Nature Journal Notes

Fall is all about change and transformation as the landscapes here in New England begin preparing for colder, harsher weather. It seems like everywhere we look, there are signs of plants and animals finding ways to conserve energy for the coming months. One way that plants prepare for the winter season is by going to seed. This often ensures that their offspring will survive the cooler months - if they aren't eaten by a hungry consumer! It also provides an awesome opportunity for naturalists and nature lovers to make detailed observations through journaling!

Offspring: The next generation of plants from a parent plant

Consumer: A plant or animal that eats (consumes) other plants or animals for energy.

A really fun way to experience plants starting to seed is by going on a seed hunt! This can be done in your backyard, on your favorite hiking trail, or even somewhere new and all you need is some kind of bag/container to collect the seeds that you see! As you are walking, pick up anything you see that you think might be a seed. Seeds come in all different shapes, sizes and colors, so even if you find something unfamiliar or that you aren't sure of, chances are it could be a seed!

When you've collected a good amount of seeds, it's time to start making observations. Before recording any information in your nature journal, take some time to look through your collection. Are there any seeds that look similar? Is there anything that has you questioning whether or not it is a seed? What about it is seed-like and what about it makes you think it might be something else? 

A great way to organize seeds is by dispersal method! Dispersal is the way that seeds travel away from their parent plant. The way a seed looks can tell us a lot about how it travels. Below are some visual representations of seeds with unique dispersal methods, which might help you determine how your own seeds disperse!

Once you've spent enough time looking at your seeds, start sketching them! Try to be as detailed as possible in your journals. Not only can you sketch your seeds, but you can also label them with any observations and record why you organized them in the way that you did. What stood out about your seeds? Did anything surprise you? And finally, be sure to note how you think your seeds disperse!