Day 2: Getting into nature

Words

Today we’ll explore three ways people approach or “get into” the study of nature. We’ll watch a video celebrating each of these ways.

One is art, such as nature photography:

Video: “Join a Wildlife Photographer on the Hunt for the Perfect Shot (NatGeo Short Film Showcase)” (11:00).

Another is science:

Video: “Geerat Vermeij (Curiosity Project)” (5:00)

Some simply are introduced to nature and become hooked!

Video: “Nature Opened My Eyes (Joshua Carrera)” (3:31; low res)

Often, naturalists fall in love with a particular group of organisms:

Video: “Nabokov’s Butterflies (Shelf Life 360)” (4:39)

Works

Today, try to notice all the different things there are to observe—the sky and the things in it, plants and smaller things on them and beneath them, animals both seen and heard, small things on the ground or under the duff, rocks and landforms and soil… think like a naturalist, attempting not to miss anything or take anything for granted. Take notes on the profusion of your observations. Get accustomed to a way of being able to take notes while observing, or taking short note-taking breaks punctuated by undistracted observation– whatever works for you.