DIY Herbarium Activity

Artist: Brenda Boahen (alumni Teen Production Council)

Introduction

Have you ever thought about how connected you are to the environment around you?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature—even though we’re part of it. A lot of us grow up thinking of humans and nature as two totally separate things. Sometimes it feels like nature is just something we use instead of something we’re part of. But that hasn’t always been the way people thought.

Not too long ago, most people knew the names of the plants and animals around them—because they had to! It was part of how they survived, lived, and stayed connected to the land.

These days, we don’t always grow up with that same connection. We’re losing touch with the plants, animals, and natural systems that have always been part of our lives—even the ones right outside our door.

But here’s the thing: that connection is still there. You just have to slow down and start noticing.

In the next few activities, you’ll explore the hidden world of plants and place—what’s growing around you, what it means, and how it shapes your everyday life. It’s about paying attention, asking questions, and seeing things in a new way.

Ready to test your local plant knowledge and discover a world that’s been with you all along? Let’s jump in.

Let’s start by putting your plant knowledge to the test! On the next page, you’ll find a fun quiz that challenges you to name common plant and company names. Grab a pen or pencil, and let’s see how sharp your skills are—time to get those gears turning!

Plant vs Company Name Quiz

Let’s start by putting your plant knowledge to the test! On the next page, you’ll find a fun quiz that challenges you to name common plant and company names. Grab a pen or pencil, and let’s see how sharp your skills are—time to get those gears turning!

Take a moment to name as many plants or company names as you can!

When you’re done: check with the answer key on the very last page to check your answers. 

• Our guess is that “Company Names” will win the battle (but if not, kudos to you as a true plant expert).

• Take a moment to reflect: Why do you think one side was easier than the other? What does this say about the priorities and influences in our lives today?

A) Preparation: What’s this all about?

You’re about to create your very own mini herbarium! Don’t worry—it’s a copycat version, so no plant-picking is required. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A notebook, journal, or even loose pieces of paper stapled or bound together. And of course, a drawing utensil to sketch with! 

• If you’re feeling crafty, try making a homemade mini booklet (check out this homemade mini booklet).

Important Notes:

• Collecting plants for a traditional herbarium requires knowledge about protected and poisonous plants. Instead, we’ll be sketching plants—this way, you’ll protect nature and get to show off your artistic side!

• If you do decide to collect and dry plants, make sure they aren’t protected or poisonous species (make sure you know what Poison Ivy and Poison Oak look like before touching them!). Take only what you need, leaving enough for the ecosystem and others. 

• This is an important part of ethical plant collecting, so check out this Honorable Harvestvideo for a little refresher.

B.) Research: What’s next?

Start by researching the native plants in your area. Here’s how:

1. Do a quick Google search for “native plants in [your location]” or use resources like the Native Plant Finder.

2. Simply by intuition, choose 4 plants that catch your eye.

3. Take pictures of these plants with your phone so you have a guide when you go out on your scavenger hunt.

4. Pay close attention to unique details—look at the shape, texture, and patterns of their leaves or flowers.

Now it’s time for the fun part—your plant scavenger hunt! 

1. Find the Plants:

• Head out into your area and try to locate as many of the plants from your list as you can.

2. Observe Closely:

• Can you find all of them?

• What do they look like?

• How do they smell?

• Are they symmetrical, tall, short, well-hydrated, or dry?

• Do they make the environment feel prettier, calmer, more vibrant—or are they absent altogether?

• Are they in a different seasonal phase compared to the picture you found?

3. Capture and Research:

• Take photos of the plants you find. Then dig deeper:

• What relationships do these plants have with one another?

• How do they interact with the animal world?

4. Create Your Herbarium Page:

a) On the right side of your herbarium, sketch your plant. Feel free to get creative—use as many art supplies as you’d like to bring your page to life!

b) On the left side, document the information. You can choose all or some of the following:

• Common Name:

• Botanical Name:

• Indigenous Name & Story:

• Season:

• Color:

• Smell:

• Sizes:

• Symmetry:

• Relationships:

• Interesting Discoveries: (Include details from your research, like medicinal uses or unique qualities of the plant.)

5. Reflect on the Experience:

• Has this activity changed how you view nature? If so, how?

6. Grow Your Herbarium Over Time:

• As you discover more plants, add them to your collection. You can grow your herbarium over time and hopefully, you will have a cool little booklet that showcases a new perspective on your place.

As you move through your days, months, and years, see if you can continue cultivating curiosity for the plant world that surrounds you. Here are a few tips to grow your relationship to the place and area you live, along with an understanding of the natural world with which you are a part:

A.) Each time you are walking past some flora (plant life), take a moment to acknowledge it. On occasion try to identify a particular species of plant, or tree, vine or berry to keep your knowledge growing–and then add this new found knowledge to your herbarium!

B.) Look for foraging tours, or plant walks offered at your local parks, botanical gardens, or by searching for a local organization that provides these services. * Most often have student rates and scholarships for these walks! 

We truly hope you learned something about yourself and the environment while doing this activity. 

 If you have already done this exercise in some way before, try doing it again every year. Think of it as a layering exercise where you can grow upon your past experiences, creating even stronger awareness and healthier habits!  

More than anything, we hope you had a bit of fun and be sure to check out the other activities as well!