Download the Field Guide Page (Printable PDF)
How to use your Field Guide Page
Print a few copies of the Field Guide Page before you head out. Tuck them into a clipboard or notebook with a pencil. Each page is meant for one “mystery find” — a shell, fossil, rock, leaf, feather, or anything else that catches your eye.
When you discover something interesting, pause and really look at it. Fill in the date, time, and place where you found it, then use the “What It Looks Like” section to describe its size, color, patterns, and texture. Use the big box on the form to make a sketch or tape a small photo later.
The “Story & Questions” section is where the fun begins. Write down why it caught your eye, what you think it might be, and any questions that pop into your mind. After your trip, you can use books or trusted websites to fact-check your guess and fill in the “Fact Check” section with the real name and one fun fact you learned.
Over time, these pages become your own personal field notebook — a record of the tides, trails, and tiny discoveries that tell the story of where you’ve been and what you’ve noticed along the way.
