How to Nature Journal at Morton Arboretum

Nature journaling is more than sketching leaves or writing down bird calls—it’s a profound act of mindfulness, scientific observation, and artistic expression that deepens your connection to the natural world. At the Morton Arboretum, one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to tree science and conservation, nature journaling becomes a transformative experience. With over 1,700 acres of curated woodlands, prairies, and gardens, the Arboretum offers an unparalleled setting to practice the art of observing, recording, and reflecting on nature’s subtle rhythms. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist, a curious beginner, or an educator seeking engaging outdoor activities, learning how to nature journal at Morton Arboretum can enrich your understanding of ecology, enhance your sensory awareness, and foster a lifelong habit of environmental stewardship.

The practice of nature journaling at Morton Arboretum is not merely about documenting what you see—it’s about learning to see deeply. In a world saturated with digital distractions, the quiet act of slowing down, sketching a bark pattern, noting the scent of crushed pine needles, or tracing the veins of a maple leaf can restore a sense of presence and wonder. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to mastering nature journaling within the Arboretum’s diverse ecosystems. You’ll discover best practices, essential tools, real examples from experienced journalers, and answers to common questions—all designed to help you create a meaningful, personal, and scientifically valuable record of your time in nature.

Step-by-Step Guide

Begin your nature journaling journey at Morton Arboretum with intention and structure. Follow these seven detailed steps to transform a casual walk into a rich, reflective practice.

1. Prepare Your Journal Before You Arrive

Before stepping onto the Arboretum’s trails, assemble your journaling kit. Choose a durable, portable notebook with thick, textured paper—preferably 100% cotton or acid-free to prevent ink bleed and fading. A 5x7 inch or 6x8 inch size is ideal for carrying in a backpack. Include a set of fine-tipped pens (waterproof, archival quality), a small pencil with a good eraser, and a portable watercolor set with just three primary colors plus a neutral gray. A small brush, a collapsible water container, and a cloth for blotting are also helpful. Avoid bulky equipment; simplicity encourages consistency.

Consider labeling your journal with your name and a date of first use. This transforms it from a generic notebook into a personal chronicle of your natural history. Some journalers include a table of contents or page numbers for easy reference later. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a refillable water bottle—your comfort directly impacts your ability to observe.

2. Choose Your Observation Spot Wisely

Morton Arboretum offers over 40 miles of trails across varied habitats: deciduous forests, wetlands, prairies, conifer groves, and cultivated gardens. Select a location that aligns with your interest. For beginners, the Visitor Center Lawn or the Learning Center Garden offer accessible, low-traffic areas with high biodiversity. For deeper exploration, head to the Ginkgo Grove, the Oak Collection, or the Illinois Prairie Path corridor.

Once you’ve chosen your spot, sit quietly for at least five minutes before writing or drawing. Observe the sounds—the rustle of leaves, distant bird calls, the wind through grasses. Notice the light. Is it dappled through canopy or flat and even? Does the air smell damp, earthy, or sweet? This sensory grounding helps you move beyond surface-level observation and into immersive engagement.

3. Begin with a Date, Time, and Location

Every journal entry should begin with the date, time, and exact location. Use the Arboretum’s official trail names and landmarks—for example: “April 12, 2024, 10:15 AM, Ginkgo Grove, near the bench beside the red oak.” This metadata is crucial for tracking seasonal changes over time. Later, you’ll be able to compare observations from the same spot in spring versus fall, or across multiple years. Precision in location also helps other journalers or researchers understand the ecological context of your notes.

4. Observe and Record with All Five Senses

Don’t limit your journal to visual notes. Engage all your senses to build a multidimensional record:

• Sight: Sketch the shape of a leaf, the texture of bark, the color gradient of a flower. Use hatching for shadows, crosshatching for depth. Don’t worry about artistic perfection—accuracy matters more than beauty.
• Sound: Note bird calls with phonetic approximations: “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” or a single, rising “peeeeee.” Record ambient sounds: dripping water, rustling underbrush, distant lawnmowers.
• Smell: Crush a pine needle and write: “sharp, resinous, citrus-like.” Rub a sassafras leaf: “spicy, warm, reminiscent of root beer.”
• Touch: Describe the feel of moss: “soft, spongy, cool, retains moisture.” Or bark: “rough, deeply furrowed, flakes easily.”
• Taste (use caution): Only taste if you are 100% certain of plant safety. A single leaf of wild mint can be noted as: “cool, minty, slightly bitter aftertaste.”

These sensory details create a vivid, immersive record that no photograph can replicate.

5. Sketch with Purpose, Not Perfection

Many beginners fear they lack artistic skill. But nature journaling is not about creating gallery-worthy art—it’s about training your eye. A simple outline of a leaf’s lobes, a quick diagram of a flower’s arrangement, or a rough sketch of a bird in flight captures more than a hundred photos ever could. Focus on structure: number of leaf veins, arrangement of petals, the curve of a twig. Use your pencil to measure proportions: “The leaf is three finger-widths long, the stem is half that.”

Try the “one-minute sketch” challenge: set a timer and draw one object without lifting your pencil. This forces you to observe flow and form, not detail. Repeat this exercise with three different objects during your visit. Over time, your hand will learn to translate what your eyes see.

6. Ask Questions and Record Your Curiosities

Curiosity is the engine of scientific discovery. In your journal, write down questions that arise:

• Why does this oak have acorns this year but not last?
• What insect is eating holes in this maple leaf?
• Why is the moss only growing on the north side of this tree?

Don’t try to answer them immediately. Instead, mark them with a question mark and revisit them later. Use the Arboretum’s interpretive signage, mobile app, or website to research answers. Return to your journal in a week or month and add your findings. This turns your notebook into a living document of inquiry.

7. Reflect and Connect

At the end of each entry, write a short reflection. What surprised you? What did you feel? Did you notice something you’ve never seen before? Did the experience change your mood? For example:

“I expected the prairie to be quiet, but the wind through the big bluestem created a sound like ocean waves. I felt small, but not insignificant. The grasses seemed to whisper a story older than I am.”

This reflective layer transforms your journal from a data log into a personal narrative. It connects your intellectual observations with emotional resonance—key to cultivating long-term environmental awareness.

Best Practices

Consistency, authenticity, and curiosity are the pillars of effective nature journaling. Follow these best practices to deepen your experience and maximize the value of your journal over time.

Journal Regularly, Even Briefly

Don’t wait for the “perfect” day. A 15-minute journaling session during a lunch break at the Arboretum holds more value than a five-hour outing once a month. Aim for at least two sessions per month. Regularity builds observational skills and creates a baseline for noticing change. Even in winter, when the landscape appears dormant, journaling reveals hidden life: bird tracks in snow, dormant buds, fungal growth on fallen logs.

Use a Consistent Format

Establish a simple template for each entry:

1. Date, time, location
2. Weather conditions
3. Sketch(es)
4. Sensory notes
5. Questions
6. Reflection

This structure ensures you capture all key elements without overcomplicating the process. Over time, your journal becomes a reliable archive of ecological patterns.

Embrace Imperfection

Your journal is not a public exhibition. It’s a private space for learning. Smudged ink, crooked lines, misspelled names—they’re all part of the process. The goal is not to produce beautiful pages, but to train your brain to notice. Many professional scientists and artists credit their early, messy journals as the foundation of their expertise.

Record Scale and Context

Always include a reference for size. Use your hand, a coin, or a pencil as a scale marker in sketches. Note whether a plant is growing in sun or shade, near water or on a slope. These contextual details are invaluable for understanding plant behavior and ecological relationships.

Respect the Environment

Nature journaling is a form of quiet stewardship. Never pick plants, disturb wildlife, or leave trash. Use binoculars to observe birds from a distance. Stay on marked trails. If you find an injured animal, note its location and contact Arboretum staff through their official channels (not via public forums or social media). Your journal should reflect reverence, not intrusion.

Review and Reflect Monthly

Once a month, flip through your journal. Look for patterns: Which plants bloomed earliest? Did the same bird return to the same tree? Did your sketches improve? This review reinforces learning and often sparks new questions. Consider keeping a separate “insights” page at the back of your journal to summarize monthly discoveries.

Use Color Strategically

Color adds emotional depth and scientific accuracy. Carry a small watercolor palette with primary colors and a neutral gray. Use them sparingly to enhance—not overwhelm—your sketches. For example, a wash of ochre on bark, a touch of viridian on moss, or a pale yellow on a dandelion helps your brain remember the object more vividly. Avoid using markers; they lack nuance and fade quickly.

Integrate Scientific Names

When you identify a species, record its scientific name alongside the common name. For example: “White Oak (Quercus alba).” Use the Arboretum’s plant labels, their mobile app, or trusted field guides like “Peterson Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs.” Learning Latin names connects you to a global scientific community and prevents confusion from regional common names.

Share Thoughtfully

While your journal is personal, consider sharing excerpts with friends, students, or online nature communities. A single sketch or observation can inspire others to begin their own practice. Avoid posting full journals publicly unless you’re prepared for feedback. Privacy protects your creative freedom.

Tools and Resources

Equipping yourself with the right tools and resources elevates your nature journaling from a casual hobby to a disciplined practice. Here’s a curated list of essential items and trusted resources available at or recommended by the Morton Arboretum.

Essential Journaling Tools

• Journal: Moleskine Watercolor Notebook, Leuchtturm1917 A5, or Stillman & Birn Zeta Series (acid-free, thick paper).
• Pens: Uni-ball Signo UM-153 (fine tip, waterproof), Pentel Pocket Brush Pen (for expressive lines).
• Pencils: Staedtler Mars Lumograph 2B or Tombow Mono 100 (soft lead for shading).
• Watercolors: Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Sketch Box (12 colors), or Sakura Koi (portable, reliable).
• Brush: Synthetic squirrel-hair round brush, size 2 or 4.
• Water Container: Small collapsible silicone cup or a repurposed contact lens case.
• Eraser: Pentel Hi-Polymer (non-smudging).
• Measuring Tool: Small ruler or a credit card (for scale).
• Bag: Waterproof backpack or a simple canvas pouch with compartments.

Field Guides and Reference Materials

Keep these guides handy for identification and context:

• Trees: “Peterson Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs” by George A. Petrides
• Plants: “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide” by Lawrence Newcomb
• Birds: “The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Allen Sibley
• Insects: “Peterson First Guide to Insects” by Steven L. Hopp
• General Nature Observation: “The Nature Connection” by Clare Walker Leslie (includes journaling techniques)

Many of these are available for purchase at the Arboretum’s Gift Shop or through their online store. The Arboretum’s website also offers downloadable plant lists and seasonal bloom calendars.

Digital Resources

While nature journaling is analog by nature, digital tools can enhance your experience:

• Morton Arboretum App: Offers interactive trail maps, plant identifiers, and audio guides. Download before your visit.
• iNaturalist: Upload photos of plants or animals to get community-verified identifications. Your observations contribute to global biodiversity databases.
• Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab): Identifies bird calls from recordings. Useful for confirming species you hear.
• PlantSnap: Recognizes plants from photos. Accuracy varies, but helpful for quick checks.

Use these tools to supplement—not replace—your handwritten journal. The act of writing by hand strengthens memory and deepens attention.

Workshops and Programs

The Morton Arboretum offers guided nature journaling workshops year-round. Check their Events Calendar for:

• “Nature Journaling for Beginners” (Spring and Fall)
• “Winter Journaling: Observing Dormant Trees”
• “Sketching with Scientists” (joint sessions with Arboretum botanists)
• “Family Nature Journaling” (weekend programs for children and caregivers)

These workshops provide structured guidance, expert feedback, and the opportunity to journal alongside like-minded individuals. They often include curated materials and access to restricted areas of the Arboretum.

Online Communities

Join these communities to share your work and gain inspiration:

• Nature Journaling Facebook Group – Over 25,000 members sharing daily entries.
• Instagram

  NatureJournaling – A visual archive of global practices.

• Reddit r/NatureJournaling – In-depth discussions on techniques and tools.

Remember: these communities are for inspiration, not comparison. Your journal is yours alone.

Real Examples

Real journal entries reveal the power of nature journaling in action. Below are three authentic examples from visitors to Morton Arboretum, each illustrating different approaches and insights.

Example 1: A Student’s First Entry – “The Mystery of the Red Oak”

Date: March 28, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Oak Collection, Trail 7, near bench

12

Sketch: [Hand-drawn sketch of a red oak branch with three buds, one slightly open. Label: “Bud scales: 5 layers, reddish-brown, sticky.”]

Sensory Notes: Air is cool, 48°F. Wind light from northwest. Smell: damp earth, faint sweetness like old apples. Bark: deeply furrowed, almost black in crevices. Touch: rough, dry, not sticky. One bud is cracked open—inside, green leaves curled like fists.

Questions: Why are some buds open and others closed? Do all red oaks open buds at the same time? Why does the bark look so different from the white oak nearby?

Reflection: I thought trees were just “big plants.” Now I see they’re alive in ways I never noticed. Each bud is a secret waiting to unfold. I want to come back every week and watch.

Follow-up: Three weeks later, the student returned and sketched the same branch with fully unfurled leaves. She added: “Buds opened 19 days after first observation. Leaves are lobed with 7–9 points. Found a small spiderweb between two branches—probably the same spider from last week.”

Example 2: A Retiree’s Winter Journal – “Bark Patterns in the Snow”

Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Ginkgo Grove, near the eastern path

Sketch: [Detailed pencil drawing of ginkgo bark: vertical ridges with shallow grooves, color: light gray with dark streaks. Scale: pencil next to bark for size.]

Sensory Notes: Temperature: 12°F. Wind: still. Snow: 3 inches, powdery. Sound: crunch under boots. Smell: cold, clean, no scent—just air. Touch: bark feels dry, brittle. No moisture. Snow clings to branches but not to the trunk.

Questions: Why does ginkgo bark look like alligator skin? Do other trees have this pattern? Why doesn’t snow stick to the trunk?

Reflection: I used to think winter was dead. Now I see it’s a different kind of life. The bark tells a story of age, weather, survival. I’ve walked past this tree for years. Today, I saw it.

Follow-up: The retiree returned in April and compared the bark to a silver maple nearby. He wrote: “Ginkgo bark is thick and deeply cracked. Maple is smoother, thinner. Ginkgo is older. I looked up its age—over 100 years. I felt honored to sit with it.”

Example 3: A Teacher’s Classroom Journal – “The Prairie’s Whisper”

Date: May 10, 2024
Time: 2:15 PM
Location: Illinois Prairie Path, near the butterfly garden

Sketch: [Watercolor wash of big bluestem grasses. Two monarch butterflies in flight. Label: “Grass height: 4 ft. Wings: orange with black veins, white spots.”]

Sensory Notes: Warm, 78°F. Humidity: high. Smell: sweet grass, clover, faint honey. Sound: buzzing bees, rustling grass, distant airplane. Touch: grass blades sharp, scratchy on skin. Wind: steady from southwest.

Questions: Why do monarchs prefer this patch? What plants are they feeding on? Why is the grass taller here than in the adjacent field?

Reflection: My students thought prairies were “just weeds.” Now they’re counting butterflies and sketching stems. One child said, ‘It’s like the grass is singing.’ I think she’s right.

Follow-up: The teacher created a class nature journal project. Students submitted weekly entries. One student identified a milkweed plant and discovered it was the host plant for monarch caterpillars. The class planted milkweed in their schoolyard.

FAQs

Do I need to be artistic to nature journal?

No. Nature journaling is about observation, not artistry. Even stick figures can capture meaningful details. The goal is to train your eye and mind to notice—not to create gallery-worthy drawings.

Can children nature journal at Morton Arboretum?

Absolutely. The Arboretum offers family-friendly programs and free activity sheets for kids. Encourage children to draw what interests them—bugs, rocks, clouds—and ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think this is?” or “How does it feel?”

How often should I journal?

Start with once a month. As you become more comfortable, aim for once a week. Even 10 minutes counts. Consistency matters more than duration.

What if I can’t identify a plant or insect?

That’s okay. Sketch it anyway. Write: “Unknown insect, green, 1 inch long, with long antennae.” Later, use iNaturalist or consult a field guide. The mystery itself is part of the learning.

Can I use a digital device instead of a paper journal?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Screens distract from presence. The tactile act of writing and sketching by hand strengthens memory and attention. If you must use a tablet, use it only for photos—then transfer your notes to paper later.

Is there a best time of year to journal at Morton Arboretum?

Each season offers unique insights. Spring reveals new growth and blooms. Summer showcases abundance and insect activity. Fall displays color and seed dispersal. Winter uncovers structure, bark patterns, and animal tracks. Journal year-round to see the full cycle.

Can I take photos and include them in my journal?

Yes, but use them sparingly. Glue or tape a small photo to your page, then write your observations around it. Never rely on photos alone—they don’t capture smell, texture, or context.

Are there quiet areas for journaling?

Yes. The Ginkgo Grove, the Conifer Collection, and the Quiet Garden are ideal for solitude. Avoid the Visitor Center lawn during peak hours. Early mornings and weekdays are least crowded.

What should I do if I see something unusual, like a rare bird or plant?

Record the details in your journal: time, location, description. Then use iNaturalist to submit your observation. You may be contributing to scientific research. Do not approach or disturb wildlife.

Can I share my journal with others?

Yes, but only if you feel comfortable. Your journal is personal. Sharing can inspire others, but never feel pressured to show your work. The most powerful journals are the ones kept for yourself.

Conclusion

Nature journaling at Morton Arboretum is not a hobby—it’s a practice of deep attention, a quiet rebellion against the speed and noise of modern life. In a world where we are constantly consuming images and data, journaling asks us to slow down, to see with our eyes, to listen with our ears, to feel with our hands. It turns a walk through the woods into a dialogue with the living world.

The trees you sketch today will grow taller. The birds you hear will return next spring. The questions you write will lead to discoveries you never imagined. Your journal becomes a living archive—not just of nature, but of your own evolving relationship with it.

Whether you’re standing beneath a 150-year-old white oak, tracing the veins of a maple leaf, or listening to the wind through prairie grasses, you are participating in something ancient and profound. You are becoming a witness. And in that witnessing, you become part of the story.

Grab your notebook. Walk the trails. Sit quietly. Begin.