Nature journaling is a useful skill for science students, independent of whether they also consider themselves artists. A pencil and sketchbook can be carried anywhere to record ecological information in many ways. A traditional page in a nature journal may consist of quick studies of plant and animal life sketched out as rudimentary line drawings and used as an inventory of an ecosystem. Sketching from nature is one way to provide open-ended, inquiry-based learning while also bringing art into the process of learning science. This article describes how nature journaling helps students develop careful observation skills and a deep appreciation of nature. It also discusses how to prepare nature journaling, including the materials needed for this activity. The author suggests two exercises, entitled Contour Drawing and Observation of Change, to get a novice sketcher started. A weekly sharing activity is a good way to monitor student progress and make sure they are putting some time into the journals. As students become more involved with their journals, they may gain a deeper appreciation of their own backyards and a growing interest in learning more. (Contains 1 figure.)