Nature Journaling Examples

Nature journaling has changed how I see the world, and I say that without exaggeration. I used to travel or live in a new place and feel like I had no real connection to my surroundings—just passing through, not really seeing. Nature journaling has given me something purposeful to do while traveling and living nomadically, helping me slow down and notice things that would’ve otherwise slipped past me.

But once I started keeping a journal—sketching, writing, asking questions—I started noticing things I’d never paid attention to. The way a leaf curls as it dries, how birds behave when you're very still, even how many colors show up in a shadow. If you’re curious about nature journaling examples because you want to start or take your journaling further, I’ve got a ton to share here from my own experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s dabbled before, this guide is packed with examples, ideas, and tips to inspire your own nature journal. I’ll also link to some of my most helpful resources, like how to start nature journaling, the best supplies, and ideas for what to actually put on the page.

Key Points

• Start with curiosity over skill. Don't worry about being a good artist or writer—focus on observing closely and being honest.
• Mix words, sketches, and questions. A solid journal page usually includes a little bit of everything: drawings, written thoughts, and observations.
• Revisit spots and themes. Returning to the same place each week or focusing on one subject (like clouds or birds) leads to deeper insights.

Nature Journaling Examples from Real Pages

When I first started searching for nature journaling examples, I wanted to see the real thing—messy, honest pages full of learning. Not perfect Instagram spreads. So here’s what my pages often look like, and how I break them down.

A Simple Observation Page

This is the bread-and-butter of my journal. I’ll take a short walk, stop when something catches my eye (like a snail), and build the page around that one observation.

• Where I was: neighborhood sidewalk
• Sketch: small drawing of a garden snail
• Notes: “Moved slowly across sidewalk. Antennae retracted when I got close. Slime trail sparkled in sun.”
• Questions: “Why do snails come out after rain? How long do they live?”

You can find more ideas like this in my Field Guide to Nature Journaling.

A Themed Study Page

Sometimes I choose a theme, like “leaf shapes in winter,” and fill the spread with variations I find in one sitting.

• Where I was: urban park
• Sketches: five types of leaves with labels (oak, elm, sycamore, etc.)
• Notes: “Crisp edges, most curled inward. Darker color near the stem.”
• Questions: “How do different tree species retain leaf structure in winter?”

For more inspiration like this, check out Nature Journaling Plants.

A Full Adventure Spread

I use this when I go on a hike or all-day trip and want to remember the entire outing—not just one observation.

• Where I was: coastal trail in Oregon
• Sketches: trail map, waves, bird tracks, seaweed
• Notes: “Windy and cold. Lots of gulls overhead. Big kelp bundles washed ashore.”
• Questions: “Why do gulls hover so steadily in the wind? What kind of kelp is this?”

This style really comes alive on nature journaling excursions or during International Nature Journaling Week.

A Sensory Snapshot

On days when I want to slow down, I focus on my senses. I find a place to sit and record what I notice through sound, smell, touch, and sight.

• Where I was: forest clearing near a stream
• Sketch: map of the area with symbols for wind direction, bird calls, and sunlight
• Notes: “Smells like pine needles. Water sounds louder than I expected. Ants crawling on my boots.”
• Questions: “What trees make that sharp piney scent? Why does sound travel differently in open areas?”

One Square Foot Study

I kneel down and focus on just one square foot of earth. It’s a quiet, meditative practice that always surprises me.

• Where I was: roadside field near my campsite
• Sketch: small box filled with grass blades, beetles, wildflower roots
• Notes: “Four types of grass. Soil dark and damp. Tiny black ants weaving between plants.”
• Questions: “What’s attracting the ants here? Are those wildflower roots or something else?”

A Cloud Study

When I stay indoors or need a low-energy prompt, I observe the sky. Cloud journaling teaches me to look up more often.

• Where I was: my apartment balcony
• Sketches: five clouds with timestamps and shapes
• Notes: “Fast-moving and wispy at 8 AM. Larger, layered by noon. Sunset reflected a pink-orange color.”
• Questions: “What causes some clouds to stretch out in strands?”

Nighttime Journaling

This is one of my favorite ways to feel grounded at the end of the day. Everything is quieter, so the small things feel big.

• Where I was: outside my tent under a full moon
• Sketch: dark silhouette of a pine tree against the moon
• Notes: “Cool air. Crickets chirping. Saw a bat fly past twice.”
• Questions: “What kind of bat is common in this region? Do they follow a nightly route?”

Urban Nature Journal

Even in cities, I find plenty to observe. The contrast between built environments and nature fascinates me.

• Where I was: downtown intersection
• Sketch: weed growing from sidewalk crack, pigeon perched on traffic light
• Notes: “Sparrows nest in bus stop shelter. Saw moss growing along building base.”
• Questions: “What kind of moss thrives here? How do pigeons adapt to cities so well?”

Weather Tracking Page

I keep a dedicated spread for observing weather patterns over a week. It gives me a better sense of local rhythms.

• Where I was: same location each morning (back porch)
• Sketches: daily sky views in a grid, symbols for wind, sun, or clouds
• Notes: “Wednesday felt warmer than forecast. Breeze stronger by 3 PM.”
• Questions: “Why is there such a gap between forecast and actual? What shapes local wind changes?”

Animal Behavior Notes

If I see the same animal repeatedly, I log what I notice and try to get to know it better.

• Where I was: trail near my campground
• Sketches: a local scrub jay on a log, in mid-flight, and perched again
• Notes: “Lands near me every morning. Calls loudly, then quiets down. Seems to stash food near roots.”
• Questions: “Is this the same jay every day? What is it storing, and where?”

How I Use Different Techniques

There’s no one right way to keep a nature journal. My pages change depending on my mood, the weather, or what I’m learning. Here are a few techniques I cycle through.

Sketch First, Write Later

When I only have a few minutes outside, I focus on quick drawings. Later, I’ll sit down and add my written notes, thoughts, and questions at home.

Color Mapping with Watercolors

I keep a small watercolor set in my nature journaling bag. Matching the color of a leaf or feather to the page helps me look closer and train my eye.

Comparing Over Time

I revisit the same tree every season and do a short journal page each time. This lets me track changes in a way that feels grounded and personal. It’s helped me notice how much I’ve learned too.

How to Make It a Routine

Nature journaling doesn’t need to be a daily practice to be meaningful. I usually journal 1–2 times a week. Here's how I stay consistent.

• I pick a regular spot I love going to
• I give myself a time limit (20 minutes is enough)
• I keep my supplies simple
• I use prompts when I feel stuck

If you're teaching others (kids or adults), I wrote a whole guide on how to teach nature journaling with simple group activities.

Why Nature Journaling Works So Well for Adults

A lot of people assume nature journaling is just for kids, probably because it's often introduced in school or through outdoor education programs. But honestly, I didn’t get into it until adulthood—and now I can’t imagine not having this practice. It gives me something quiet and grounding to return to, whether I’m traveling, camping, or just feeling mentally overloaded.

In my nature journaling workshops in the wild, I’ve seen adults light up with a sense of wonder they hadn’t felt in years. There’s something about putting pencil to paper outside that breaks the pressure to be perfect. It’s not about making art for anyone else—it’s about seeing more clearly and making meaning for yourself.

Nature journaling is especially helpful for adults who feel like they’ve lost their creative spark or want to be more present in their daily life. The act of slowing down, noticing, and documenting is something many of us are craving without realizing it.

If you’re curious about starting a practice like this as an adult, I put together a full guide: Nature Journaling for Adults.