At Tidewater School, nature journaling is often integrated into our environmental education classes and after-school clubs to encourage observation, reflection, and connection with the natural world.
Nature journaling—the practice of recording observations, thoughts, and sketches of the natural world—has long served as a powerful tool for enhancing human understanding of nature. Rooted in centuries of intellectual and artistic tradition, nature journaling offers measurable benefits in areas such as mindfulness, academic performance, and environmental literacy.
Historically, nature journaling has played a central role in scientific discovery and natural history. Renowned figures such as Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, and John James Audubon utilized nature journals to document their observations with meticulous detail and underscore how nature journaling has historically facilitated deep engagement with the natural world and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Modern research supports the notion that nature journaling enhances mindfulness—a state of focused awareness in the present moment. Engaging with nature through journaling encourages individuals to slow down, observe details carefully, and reflect on sensory experiences. Mindful interaction with nature can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and enhance mood.
Eco-psychological research highlights the importance of nature connectedness—a psychological construct associated with pro-environmental behavior and well-being. Nature journaling fosters this connection by cultivating sustained attention and personal investment in local ecosystems. As kids document changes in seasons, animal behaviors, and plant life, they develop a relational understanding of the environment.
Nature journaling also supports executive functions, including concentration, memory, and problem-solving. When paired with the intentional practice of observation and recording, journaling in nature promotes sustained attention and cognitive flexibility. Educators have reported improvements in students’ observational accuracy, descriptive writing, and critical thinking as a result of regular nature journaling exercises.
Integrating nature journaling into academic settings enhances interdisciplinary learning by bridging science, art, and language arts. It has been demonstrated that students who engaged in nature journaling showed improved understanding of ecological concepts, stronger retention of scientific vocabulary, and greater engagement in environmental science curricula. The process of translating observation into written and visual form also reinforces metacognitive skills, promoting deeper learning and academic achievement.
Nature journaling is more than a creative pastime; it is a scientifically supported practice with profound benefits for mental health, cognitive development, academic success, and environmental stewardship. Nature journaling emerges as a powerful tool for fostering mindful, informed, and ecologically connected individuals.
Arnold, G., (2012). Enhancing college students’ environmental sensibilities through online nature journaling. Environmental Education Research, 18(1), 133-150.
Cormell J, Ivey T. Nature journaling: Enhancing students’ connections to the environment through writing. Science Scope. 2012;35(5):38.
Johnson K. Creative connecting: Early childhood nature journaling sparks wonder and develops ecological literacy. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education. 2014;2(1):126–139.