key Points

• Keep your setup lightweight and mobile—don’t overpack.
• Choose a journaling format that fits your lifestyle (daily, weekly, seasonal).
• Use prompts or themes to keep things fresh and intentional.

Planning Your Nature Journaling Adventure

When I first planned a dedicated nature journaling adventure, I made the mistake of turning it into a production. I packed way too much, overthought every page, and spent more time organizing supplies than observing the world around me. Since then, I’ve learned that keeping things simple is key.

A good adventure can be as small as a walk to the local park or as big as a camping trip. What matters is setting aside the intention to observe and record. If you're looking for inspiration, I’ve put together some ideas over at nature journaling ideas that might help.

Choose a Purpose or Theme

Having a loose theme makes the experience feel more focused. Here are a few I’ve used:

• Noticing seasonal changes in one specific location.
• Recording bird behavior over a morning.
• Focusing only on colors or sounds for one spread.

If you’re going somewhere new, look into the flora and fauna of the area ahead of time. I’ll sometimes jot down a few things I hope to spot—like native plants or bird species—and leave room for unexpected finds. This makes it easier to engage with my surroundings and recognize what’s special about that environment.

These kinds of themes help create cohesion in your journal. If you need more structure, try using nature journaling prompts to guide your entries.

Go Light with Supplies

For an adventure, you want to stay portable. My go-to kit includes:

• A mid-sized sketchbook (preferably one that lies flat)
• A few pens and a mechanical pencil
• A travel watercolor set and water brush
• A compact seat or towel
• My nature journaling bag

Pack just enough to feel confident, but not so much that it slows you down. I’ve found that fewer tools often lead to more creative entries—I end up using what I have in interesting ways, which becomes part of the fun.

If you're curious about other tools I recommend, I put together a full breakdown at nature journaling supplies.

Making the Most of Your Time Outside

Once you're outside, the hardest part is getting started. I used to flip through my pages unsure of where to begin. Now I have a few rituals that help me settle in quickly.

Create a Visual or Written Entry Point

Start by noting the date, time, weather, and location. Then pick one small thing to draw or describe. It could be a leaf, an insect, or the way the light hits the grass. This gets your hand moving and your brain tuned in to observation mode.

If I’m overwhelmed by a busy landscape, I’ll draw a frame and zoom in on one square foot of space. It’s a great way to simplify the page and dive into detail without feeling like I have to cover everything around me.

Mix Observation with Imagination

Sometimes I include little comic panels or exaggerate certain features to tell a story. This blend of fact and play makes my journals feel more personal and less like homework. If you’re interested in exploring this style, I talk more about it in creative nature journaling excursions.

You can also add small reflections or questions—Why does this bird visit this tree every morning? What would this mushroom say if it could talk? These bits of curiosity add personality and invite deeper noticing.

What I’ve Learned from Longer Journeys

Last year I took a multi-day hiking trip and committed to journaling at least once each day. I didn’t always manage detailed spreads, but I did come away with some surprising lessons.

Even though my trips weren’t solely about nature journaling—some were focused on ecotourism, others on seeking out wildlife destinations, going on African safaris, tracking wild cats, or even searching for the perfect longboard waves—I knew I’d have downtime. I’d see flora and fauna that were new to me, even if it was just a weed pushing through the pavement or a small beetle crossing my path. These quiet moments became perfect opportunities to pull out my sketchbook.

If you're traveling, I recommend setting a low-pressure goal, like one page per day or a handful of thumbnail sketches. You can always add color or notes later when you’re back at your lodging. I’ve even used receipts or maps as background collage for quick entries—no rules, just reminders of the place.

You Don’t Have to Capture Everything

Trying to record every species or landscape is a quick path to burnout. Now, I focus on one or two strong moments each day—like a bird encounter or a striking tree—and let the rest go.

Consider using symbols or quick color swatches for things you don’t have time to draw in full. A circle with dots might mean “sand,” or three wavy lines might be “wind.” These visual shortcuts help you preserve impressions without losing momentum.

Journaling Slows You Down—in a Good Way

Nature journaling on the go forced me to move at a different pace. Instead of rushing to the summit, I’d stop to sketch a fern or note the shape of a cloud. That slower rhythm helped me enjoy the experience more deeply.

Sometimes I build in a sit-spot practice, where I commit to staying in one spot for 20 minutes. I observe without drawing for the first few minutes, just noticing sounds, movements, light changes. Then I begin recording. This method always helps me feel more present.

You can read more about why this practice is powerful on my page about the benefits of nature journaling.

Joining a Community or Event

Solo adventures are great, but sharing the experience can be even better. I’ve learned so much from group outings and workshops.

• International Nature Journaling Week is a great time to connect with other journalers around the world.
• Nature Journaling Workshops in the Wild offer immersive experiences that blend art and ecology.
• If you’re teaching or guiding others, I’ve got some thoughts at How to Teach Nature Journaling.

You can also explore tips tailored for grown-ups over at nature journaling for adults.

If you can’t attend an in-person event, try posting a journal spread online and inviting others to share theirs. Even a small exchange can create motivation and help you feel part of a broader community.

Final Thoughts

The best nature journaling adventures are the ones you actually do—not the ones you endlessly prepare for. Whether you’re hiking through alpine forests or sitting in your backyard, the goal isn’t to create perfect pages, it’s to create connection.

You can check out some of my personal spreads and examples here: nature journaling examples.

If you're looking to build your own field guide, I also have a resource called the Field Guide to Nature Journaling, which offers more structure and ideas for building a consistent practice.