Backyard Nature Studies

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We have spent many field trips at our local nature preserve. These beautiful trails wind along paths to offer many opportunities to view God’s beauty.

But there are often times I miss the little chances to teach a nature study because I am in a rush to make it to the big “field trip”.

A field trip can happen in your backyard when you spot: cardinals nesting, wild bunnies snacking, bees making a hive, ants parading back to their hill, snakes slithering by, woodpeckers hammering, or even a mushroom growing among a backyard tree.

I have come to appreciate the retention pond across the street in our neighborhood. What many neighbors seem to ignore as they zip by in a rush – we utilize. Often times we carry over a snack, sketch pads, field guides, and discuss nature!

Life cycles, seasons, camouflage, food chains, tree rubbings, bug identification, flower dissection … it can happen close to home if we take the time to be intentional with our surroundings.

Some of our best nature studies didn’t happen with a zoo membership but rather right outside our backdoor.

Tips! Enjoy a nature study and don’t forget: sunscreen, bug spray, ziplock bags (for treasure), field guides or a resources book, paper & pencils to sketch.

Print this Animal / Nature Scavenger Hunt for fun!

What has been your favorite “backyard nature” lesson?

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Stef is wife to Thad and mom to two creative boys. They spend their days homeschooling year round in Florida. You can find her blogging at Educating Laytons .