Make A Leaf Journal This Fall

by Erin Gibbens, Kids Section Co-Editor

Have you ever noticed that leaves are all different shapes and sizes? Some are pointy, some have rounded edges, and some are big while others are very small. Looking at the shape of a leaf can help you figure out what kind of tree it came from. Fall is the perfect time to collect a few colorful leaves from your neighborhood. You can use them to make a leaf journal. A leaf journal is a fun way to learn the names of local trees and have a cool keepsake to remember the fall season.

Here’s how to make a leaf journal:

• Go outside with your adult and choose a few leaves that you like.

• Use a notebook (or the template you can download below) to make your Leaf Journal.

• You can make your Leaf Journal look nice by tracing each leaf, gluing the leaf onto the page, and/or trying a leaf rubbing. A leaf rubbing is when you put a leaf under your paper and use a crayon or pencil to gently rub on top of the paper (with the leaf under it). You’ll see all the tiny lines and shapes of the leaf appear like magic.

• Write down where you found each leaf, what it looks like, and the kind of tree it came from.

• Don’t forget to ask before picking leaves from someone else’s yard.

Would you like to make your own leaf journal?

When you scan this QR code, you’ll find a Leaf Journal template with pictures and facts about trees that you can find here in Reston: oak, maple, sweetgum, dogwood, and more.