Are you ready to dive into a fun and fascinating journey through the season's changing colours? It's time to grab your journal and head outdoors as we embark on a magical adventure and unlock the secrets of trees.
Remember that tree you used to climb as a kid? Well, get ready to feel that sense of wonder again because believe it or not, trees can communicate with each other! Trees are like nature's superheroes; they've got a secret underground network—a web of fungi connecting tree roots that share nutrients, and pass messages like a botanical chat room! It's called the "wood wide web," and it’s how trees support each other, warn of danger, and share resources. On your next walk with your family, find a spot to sit near a towering beauty and quietly say, “Thank you,” then begin to listen and see what you notice.
Another tree wonder is the ability to change colour. As summer fades into autumn, chlorophyll—the pigment responsible for the vibrant green of leaves—begins to break down in deciduous trees, revealing a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Let’s use this as artful inspiration. Grab your journal, pick a tree that speaks to your soul, and let the magic of the season be your guide.
Try This: Leaf Rubbings as a Memory Maker
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Collect a variety of undamaged leaves of all different shapes and sizes.
- Put the leaves on a smooth surface, and lay a piece of paper over them.
- Shade lightly over the leaves with a soft pencil or the flat side of a crayon.
An image of the leaf should appear on the paper; use different coloured pencils to create an artistic picture. You can cut out the leaf rubbings to glue onto thin cardboard to make special occasion cards. Several cards like this, with envelopes, would make a lovely gift for friends or family.
Try This: NATURE JOURNALLING
Draw three circles on your page, each with one heading:
- I notice
- I wonder
- It reminds me of
While looking at your tree, think of these headings and write down in the circles what comes to mind. Try sketching your tree in your journal too—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
In tracing a leaf and nature journalling, we're not just observing nature, we're also practicing our attention skills, allowing wonder and inquiry to take hold, immersing ourselves in the rhythms of the earth, and building connections with the land.
