A few years ago, I found myself getting overwhelmed by screens, deadlines, and digital everything. I started craving something quieter—something grounding. That's when I stumbled into nature journaling. At first, I thought it was just for kids or scientists, but I quickly learned that nature journaling for adults is not only possible—it’s powerful. It’s become one of the most enriching and steadying practices in my life.
Nature journaling for adults doesn’t have to look a certain way. You don’t need to be a botanist, an artist, or even particularly outdoorsy. What matters is taking the time to slow down and record what you see, hear, and feel. It’s about noticing the world around you—something we rarely get to do in a world filled with notifications and to-do lists.
If you're curious about starting or restarting a nature journaling habit as an adult, you're in good company. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to go deeper, I’ll walk you through how I approach it, what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and how you can make it fit your real life. And I’ll be honest—sometimes that means journaling in five-minute chunks between errands or while sitting in the car with the window down.
Nature Journaling for Adults: Why It’s Different and Why It Matters
As adults, we bring a different lens to journaling. Our attention spans are divided, our schedules full, and our expectations high. But that’s also why nature journaling hits differently as we get older—it slows us down and reconnects us with things that matter: seasons, wildlife, silence, and wonder.
I’ve written more deeply about the benefits of nature journaling, but here’s what makes it stick for me: it’s a flexible, creative ritual that doesn’t require being good at drawing or writing. It’s a practice of noticing, and it helps me feel more like myself. It gives me a break from productivity and puts me into a space of curiosity and reflection. Even just 15 minutes outside with my sketchbook resets my brain in a way that nothing else does.
If you’re someone who wants to feel more present, more connected to nature, or more creative, nature journaling is a practice worth exploring. It doesn’t ask much of you—just that you show up and pay attention.
Key Points
- Don’t worry about your drawing skills. Observation and curiosity matter more than perfection. It’s okay to draw messy. It’s okay to write in fragments. This is your space.
- Pack light and prep ahead. A small nature journaling bag with your favorite pen, a notebook, and water is enough. Simplicity removes friction.
- Set up realistic rituals. Journaling once a week during a walk can be more powerful than daily plans that never happen. Create habits that actually fit your life.
Choosing Your Tools and Supplies
You don’t need much to get started. I began with a cheap sketchbook and a ballpoint pen. Over time, I found tools that made the process smoother and more enjoyable. Having supplies I like using makes me more likely to stick with the habit.
I’ve put together a list of my go-to nature journaling supplies, but here’s the quick version:
- A sketchbook with thick pages (mixed media or watercolor paper so ink or paint doesn’t bleed through)
- A waterproof ink pen (Micron, Lamy Safari, or Uni-ball pens are my favorites)
- Small watercolor set or colored pencils for optional color
- A lightweight folding stool or small ground mat if you want to sit and focus
- Snacks, water, and sunscreen—especially if you're out for more than 30 minutes
You can always upgrade your setup later. For now, the most important thing is to have something that makes it easy to start.
Building a Consistent Practice
When I first started, I journaled maybe once a month. I’d forget or get too busy. Then I found two things that helped: prompts and planning. Without those two things, it was too easy to skip or freeze up once I sat down.
I use a small calendar where I block out a half-hour each weekend for a journal walk. If I miss it, no guilt—I just show up the next week. I also keep a printout of nature journaling prompts in my sketchbook for when I get stuck.
Some prompts I use often:
- What small thing did I overlook today?
- Describe one plant using all five senses.
- What’s the weather telling me about the season?
- What’s changed since the last time I came to this spot?
You can also make your own prompts based on personal goals—like paying more attention to birds, or tracking seasonal shifts.
Where to Go and What to Notice
You don’t have to live near a national park. I journal in my backyard, local trails, even on city sidewalks. What matters is slowing down and observing. Sometimes the most interesting journal entries come from seemingly boring places. I once filled a page just watching ants carry breadcrumbs.
Some of my favorite spots:
- The same patch of wildflowers every week (you'll start to see changes and patterns)
- A local park bench where birds gather (bring binoculars if you have them)
- One square foot of ground—really get to know it (what lives there? what's blooming?)
If you're looking for ideas or trip inspiration, I’ve written about creative nature journaling excursions and even journaling in Australia. You can bring the practice anywhere, even when traveling.
Adding Creativity Without Pressure
You can absolutely go beyond sketches and field notes. Some days, I use watercolor. Other times, I press leaves or write short poems. Nature journaling can include anything that helps you engage with the moment. I often switch between scientific and expressive modes depending on my mood.
When I want a dose of inspiration, I look at nature journaling examples to remind myself that it’s okay to mix it up. Not every page has to look the same.
If you’re curious about watercolor nature journaling, I recommend starting with a travel palette and a water brush. You don’t need fancy paints or perfect technique—just enough to play with color and light.
Learn, Grow, and Connect
Nature journaling can be solitary, and that can be a beautiful thing. But over time, I’ve discovered that inviting community into the practice brings a whole new level of meaning. It becomes more than a personal ritual—it becomes something shared, witnessed, and encouraged.
I’ve joined International Nature Journaling Week several times now, and each year it reminds me that I’m part of a global network of observers, sketchers, and curious minds. The daily themes and shared reflections create a rhythm that’s motivating and grounding. I’ve met people from all over the world just through tagging my journal pages.
Local community is also powerful. I’ve attended in-person workshops in the wild, and the conversations that happen while sitting on a log, sketching the same tree from different angles, have stuck with me. You don’t have to be outgoing or experienced to connect—just being in the same place with others who value slow observation builds a real sense of belonging.
Eventually, I started teaching small sessions myself. If you're interested in sharing the practice, here's how I approach teaching nature journaling. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need a spirit of openness and a willingness to model curiosity. My favorite group sessions aren’t about technique—they’re about helping people feel okay making messy marks, asking questions, and noticing what they’ve overlooked.
And if you’d rather have a guide to follow solo, I created the Field Guide to Nature Journaling for exactly that. It includes frameworks for different journaling approaches, example pages, and small prompts to help deepen your practice over time. I built it with the idea that nature journaling can be flexible, personal, and deeply meaningful—even if you’re just doing it from your porch or kitchen window.
Try a Themed Approach
Some weeks I focus on just one subject in my journal, and that singular focus always helps me look more closely. Plants are a favorite theme, especially when I’m traveling. I might document the leaves I find during a hike or pay attention to the color of new buds in a city park. Themed journaling lets me dive deeper rather than trying to capture everything at once. It also helps narrow down what I’m trying to notice. My go-to reference is nature journaling plants, which gives me structure when I want to make comparisons or track botanical details across different places.
Sometimes I create a week-long challenge for myself, like “journal only birds” or “focus on fungi.” Other times, I revisit the same tree or body of water over and over, noticing changes in light, color, or behavior of nearby animals. Limiting the theme doesn’t limit the creativity—it actually sharpens it.
When I want something looser, I go to this list of nature journaling ideas. Some ideas are seasonal—like noticing the first frost or the color palette of summer—while others are more reflective or even playful. I’ve used them to get out of creative ruts and remind myself that nature journaling is supposed to be fun and personal. You don’t have to stick to any one method. Just use whatever sparks your curiosity in the moment.
FAQs
How to nature journal for beginners?
Start with a simple sketchbook and commit to journaling once a week. Focus on observing more than creating perfect art. Use this guide to nature journaling basics for step-by-step help. Don’t overthink it. Just go outside, notice something, and write or sketch it.
What makes a good nature journal?
A good nature journal captures what you notice. It can include sketches, descriptions, questions, even taped-in leaves. The best ones reflect curiosity and consistency. What matters is not how it looks, but how much it connects you to the world around you.
What is the nature journaling?
Nature journaling is the practice of recording observations from the natural world through drawing, writing, and reflection. It helps sharpen awareness, deepen knowledge, and reconnect with nature. It can be scientific, expressive, spiritual—or all three.
How to make a naturalist journal?
Use your nature journal like a scientist: date every entry, include weather, and focus on accurate descriptions. Label drawings. Track seasonal changes. Add Latin names if you like. You can get more ideas from my nature journaling activities.
How does nature journal work?
You observe, record, and reflect. Over time, this practice builds knowledge and memory of natural patterns and helps reduce stress. It works because it connects you to the moment, gives you a reason to be curious, and creates a record of your experience.