DIY Herbarium Activity

Artist: Brenda Boahen (alumni Teen Production Council)

Introduction

In our busy lives today, we are often disconnected from the environment, our sense of place. We might have grown up–even unconsciously–with the idea that we humans and nature are completely separate things. Evenmore, we might have this silent understanding that nature is simply a resource to be used. But this is just one way of thinking and looking at the natural world and our place within it. And, it was not always the standard way of thinking. All of our ancestors, even a couple of generations back knew about most plants and animals in the areas in which they lived in order to survive and thrive.

As our modern world continues to lose an intertwined relationship with the land, we are also losing our knowledge of the plants and animals that are living among us.Things that were once taught to us as we went through our days, by our caregivers and teachers, and by playing in the natural world are slipping away from the majority of today's youth. 

Part of deepening the relationship with your environment is learning about the other lifeforms that live there. Chances are, there is an abundance of plants that accompany you at all times during your day - but have you ever stopped to think about them? To get to know them? 

In the following activities, you will dive into a world of perspective exploration and awareness towards our often-invisible relationships with place.

Let’s test your native plant knowledge! Get ready to discover a whole new world!

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!