Nature

A Phenology Wheel

Happy March! Hard to believe we’re already a week in and just two weeks from the start of spring. While I’ve enjoyed the snow this winter, I’m absolutely ready for spring! ( ⏎ Did you notice I turned off the snowfall on my homepage? I’m summoning warmer weather!) And to help me enjoy these days leading up to spring, I’ve decided to create a Phenology Wheel.

PHENOLOGY WHEEL: My circular nature journal for the month of March 2021.

The definition of phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. A Phenology Wheel is a circular journal or calendar that encourages a routine of Earth observation where you live. I’ve seen seasonal, monthly, and daily wheels—some super detailed and others just a quick sketch with notes. I opted for a daily wheel as I continue my promise to be more observant each and every day.

DAILY OBSERVATIONS: I take notes to remind me of what I saw and tried to draw!

My artwork is a bit rudimentary and my handwriting/notes a little messy, but it’s been a fun way to be both artistic and mindful. I’ll be curious to see how my drawings change throughout the month. I’m hoping I get a little better! Here are a few of the images I tried to capture:

MARCH 6th: Our security camera caught this little fellow resting on our front bushes early one morning.
MARCH 7th: This was a pretty little pinecone I spotted on my walk with Bella.
MARCH 7th: And this is Bella giving me the look that says, “Enough pictures. Let’s go, mom.”
MARCH 8th: Connor came home with a few purple Hyacinths for me to plant. I can’t wait until they bloom!

I’ll post my progress in another week or so. In the meantime, I hope my little project will spark your creativity. Let me know if you decide to create a Phenology Wheel and we can compare!

Until next time…