How to Nature Walk

The art of nature walking is in being able to identify the natural world around you. The more you know about your surroundings, the more you will appreciate them. Observation is the key to changing a simple walk into an engrossing hobby. Nature walking is also an entertaining and effective way to teach children to be observant, while giving them a fuller knowledge of the world around them. For instance, knowing the names of the plants, animals, birds and trees they pass will empower young people and help give them a lifelong connection to, and respect for, living things.

Things You'll Need

• Reference books
• Camera (with time stamp capability)
• Audio recorder (optional)
• Binoculars
• Small plastic bag
• Notebook
• Pencil
• Compass (optional)

Instructions

Preparing to Nature Walk

1. Decide what features you are most interested in observing on your nature walk. This may be plants, trees, birds, insects, rocks and geology, cloud formations, or anything else that peaks your curiosity.

2. Check your local bookstores for reference materials on nature studies in your area. Most bookstores will have a section on local points of interest that will usually include at least a few books on the local wildlife, plant life and the history of your area.These resources will help you identify and understand the things you observe on your walks. You can also find information online or through nature collections that may be available through your community library or regional park service.

3. Select a spot for your nature walk. For beginners, pick an area close to home that you can explore on foot without any special gear.

4. Plan for a 20-minute trip--round-trip--the first time out.

5. Take note in your reference materials of any cautions specific to your areas of interest. This might include plants to avoid that may cause skin irritations, biting insects and the potential hazards posed by wild animals.

6. Take your first nature walk on a day that is sunny but not hot.

7. Prepare your pack. This should include a camera, binoculars (if applicable), a snack, water, plastic bag, notebook and pencil. Carrying a cell phone for emergencies is a good idea too.

8. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Take a sweater if you think it might get cold or breezy.

9. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if it's very sunny that day.

10. Tell someone where you are going.

Your Nature Walk

1. Make a note of the time you start your walk. When reviewing your photos later, this will help you pinpoint where along your walk you encountered something of interest.

2. Make note of where you parked. It's easy to get so engrossed that you forget where you left your vehicle.

3. Place your camera, video or audio equipment within easy reach in your pack.

4. Take a picture of your starting point. Making a visual chronicle of each walk will help you remember what you saw and where you saw it. This will also help you later in case you want to retrace your steps.

5. Walk slowly and observe your surroundings carefully. Be sure to look all around you. Make notes from time to time of unusual features and photograph them, noting the time you encountered them. Later, this will help you match your notes with the photos you are taking.

6. Place small samples of fallen leaves, pebbles or other items of interest in your plastic bag. The goal is to observe, identify and learn, not start a collection, so be selective and avoid disturbing anything.

7. Return along the same route, but change your position so you can observe objects that were too far away for you to look at them closely on the first half of the walk.

Reviewing Your Nature Walk

1. Prepare your pictures and place them in chronological order. Do the same with any video or audio you have collected.

2. Research your findings against your reference sources in order to identify plants, animals and geological features.

3. Record findings in your notebook, along with questions about things you can't identify.

4. Make a to-do list for your next walk with the goal of identifying features that you have encountered before, or think you may encounter based on your research. For example, if you identified wild oats or wild mustard from the pictures you took, look for them the next time you nature walk. When you successfully identify something, make a notation in your field notebook with an asterisk.

5. Set a goal of finding at least two new features each time you walk by using your reference materials to select objects that you are likely to encounter. Within a few walks, you will be able to identify dozens of birds, plants, trees and insects that you probably never noticed before.

Tips & Warnings

• Nature walk at least once a week to keep up your momentum. Go a little farther each time.

• As the seasons change, try to get pictures of the same areas during different times of the year.

• Try to add to your reference materials at least once every couple of months.

• Another source when trying to identify a local plant, bird or animal are your cooperative extension office (see Resources), library or local university.

• Keep extending your comfort zone. If you started out with an interest in identifying plants, start looking at the trees around them. If your primary interest is in bird identification, start to observe the insects that exist in the areas where you are finding the biggest bird concentrations.

• Take friends or children with you on some walks. You will be amazed at how their different perspectives give you fresh insights into a seemingly familiar area.

• Use caution when walking in unfamiliar locations.

• Be observant at all times wherever you walk.

• Never approach animals that appear sick or disoriented.

• If bitten by an animal, seek medical help immediately.

• Watch where you step. It's easy to get distracted and stumble or fall.

Resources

• Cooperative Extension System Office Listing