I’ve learned a lot about goal making (and keeping) over the past few years. My conclusion? Goals will motivate us if we keep them simple, clear, and reachable. Goals are different than wishes. Goals need to have steps built into them to get you where you want to be by the deadline.
Nature Goal for 2018
I spent a lot of time this past year becoming familiar with my new habitat here in Central Oregon and my overall goal for 2018 is to continue to grow in knowledge about the local flora and fauna, with a particular emphasis on the birds, mammals, and plants that are in my own backyard.
This year I’m going to make my goals quarterly. I can pretty much see the next few months ahead and can create goals to keep me on track. At the end of the quarter I can decide if I’ve achieved a goal, if I need to continue working towards a goal, or if I need to revamp my expectations.
1st Quarter 2018 – Baby It’s Cold Outside
- Begin to use the Nature Observer journal every day to keep track of my nature experiences. Use the journal prompts included in the book to inspire my outdoor time. Don’t expect each page to be perfect but create a personalized record of my outdoor observations and adventures in 2018.
- Find two books to help me learn about the local habitat.
- Take one new local hike with my family.
- Visit the High Desert Museum and possibly buy a family pass. Look at the gift shop for books.
- Visit the nature center at Sunriver. Ask about volunteering.
- Continue to participate in Project Feederwatch.
- Participate in the Outdoor Hour Challenge by completing the reading in the Handbook of Nature Study, taking the walk, and doing a follow up journal page (or something else appropriate). If needed, I will also look up the topic in my local field guide to see if there is additional information.
Additional things on my nature to do list
- Decide if we’re going to purchase a National Parks pass and/or a State Parks pass.
- Plan a trip to the ocean.
- Make plans to visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
- Continue working on our new garden plan, emphasizing native plants and natural features.
- Participate in the online Nature Book Club by sharing one book per month here on the blog along with a corresponding activity. I’ll be sharing more on this in the near future.
I always love to read your goals so leave me a comment with your goals or a link to your blog if you post an entry there.
Be Inspired! Be Encouraged! Get Outdoors!
Nature Study Goals From Previous Years:
Are you interested in creating your own nature goals? Here is a free printable for you to use as you brainstorm the goal and the steps to meeting that goal.
Nature Study Goals 2017 Planning Page
You may also want to plan out your nature book project for 2018. Here is a planning page you can print and use!
