Nature Study and America's First Naturalist
Recently, for part of our nature study we read William Bartram – America’s First Naturalist. William lived from 1739-1823. The book is written in a journal style and starts when he was 8 years old.
Williams father was a botanist and passed on to William a love for nature. He taught William to identify plant families by looking at ‘the shape of the leaves, the structure of the seeds, buds, and flowers , the bark and branching patterns of trees.’
Between the two of them they are credited with introducing more then 200 plants into cultivation. Many plants would have become extinct if not for them.
I read the first half of this book to my children while some drew the leaves they saw around them.
We’re sitting in a dry creek bed which should have water running in it come winter.
Sometimes nature comes to you. 
This little guy hopped up on to my nature journal as I was attempting to sketch. 
I’ve just recently started my own nature journal and am thoroughly enjoying it. Barb at Harmony Art Mom is to be given the credit for the inspiration. Thanks, Barb!
7 Comments
happycamper
What lovely pictures. And I shall have to see if our library has that book. Thanks.
Jenn
bubbebobbie
It looks like it was a lovely day for discovery.
I would follow the ways of your barefoot boy.
Seeing hearing and drawing are wonderful, but the feet touching the earth, ah, there is my heart.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
kellieann
Very cool! I need to dig ours out again. We haven't used them in a while, but I've been so inspired by what I've seen on others blogs.
Mommaofmany
How lovely your area is! We'll be going to the mountains this weekend, too. I wil try to get the Lambies to sketch something!
Momma
KarlaKAkins
Oh, thanks so much for posting this book! I LOVE nature studies, too! And I'm always looking for good material. Thanks!
And thanks for stopping by my blog! I filed a police report this morning. I know they will probably not catch the lady but at least they'll have a report and maybe put in the paper for people to watch out for this kind of thing.
Jimmie
Yes, Barb is such an inspiration to so many! I've had a grasshopper (katydid) hop on my nature journal as well! I drew him! 🙂 The photos are amazing. The landscape there is fascinating to me. I've never traveled to the western parts of USA. I so want to. Your family is lovely.
HarmonyArtMom
I love your little visitor that landed on your sketchbook, how great was that! I haven't read the book either so you know I'm going to be looking for that!
I am so glad that you are nature journaling……
Barb
Edited by HarmonyArtMom on Oct. 30, 2007 at 5:18 PM