Beth

1. I started keeping a "words only" nature journal one year ago to document the environment of the ocean front inlet and salt marsh where I kayak.  I wanted to know what birds and animals were there at what time of year, what they were doing, etc. etc.  I was brand new to this environment and wanted to eventually know it well enough that I could look forward to migrating animals returning and know the time of year to expect certain changes.  In this year I have tagged Monarchs for a scientific study, assisted with Loggerhead nests and volunteered as an Audubon shorebird steward but mainly I spend hours in my kayak in the ocean inlet observing.  I often refer back to my journal to see if a particular bird was present at this time last year. 2. My drawing skills are limited but I want to overcome being self- conscious of them.  I want to incorporate a lot of facts on my journal page as well as observations and begin to feel comfortable adding the drawings.  The first journal in the video had lots of facts with excellent drawings which appeals to me.