Master Naturalists!
You’ve taken the course. You’ve received your certification pin. You’ve gained the skills to be Master Naturalists. Congratulations! To inspire and motivate you–to keep you on your toes, observing, journaling, sketching–we will be posting a monthly journal prompt here. We would love for you to share your observations; please feel free to send any photographs, sketches, or journal entries to Allison at adejong [at] montananaturalist.org. With your permission, we may post them here or on our blog.
We would also love to hear your ideas for journal prompts! The more ideas we get, the better. If we get enough feedback from you, we may start posting prompts twice a month (or more). So, go outside . . . observe . . . and enjoy!
April 2011 Journal Prompt:
This time of year is fantastic for buds and birds. First of all, sketch and identify at least three returning bird species. Secondly, find a bud to watch over the course of the month, sketching it once or twice a week and following the changes. And–just have fun outdoors!
March 2011 Journal Prompt:
First of all, spend a few days focusing on clouds. Draw all the different types you see, and do a little research to determine what kinds of clouds they are. (What’s your favorite?)
Secondly, watch for returning birds this month! How many of Montana’s warm-weather bird species will return this March?
February 2011 Journal Prompt:
Take a winter walk and look/listen for birds. What birds do you see this time of year? Do some research (either out in the field or with books/field guides/ internet) on what they are eating, where they are sleeping, etc.
January 2011 Journal Prompt:
Sketch some winter trees–particularly deciduous ones. Note angles of branches, overall shape of tree, etc. What differentiates the various species? What do the shapes remind you of?
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December 2010 Journal Prompt:
Take a winter amble (preferably in the snow!) and observe, identify, and sketch three sets of tracks.
