Curious About Nature? 5 Tools to Start Your Naturalist Toolkit

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What is it about being outdoors that calms the mind and refreshes the body? It is the place of our instincts, deep ancestry, and pure experience. If you are anything like me then you are curious about nature. Perhaps you keep a list of the plants and animals you observe or take the time to sketch something new in a journal so you can identify it later. This is what naturalists do. They are students of nature.

Naturalists spend time in the wild and try to learn the names of plants and animals, as well as rocks, geological features, and so on. Naturalists are people that have a love of the outdoors and an insatiable curiosity about nature. Could this be you? Maybe you have a love of the outdoors and are also very curious, but need a little guidance on how to become a naturalist. To become a student of nature. 

5 Tools to Start Your Naturalist Toolkit

What does one need to become a naturalist? Is there special training? Do you have to go back to school and get a degree? Good questions! You do not need special training or more school! Thank goodness! As an outdoor enthusiast and novice naturalist myself, the last thing I want to do is spend more time in school. Perhaps educator Charlotte Mason said it best– “There is no education without nature.” In other words, to learn all you need is to get out in nature! But, that being said, there are some things that will help immerse you in nature more meaningfully. Naturalists have tools of the trade, so to speak, and these tools can help you in becoming a student of nature.

In this post, we’ll discuss 5 tools every naturalist toolkit should have:  

1. Field Guides
2. Field Journal and pen/pencil
3. Binoculars
4. Hand lens
5. Camera/Smartphone

These 5 tools are all easy to find and fit perfectly in a backpack ready for new nature explorations!

Let’s dive into each of these tools to discuss how they can help you as a beginning naturalist! I am also sharing with you some of my favorite tools that are in my naturalist toolkit.

1. Field Guides

A field guide is a book or manual that contains illustrations and detailed descriptions meant to guide people in identifying plants, animals, fossils, rocks, and other things found in nature. Field guides, in some form, have been around for centuries to help people identify plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and even rocks and shells. As an aspiring naturalist or an occasional hiker the right field guide will get you more acquainted with the wild things in your area! A good field guide will help you identify what you encounter in the wild quickly and accurately.

What’s in a Good Field Guide

Keep in mind that the overall format and structure can vary from guide to guide, but a good field guide will include all of the following: species scientific and common names, detailed descriptions and illustrations or images of the species, and range and distribution maps.  

• Scientific names are important because they are unique and people all over the world use the same scientific name when referring to the same species. Unlike common names which vary country to country, state to state, and even region to region making it a challenge to know if everyone is referring to the same thing. 

• Descriptions of physical characteristics and their variations are supplemented with illustrations and images. This should include information about behaviors, habitats, and distributions of the species during different seasons. When you have a challenging specimen to identify, all of this information can be taken holistically to determine identity. 

• Range and distribution maps use some kind of shading gradient (colors, lines, dots, etc.) to indicate where a species lives all year, during migration, and during breeding seasons. If they are migratory then there will be a key to note a migratory path, breeding or summer range, and a wintering range. Being able to look at a range map helps narrow down which species you may be looking at.

Given all available options for field guides, consider these 3 things to help you narrow it down: 1) group of animals you want to identify (birds, mammals, fish, etc.), 2) region where you live and spend time outdoors, and 3) size you want to carry in your pack. I own these two field guides (and many more!): North American Bird Watching for Beginners and Field Guide to North American Mammals. I recommend them for anyone wanting to learn more about birds or mammals in their region.

2. Field Journal and Pen or Pencil

A field journal is a place for you to record your personal experiences and observations while in nature. Field journaling expands your awareness so you are not just looking at things, rather you are seeing the wonders of life all around you and learning how you are connected and part of it all. Having a field journal as part of your toolkit will prompt you to capture these moments in words and sketches. This will help your brain more easily access the memories and refresh those feelings of peace and joy created from spending time outside. 

One of the main purposes of your field journal will be to provide a place to start building your knowledge of nature. Field journals can be laid out in whatever way makes the most sense to you, but each entry should include the date and time, location, current weather, descriptions of what you find interesting, and sketches to help you identify plants and animals later.

Keeping a Field Journal

There are no rules or expectations for field journaling other than to dwell in an outdoor space; be present and observant. Engage in sense awareness. What can you see, hear, or smell? Take time to sit in one spot focusing on these senses, even if it is only for five minutes new experiences will emerge. Lastly, include some reflections about your experience. Here are a few questions to consider as you get started:

• What did you notice that surprised you?
• What would you like to learn more about?
• How were you feeling while spending time in this place?
• When were you most at peace or happy?
• What are some things you would like to share with others?

If you would like a little more structure and guidance to start a field journal, check out my “Guided Field Journal: Becoming a Student of Nature” available now. The pages are structured to ensure you include observations, sketches, and reflections of your outdoor adventures. I hope you find it helpful!

3. Binoculars

Another item that will really help you observe wildlife and even far off vistas is binoculars. Having a good pair of binoculars while out in the field increases your chances of being able to see and observe wildlife. The reality is that when you are out on the trail, wildlife see you way before you see or hear them. But if you have a high quality pair of binoculars, you will learn to listen and be attentive and have more chance of seeing wildlife from a safe distance through the lens. Safety when viewing wildlife is extremely important for both you and the animals.

Follow these 3 trail etiquette guidelines to reduce your impact on wildlife:

1. Give them some room. Use the “rule of thumb” to keep a safe distance. Stick out your thumb and hold your arm out straight in front of you. If your thumb blocks your view of the wildlife then you are at a safe distance.
2. Don’t share trail snacks. Human food is not good for wildlife because it may not contain the nutrients they need to stay healthy and vibrant in the wild. Presenting food to wildlife can also create excitement and increase unpredictable behaviors.
3. Leash your pets. This way you can keep them on the trail, bag any pet waste, and reduce surprise encounters. Pets may act aggressively and unpredictably during wildlife encounters. 

One of the most popular types of wildlife viewing is birding. Birds are amazing creatures to watch as they typically go about their business even with people noisily traipsing along the trail. Also, you will often hear a bird call before sighting the animal. A bird call gives you a lot of information, such as the species of bird and its general location. Considering that the size of many common song birds is quite small, having binoculars will give you a better chance to gather details like color patterns, beak shape and size, and other identifying details.  

My husband and kids gifted me a set of Nocs binoculars for Mother’s Day and I love them! The high quality lenses have a clear crisp picture, they are light and easy to pack, and they come in all kinds of colors so you can show off some personality! 

4. Hand Lens 

Okay, so you have your binoculars and can make observations at a distance. But, what about slowing down and taking the time to look at something really small. Nature is the greatest designer. You’ll be amazed at the intricate detail and delicate patterns that emerge when you look at something with a simple hands lens. 

A magnifying glass, or hand lens, is an invaluable tool for exploring and learning more about nature. Several ways it can enhance our understanding of the natural world through:

• Close-up Observation-which allows you to see details and structures of plants, insects, soil and leaf litter, tree bark, and rocks.
• Help with Identification-by letting you observe minute details which are sometimes needed for accurate identification of species.
• Inspiration for Field Journal Sketches-as you see the finer and finer details of the often unseen world you will be able to include the beauty and patterns as art in your field journal.
• New Discoveries-seeing small things opens another door to the natural world and reveals the unique nature of what you might have thought were common objects.

The humble hand lens is more than just a simple tool; it is a gateway to a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature. Even modest magnification can reveal minute details and hidden aspects of the natural world. This revelation will enhance your learning and foster curiosity of the more unnoticed of wild things. 

5. Camera or Smartphone 

Lastly, a tool for the modern naturalist is either a camera or your smart phone with a camera. A camera or smartphone is an essential tool to have in your naturalist toolkit because it is multifunctional. I mean, really, it’s amazing what these things can do! While on the trail, you can grab high-quality photos, log your steps and miles traveled, keep a tab on the weather conditions, and document your outdoor experience. 

• High-quality photos can be helpful to get an accurate identification of plants, animals, insects, and so on. There are also several identification apps where you can upload your photos and get suggested identification.
• Cameras and smartphones allow you to document your outdoor experiences. This documentation can be helpful in observing species, noting behaviors, and recording changes over time.
• Smartphones have apps designed to log your distance and location along a trail. Weather apps can also be set with alerts to ensure you stay informed of changing conditions.
• It’s easier than ever to share your discoveries with friends, family, and the outdoor community. Social media platforms, blogs, and specialized forums allow for the sharing of images and experiences.

All these functions make cameras and smartphones indispensable for modern naturalists! So make sure you invest in a waterproof case, and get out there and capture the wonder of nature.

Become a Student of Nature

I hope you are inspired to get outdoors and let nature be your teacher! Outside time refreshes the body and calms the mind. To begin your journey as a novice naturalist, you only need a few things in your toolkit:

1. Field guides
2. Field journal with pen or pencil
3. Binoculars
4. Hand lens
5. Camera or smartphone

These 5 items will help you build knowledge, understanding, and a love of the outdoors. Learn more about field journaling in my “What is Field Journaling” post and don’t forget to freshen up on your trail etiquette before heading out! 

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