The San Diego Natural History Museum is excited to offer a program and resources for early learners to experience nature as they learn to read and write. The Nature Buds program aims to create “budding” learners and “buddies” to nature through outdoor adventures and experiences. Through our Nature Bud Learning Leaf card sets, we provide tools for parents, caregivers, and teachers to inspire young learners to practice literacy skills while discovering the wonders of nature.
Nature Bud card sets are filled with ideas, activities, and identifications to do in natural and urban green spaces like your backyard, local parks, school sites, Balboa Park, or even at The Nat’s own Nature Trail native plant garden. Let our “leaves” be your guide to vocabulary, spelling, and the love of reading and imagination as you venture into the great outdoors.
You can find Nature Bud card sets at select local libraries, select area schools, and in our exhibit, The Backyard . You can also download a set here: (English PDF / Spanish PDF)
Nature Buds is generously funded by a grant from the Dr. Seuss Foundation and created in partnership with First Five San Diego.
Tried the card set with your Bud? Share your feedback in this short survey—we’d love to hear about your experience.
The Nature Bud card sets are aligned to the Desired Results Developmental Profile (2015). This document will help you understand what type of knowledge, skills or behaviors each activity helps your Bud develop.
(NATure Buds Standards Connection PDF)
Get outside and find all nature has to offer in your own backyard, park or your favorite nature spot. Explore together with your Nature Bud and play Nature Bingo. (English PDF / Spanish PDF)
The search is on. Get outside to “collect” sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Use photos to document your finds, or simply check them off the list together. (English PDF / Spanish PDF)
Color some critters! Start by learning about and coloring the California Condor or Turkey Vulture .
5 Best Hikes for Kids recommended by our Canyoneers.
iNaturalist is an online social network that connects people to nature through the sharing of biodiversity information. Identify plants and animals with your nature bud and contribute to science!
Get started with our pocket-sized quick guide to iNaturalist . Download the (English PDF / Spanish PDF).
Most of these projects occur year-round and you can join at any time.
Read some of our favorite nature inspired stories with your nature buddy. Check your local libraries .
Thank you to our distribution partners, the San Diego Unified School District and San Diego Public Library.
