Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Beginner Naturalist Tips”
Invertebrates like spiders, insects, centipedes, and worms are some of the most abundant and diverse living things on Earth. While many people might find them hard to love, these “creepy-crawlies” help keep our planets ecosystems ticking, making life possible for all of us. Whether you appreciate that or not, running into invertebrates—let’s just call them bugs—is a common way that …
Have you ever kept a nature journal? The nature journal is one of the best tools for naturalists of all experience levels. They are a great place to record your adventures, observations, and reflections on the natural world. If you are someone who enjoys spending time outside, keeping a journal is one way to get more from your outdoor time …
Nature is all of our shared heritage. That means that the outdoors are for everyone to enjoy. However, it also means that we need to be responsible in how we do so. Unfortunately, all nature enthusiasts, including myself, have witnessed cases where people enjoy nature in ways that are destructive. With increasing numbers of people using natural areas, especially since …
One of the best lessons that time in nature can teach us is that life can’t always be “go, go, go”. In fact, often times slowing down is crucially important to connecting with the outdoors. Sit-spots are a popular and highly effective practice for engaging with the local flora and fauna of an area. Furthermore, they are an excellent way …
Bugs are everywhere in the natural world, and their variety can be overwhelming for beginner naturalists. However, learning a few basics can go a long way in making sense of them. What’s more, becoming familiar with insects unlocks a whole world of nature connection and learning. This applies for kids and adults, alike! This post will introduce you to eight …
One of the most delightful parts of learning about nature is learning to identify the species that you come across. Whether you’re birdwatching or neat bugs on a hiking trip, Earth’s biodiversity is an endless sort of wonder. However, it can also be a little overwhelming. Scientists organize knowledge of different species and their relations to one another in a …
If you’ve been listening to nature podcasts or reading about nature and health, maybe you’ve heard about the sit spot. This easy nature activity is quickly gaining popularity among nature lovers and wellness practitioners. Furthermore, according to many of my mentors, sit spots are a key skill for Beginner Naturalists. In this Outdoor Tips post, I’ll explain how sit spots …
Although spending time in nature has its own benefits, many people go outside to watch wildlife. Activities like birdwatching or visiting a pollinator garden are almost sure to deliver sightings during spring and summer. However, depending on the timing of your visit, animals might not always be active. Knowing key signs of wildlife to look for in nature can help …
