Start a nature journal
Capture the sounds, sights and scents of spring with writing prompts and sketching ideas
Spring in Saskatchewan brings a wave of change—birds return, buds appear, and the air smells different. It's the perfect time to slow down and pay attention to the natural world as it wakes up. A nature journal is a simple, creative way to notice the season as it unfolds. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a curious kid or someone who just enjoys a good walk, journalling outdoors can be both grounding and inspiring.
You don’t need anything fancy to get started—just a notebook and a pencil. From there, it becomes what you make it: a space to write, draw, observe and reflect.
Choose your journal style
A nature journal can take many forms. It might be a daily log of what you see, hear or smell. It could include sketches of trees or flowers, notes about the weather, or even little poems inspired by your surroundings.
Lined notebooks are great for writing, while blank pages leave space for drawing or pressed leaves. A mixed format—lined on one side, blank on the other—is a nice balance if you want to write and sketch together. You can also use a binder or scrapbook to mix in photos, maps or articles.
Where and when to journal
Pick a spot you can visit often: your backyard, a local park, a quiet trail or even your front step. Returning to the same place over time lets you notice subtle changes—how the snow melts, when the first bees show up, what the sky looks like at different times of day.
You don’t need hours. Ten minutes on a bench or leaning against a tree is enough to jot a few thoughts or capture a quick sketch. Bring your journal along on walks and write when inspiration hits.
Writing prompts to get you started
Staring at a blank page? Try one of these prompts to spark your creativity:
• What can I hear right now?
• What colours stand out today?
• Describe the sky without using the word “blue”
• How has this place changed since last week?
• Write a short story or poem from the perspective of a tree or bird nearby
• What’s something I never noticed here before?
Keep your writing informal. This isn’t about perfection. Let your curiosity lead the way.
Sketching ideas for any skill level
You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy sketching in your nature journal. Focus on shapes, patterns and textures instead of detailed drawings. Try:
• Outlining leaves, rocks or petals
• Drawing shadows or cloud shapes
• Sketching a bird’s silhouette
• Mapping your walking route and what you saw along the way.
• Coloured pencils or markers are easy to carry and can add a vibrant touch.
Why it matters
Journalling helps you slow down and stay present. It deepens your connection to the natural world and creates a record of what spring looks and feels like, year after year. Best of all, it’s a creative habit that grows with you, just like the season itself.