Skip to main content

We Can All Be Naturalists!

"We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plants and animal life and to care for none of these things." ~Charlotte Mason, British Educator 1824-1923


Bumble Bee on a Garden Cosmos Flower

If we are all meant to be naturalists, then we need to know what one is. Certainly, Charlotte has given us the idea that we are surrounded by the marvels of the natural world which are meant to be explored and interacted with for our learning. Nature holds a treasure chest of wonders awaiting our observation and discovery. 

Cattails Bordering a Pond

Here are some common answers to the question, what is a naturalist? 

A naturalist may be...

  • an expert in natural history
  • a person who adopts philosophical naturalism
  • a person who studies natural history
  • one who studies the natural world
Being families with Charlotte's writings on this topic, I'd say she had the latter answer in mind. For simplicity's sake and in agreement with her sentiment, my answer to this question is that a naturalist is anyone who studies nature in nature. With nature as the teacher, this practice does not require any formal training and is accessible to every one. See Home Education Volume I Part II Out-of-Door Life For the Children at Ambleside Online.


Daffodil 'Barrett Browning'

Through community outreach, trained naturalists educate people of all ages about the local environment, wildlife habitats, and conservation practices that work to protect natural ecosystems.

Professional naturalists spend most of their time outdoors in the field taking observation notes, photos, and keeping a written record for future research. 

Dogwood Tree Blossoms

We can learn to do something similar by keeping a nature journal. See my post Keeping a Nature Journal

Studying the natural sciences from one season to the next is an enriching activity for all ages. It assists in nurturing a greater appreciation for all life. Exploring the outdoors and observing nature can be a satisfying, lifelong experience.

Lake Kittamaqundi 
Columbia, Maryland, USA

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." ~John Lubbock, England Naturalist 1824-1913

Nature study in the field helps us to understand our personal responsibility to be faithful stewards of the environment. It grows an appreciation of all living things and helps us to be committed advocates working to protect natural resources for future generations. When we care for the natural world it protects life in every form. Naturalists build upon the knowledge and wisdom of those who came before them and communicate what they have learned for those who will come afterwards.

Male Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)

Charlotte Mason also said, "There is no education without nature." In other words, in order for us to benefit from the fullness of a generous and rewarding education, we must spend time in nature to thrive in a holistic manner. Learning about the natural world and how all living things are interconnected lays a solid foundation for the natural sciences.

If you're interested in learning more about how you can participate in outdoor learning experiences, education, or to get training as a Master Naturalist, please visit the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs ANROSP to access resources, references, and networks within your local community. 


Piney Orchard Nature Preserve
Odenton, Maryland, USA 

Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~ Jen

Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Spending Time With Nature

 "A walk in nature walks the soul back home." ~Mary Davis   These very words came to mind yesterday as I hiked along the trails of Calvert Cliffs State Park located in Lusby, Maryland. When I arrived around noon it was a pleasant 66°f with sunshine and a light breeze. Much of the Red Trail is tree lined and provides ample shade with a few open sky views alongside protected wetlands to and from the beach. Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach Pink Mountain Laurel blossoms brightened the landscape as turtles sunned on logs surrounded by water lily pads and their blooms. Bird songs and frog croaks filled the air with nature's praise. It was an absolute delight to the senses!  Mountain Laurel Blossoms Eastern Painted Turtle Spending time in nature offers many benefits for our health. Nature provides for us holistically as it nurtures our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Outdoor green spaces can be found in cities, towns, gardens, rural farms, parks, zoos, and botanical a...
Read more

Woodlands

 "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Since childhood, walking in the woods has always been a meditative experience that calms my mind while simultaneously heightening my senses to the sights, smells, and sounds unique to woodlands. My home in the Eastern United States is located in the temperate deciduous forest biome. We have four distinct seasons with cool winters, warm summers, and resplendent autumn leaves that fall away only to be replaced with lovely buds and blossoms come spring. Whether or not one lives near a forest, thriving woodlands are essential for the health and well-being of life on earth. Walking along trails surrounded by trees has a way of speaking to the soul that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.  All of creation is filled with wonders that testify to the glory of God through an abundant display of natural beauty. The forest ecosystem provides natural habitat for various species of trees, plant...
Read more

An Absolute Gem!

 "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir On more than one occasion, my beloved Dad has shared this insightful quote by John Muir, the eloquent Scottish born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. And every time I walk with nature this quote comes to remembrance due to its emphasis on the profound connection between humanity and nature.  Today, I experienced this first hand while driving back roads to avoid heavy highway traffic. Much to my delight, I drove past this lovely nature space called Patuxent Ponds Park located in Odenton, Maryland. The reflection of trees in the pond water beckoned me to come and spend some time with nature. I quickly made a mental note to stop on my way back. Upon arrival, while stepping out of my car, my first thought was, Wow! this place is an absolute gem!  Since I didn't have my journal with me, I made sure to take in a...
Read more