Dog Lover's Journal

This way



TIPS / BENEFITS NOTES Always carry a journal to record your observations - choosing one dedicated 100% to your walks Record every detail you can, & track your progress on ability to record accurate & insightful notes Reflect on what you wrote & determine if it could be better Helps you keep track of the big picture patterns…helps you think of new questions Deepens your memories of nature, makes them last longer Encourages a deeper understanding of your environment & gives you new perspectives on ecology Develops better observation skills through practicing sensory awareness Deepens your appreciation of nature thereby making your country walks more meaningful & enjoyable If you identify your nature journaling goals will keep you focused and progressive Determine what you want from your nature journaling:  Do you want to become a better naturalist?  Do you want to deepen your appreciation of ecology?  Do you want to better identify wildflowers, birds, etc.?  Is your interest in documenting your walks alone? Approach nature journaling your way…write your mission statement on the first page of your journal

BENEFITS & TIPS FOR A GREAT COUNTRY WALK BENEFITS TIPS Bracing fresh air, warm sun on skin, bare feet tickled by moist grass & rich soil impart small pleasures on a walk through nature, refreshing & reviving us from daily stressed- out life….  short term memory improved by a focus  Choose the right time for your walk on nature & all its aspects  Stress reduced by the calming effect of  Choose a place that is easily accessible if nature plus exercise your time is limited  Vitamin D increased with 15-20 minutes  Support your feet with comfortable of sunshine walking shoes suitable for terrain  Sleep improved by time spent in natural  Water & healthy snacks are essential light which releases melanin  Immune system strengthened by getting  Check the weather & take appropriate enough sunlight & exercise gear such as a raincoat or additional layers of clothing  Happiness increased by engaging in  Don’t focus on your problems or stress activities that boost your mood but on the natural sights around you like plants or wildlife  Inflammation reduced by regular exercise  Observe small details to help you move walking outdoors beyond what is stressing you  Vision improved by taking a break from  Walk slowly & breathe deeply in a relaxed staring at computer screens rhythm  Creativity inspired by the dazzling colors,  Feel in touch with nature by simply being smells, & sounds outdoors for a time in tune with it  A deeper sense of spirituality developed  Reflect on your place in the world by our connection to the natural world & perhaps realizing your problems are not meditating on it so huge or insurmountable

BIRDSPOTTING TIPS TIP ADDITIONAL INFO  Find the perfect bird watching spot Search online websites for a reliable list pf places where birds are known/proven to visit  Educate self about particular species of birds Seeing a particular bird in nature is enhanced by your increased knowledge & expectations  Equip yourself with a reliable pair of binoculars Good quality binoculars increase your viewing experience  Practice using your binoculars before actually going on bird watching tour Try using the binoculars in following the trail of a plane overhead, tracking it as far as can  Go on your birdspotting outing with a companion A companion to share the experience increases the enjoyment  Bring birds into your back yard to increase your bird watching knowledge Birdfeeders work…start with a sunflower feeder, add a suet feeder in winter & continue  Document your bird sightings…you to diversify with millet, mealworms, & fruit might just record a rare sighting which will attract numerous species  Get a top identification field guide on Depending on your interest level (hobbyist or birds professional) a quality camera & tripod is essential to get best pictures as evidence  Carry a journal to record your sightings Increase your knowledge of the birds you’re  Get a good backpack to carry your gear tracking with such details as dietary habits, habitats & migration patterns Journals can include descriptions, sketches, notes, observations & even thoughts/feelings from your birdspotting encounters Makes a world of difference when lugging around a camera, binoculars, journal, field guide, water, & even a packed lunch if travelling a distance to birdspotting location

 Don’t forget your walking stick…it’s a most essential aid for many reasons: a) Helps you keep your balance especially on rougher terrain, like hills or shale b) Great for testing the depth of any body of water that you may need to cross, plus keeps you from stumbling on rocky banks or waterfalls c) Use it to poke the ground or undergrowth to determine safest path to walk d) Helps balance the load if you carry a fair amount of gear, taking some of the pressure off your lower joints i.e., knees, hips, ankles, or back e) If you happen to hurt your leg or foot while on the trail, your walking stick will act as a crutch until can find first aid help  Useful tool when traipsing through bushy areas or forest a) You can push brush & tree debris/branches out of the way as you walk b) Can remove any spiderwebs stretched across path or hanging from bushes c) Can be used as a weapon if any spider gets too close d) Can be used to frighten off any wild animal that gets somewhat aggressive e) Can root out snakes or bugs from wood/debris piles  Watch out for poison oak & poison ivy so you don’t get a rash  Avoid wild bees’, wasp or hornet nests as they can be dangerous  Stay away from long grass or woodpiles where snakes can hide  Some berries & mushrooms are edible but many are poisonous so always check with a reputable source before consuming  Use bug spray so to avoid ticks or mosquitoes…long sleeves & pants tucked into boots also stop ticks from biting  If you are going to explore a body of water, don’t do so when alone or intoxicated in case you fall into deep or fast-moving water  Be very cautious when exploring caves or large holes because it could be a wild animal’s den

Sometimes this is all you need!

COUNTRY WALKING TOOLKIT CHECK REPORTS / NEWS  Weather conditions  Area where you are going  Cell phone & camera batteries PACK YOUR KNAPSACK  Water  Compass /GPS  Snacks (trail mix, fruit)  Camera  Notebook / iPad  Cell phone  Pencils, Pen  Magnifying glass  Marker Sticks  Binoculars  Dip net (if you will be near  Specimen jars, bags, etc. water areas)  First aid kit  Sunscreen / bug spray DRESS COMFORTABLY  Hiking boots or sturdy trainers  Thick cotton socks  Dress in layers  Rain mac or big plastic bag (cut out opening for neck & arms) Notes:

TRAIL NAME LOCATION DATE Start time: End Time: WEATHER  HOT  MILD  COLD TEMP: DISTANCE Duration:  Shuttle TRAIL TYPE  Loop  One Altitude: Way  Out & Back COMPANIONS GEAR & EQUIPMENT ANIMALS & PLANTS MILESTONE Location: Time: NOTES:

A COUNTRYSIDE JOURNAL Date:

Daily Walking Notes: Date:

Monthly Walking Schedule M onth: SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

My Mystery Walk What I Saw/Heard What I Smelled Which Way Should/Did I Go?



Adopt-A-Wildflower Journal Date: List 10 words to describe wildflower…. List any seasonal changes since last visit…

Looking For Wildflowers Date: Wildflower Location Photo Sketch

MY WILDFLOWER JOURNAL DATE:

FLOWER WHERE FOUND DESCRIPTION Corncockle Meadows but can be Tall annual with magenta Pyramidal Orchid grown in the garden flowers that was once Wood Anemone considered a weed Cow Parsley Grasslands with alkaline Yes, orchids can grow Columbine soil and mild temps wild, and this beautiful Harebell triangular shaped flower is a prime example Chicory Foxglove In woodlands early in the White flowers covering spring the ground under tree canopy Shady hedgerows in May Green & white umbels this wildflower is related to the parsley family Woodlands with soils Blooms in a variety of laced with limestone colors in Spring, foliage turns maroon in Fall. Grows often in most Drooping bell-shaped inhospitable places i.e., flowers in palest blue, grasslands, sand dunes, this tough plant’s fragile roadside verges & cliffs appearance is deceptive Dusty roadsides in late Tall & solitary plant summer topped by a brilliant blue daisy flower Woodland slopes in early summer Tall & pink or white & irresistible to bees

FLOWER WHERE FOUND DESCRIPTION Goldenrod Open areas such as Bright golden-hued Black-eyed Susan meadows, prairies & herbaceous perennial savannas Indian Blanket The ‘black-eye’ is the brown- this member of the Aster purple center of a daisy-like family usually blankets flower open fields Common in the South on dark center framed by flaming sandy plains, deserts & petals tipped in gold, this along roads from Spring daisy-like flower lights the to Fall. dullest day Purple Coneflower This herbaceous Showy blossoms of orange Evening Primrose perennial blooms across cone-shape centers fringed prairie lands from by lavender-hued petals sit Wild Lupine midsummer to early frost on strong, erect stems Hardy biennial thrives in As it’s name suggests, petals heat & is drought- open at night & close during tolerant, grows well in the day but blossoms only uncared for areas like appear in plant’s 2nd year roadsides, etc. Flowering in early Spring Palm-shaped leaves topped in pine barrens & sandy by columns of two-toned areas, this herbaceous blue, purple & white flowers perennial droops in high Summer heat

NAME LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, Tyneside An historical 84-mi trail Porthleven, Cornwall built in 22A.D. linking Lizard Peninsula northern England’s coast Milngavie, Scotland West Highland Way this coastline walk is Portstewart, Northern home to rare flora & Causeway Coast Way Ireland fauna making it a haven for nature lovers Lake District National Cumbria, NW England Park An awe-inspiring St Dogmaels to Newport, landscape from the Pembrokeshire Coast Wales tranquil Loch Lomond to Path National Trail the heights of Ben Nevis Starting at a picturesque Victoria seaside resort, experience the drama of Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline Beautiful mountains & rocky fells ring crystal clear lakes, attracting hikers, nature lovers & wildlife enthusiasts Along a mixed coastline of towering clifftops, sandy beaches & scenic coastal towns this walk requires stamina

NAME LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS Bon Secour Nat’l Gulf Shores, AL 1-mile loop (2000 steps) flat trail Wildlife Refuge good for all levels of walkers Hieroglyphic Trail Gold Canyon, AZ 2.9 miles out & back moderate Guy Fleming Trail trail (5800 steps) Walking Dunes See rock drawings, wildflowers, Trail small waterfalls & wildlife Glacier Nat’l Park Torrey Pines State Short (2-3 miles) loop walk Reserve, La Jolla, CA See gorgeous ocean views, Desoto Falls Trail wildflowers, ferns & cacti Cape Henlopen State 2.6 mil loop of 5200 steps thru Park, Lewes, DE wooded uplands & a tidal marsh…home to Pink Lady’s Slipper & yellow Beach Heather Kalispell, MO Stunning scenery of mountains, foaming waterfalls & icy blue lakes spilling down from the Canadian Rockies provide a home to 100s of animal species & 1000s of plants…walks for every fitness level & competence Chattahoochee National Along a 2 mile out-&-back trail Park, Helen, GA you'll pass a pair of gorgeous waterfalls where, legend has it, a piece of Spanish armor from the mid-1500s was found * More wonderful areas across the U.S. can be found at https://www.walkopedia.net/best-world-walks/USA

Notes on Walking Among Wildflowers Date:

NAME LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS The High Line New York City, NY An elevated park that took over a discontinued train line has numerous Ernest E. Debs Los Angeles, CA elevators & access across NYC’s west Regional Park side provides a great easy walk of 1.45 miles The 606 Chicago, IL This easy 5.2-mile walk offers something for everyone from sunny walking trails, a butterfly trail & a lily pad pond framed by sweeping views of downtown LA Another disused railroad turned into and elevated park in Chicago’s heart connecting many neighborhoods…an easy 2.7 mile Double Butte Loop Phoenix, AZ This 2.3-mile loop walk offers walks for all skill levels. After a day of viewing Phoenix’s desert flowers & Saguaro cacti, walkers are rewarded with views of the city’s fabulous sunset Red Oak Trail San Antonio, TX This easy 1.4-mile loop walk is known as an oak savanna & great for escaping into nature. Add the Bear Grass Loop to your trek to make the day more enjoyable • For more city trails info, visit • https://www.prevention.com/fitness/g31152265/best-walking-cities-in-us/

PERENNIALS ATTRACT POLLINATORS Blanket Flower Yarrow Milkweed Goldenrod Black-Eyed Susan Wild Lupine New England Aster Purple Coneflower Shasta Daisy Wild Lupine Bee Balm Bellflower Purple Coneflower SOIL/PLANTING TIPS Till garden soil 3” deep to uncover/root out hidden weeds Rake soil & sow seeds in grooves for good soil contact Sow before impending rain or water well If using packaged seed mix use enough seed to cover area (115gr/1000sq ft) Make sure mix is suitable for your region/soil/growing conditions Check with reputable seed merchant i.e., americanmeadowes.com Perennials thrive best in poor soil conditions & are low maintenance

Wildflowers For My Garden Name Name

Bring W ildflowers To Your Garden North America United K ingdom Goldenrod Columbine Wild Lupine Poppies Wild Bergamot Daisy Indian Blanket Kingcup Black-eyed Susan Harebell Evening Primrose Cow Parsley Purple Coneflower Corncockle Red Columbine Chicory Wild Geranium Lily of the Valley New England Aster Wood anemone California Poppy Foxglove Wild orchid Primrose California Bluebell Bluebell

Name: ABOUT  Biennial  Annual  Perennial Description: NOTES PLANT THIS IN YOUR GARDEN

Taking A Res–tUnder A Shady Tree Date: List 10 words to describe the tree above… List the flowers or birds sheltering in the tree’s shade…

…the beauty is in the w–alking we are betrayed by des.t:inations Gwyn Thomas

“I love to walk. Walking is a spiritual journey and a reflection of living…” Edie Littlefield Sundby

“There’s nothing like walking To get the feel of a country” P aul Scott M owrer

“An earl-ymorning walk is a blessing for the whole day” H enry David Thoreau

Note:s Date:



Wildflower Photos

Wildflower Sketches

Doodle: s :Date

Pictures of Great Country Walks: Date: Date: Date: Date:

Wildflower Sketches/Photos

A COUNTRY WALK MAP HOW-TO 1. Mark your starting point and destination 2. Look for unique/special features 3. Mark: a) TRAILS – turns, direction i.e., N/S/E/W b) WATER AREAS – streams, ponds, etc. c) WILDFLOWER AREAS d) TERRAIN – rocky paths, flat meadows, hills… e) BIRD OR WILDLIFE ACTIVITY 1. Mark areas you liked and would revisit 2. Mark your resting places 3. If you map a very large area but don’t finish exploring it the 1st time, color the area you searched marking the start point for your next visit / walk.

MY COUNTRY WALKING MAP Date: