The days are longer now, so it is much easier to walk in the evening. Have you noticed? The birds are more active and are probably migrating as I write this. The weather is better, too. So no excuses.
To encourage you to move along this spring, I have designed two formats for you to choose from to record your walks. They are easy to print on your printer. Make a few copies, because they are intended to be used for March, April and May. One is colored and the other is black and white. Maybe the children in your life will help you color the black and white one. Printer paper is easy to color with markers, crayons or colored pencils.
Record events quickly. Just the date, place and companions who are with you. Then print any pictures you took with your phone or camera, and tape them into the lower part of the paper, or onto the back. Pictures of your companions are good as well as any plants or bees you may see. If you forgot your camera, do a quick sketch.
Keeping a record of your walks over time is a good way to see patterns and changes in nature. When you have collected a few you can punch them to put them in a binder, or just staple them in the upper corner. Don’t make it tiresome. That’s a sure way to kill your enthusiasm.
Look for early spring changes. Even up north little plants pop up as the snow melts. Post your pictures to share with us, and enjoy the changing spring weather.
