I’ve been spending relatively a lot more time outdoors, especially since I live near an arboretum. But even on the most peaceful walks, I’ve found it hard to let go of the weight of environmental grief. I’d look around at the trees and wildflowers, I’d start thinking about all the damage being done to ecosystems around the world. It felt almost impossible to just enjoy being in nature without the heaviness of guilt or sadness tagging along.
Rebecca Lexa in The Everyday Naturalist acknowledges that the struggle of caring deeply about the environment while also needing to protect our own mental well-being. It’s okay, and even necessary, to take moments where we simply observe and appreciate what’s around us. Learning to identify plants, animals, and fungi is about facts and shifting our focus, even just temporarily, away from despair and toward connection. That shift can build resilience, spark joy, and remind us that we’re part of this living, breathing world.
For someone like me, who often walks outdoors but sometimes feels unqualified to name anything beyond “tree” or “bird,” this book was such an encouraging guide. It’s written for beginners and seasoned naturalists alike, and it doesn’t assume you have a science degree or years of field experience. Instead, it builds your confidence, reminding you that learning to observe well takes time and that even experts still struggle with tricky identifications.
What I appreciated most was the tone. I went in expecting something a bit dry or overly technical, but this felt more like having someone who really wants you to fall in love with the natural world. Lexa explains the benefits of nature identification, not just in terms of knowledge, but in terms of mental clarity, mindfulness, and even a sense of belonging. The book also includes helpful tools like sample ID templates and examples of how to troubleshoot common mistakes, even the ones experienced field naturalists make.
Reading it made me feel more prepared and excited for my regular walks, and especially for mushroom foraging season in the fall. I now notice more details, such as shapes of leaves, types of bark, different sounds, and that has added so much richness to my everyday routine.
If you’ve ever wanted to get closer to nature but felt overwhelmed by scientific terms or unsure where to start, this book is a great entry point. It’s thoughtful, accessible, and filled with heart. And beyond all the facts and guides, what really stayed with me is the reminder that everyday curiosity matters. Observing, noticing, and naming are acts of care, even small steps toward healing both ourselves and the world.
Summary
How Nature Observation Sharpens Your Mind as Much as Your Senses
Getting better at identifying plants, animals, or fungi isn’t just about memorizing field guides or relying on apps. To become truly skilled, you also need to think critically. Is that mushroom really what your app says it is? Does it make sense for this species to appear in this season, in this habitat? Learning to ask these kinds of questions helps you avoid misidentifications and turns nature observation into a mental workout as much as a sensory one.
What It Really Means to Be an Everyday Naturalist
You don’t need a biology degree or years of fieldwork to start noticing the natural world. An everyday naturalist is someone who’s always observing and learning from what’s around them whether they’re in a city park, a backyard, or deep in the woods. They’re not specialists focused on just one thing; instead, they stay curious about everything, from mushrooms to birds to tiny insects and the ecosystems that connect them. It’s this wide-open curiosity, not credentials, that makes someone a true naturalist.
Why Learning to Identify Species Is Good for Both You and the Planet
When you can confidently identify a species, you open the door to learning so much more: how it fits into its ecosystem, how it interacts with other species, and whether it’s thriving or at risk. That knowledge deepens your understanding of the natural world, but it also enriches your personal experience. It gives you something meaningful to explore at any age, whether you’re casually curious or deeply invested. And here’s a surprising bonus: regularly observing and identifying nature can actually benefit your brain, helping to keep your memory sharp and lowering the risk of cognitive decline over time. Nature, it turns out, is not just beautiful. It’s brain food.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Rebecca Lexa
Publication date: 17 June 2025
Number of pages: 272 pages
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