Nature Merit Badge

The Nature merit badge helps Scouts learn more about the natural world around them. By working on this badge, Scouts explore plants, animals, and ecosystems. They discover how living things depend on each other and the environment. This badge encourages Scouts to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Scouts working on the Nature merit badge spend time outdoors. They might visit forests, parks, or other natural areas. This hands-on experience gives them a better understanding of nature and its importance. Learning outside is fun and helps Scouts see how science applies to the real world.

The Nature merit badge also teaches Scouts about conservation. They learn why it’s important to protect plants, animals, and habitats. Scouts gain knowledge that can help them make better choices to care for the Earth. This badge shows how small actions can make a big difference for the environment.

Earning the Nature merit badge benefits Scouts in many ways. They build observation skills and develop curiosity about the world. Spending time in nature is also good for mental and physical health. This badge helps Scouts become more aware of their role in protecting our planet.

Download the Nature Merit Badge Requirements

Nature Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Nature Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Nature Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Nature merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Plants
• Requirement 2: Animals
• Requirement 3: Food Chain
• Requirement 4: Fields
• Requirement 5: Leave No Trace
• Requirement 6: Succession
• More Resources

How Plants Help Animals

Plants are very important to animals in many ways. For the Nature merit badge, Scouts learn how plants and animals are connected. Plants provide food, shelter, and other things that animals need to survive.

Here are some ways plants are important to animals:

• Food: Many animals eat plants, including leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Herbivores, like deer and rabbits, depend on plants for all of their food.
• Oxygen: Plants produce oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Animals breathe in oxygen to stay alive.
• Shelter: Plants give animals places to live. Birds build nests in trees, and insects hide in grass or flowers.
• Protection: Some animals use plants to hide from predators. For example, a frog might stay safe under a large leaf.
• Nesting Materials: Animals like birds and squirrels use plants to build their nests. They might use twigs, leaves, or grass.
• Water: Plants store water that animals can drink. For example, some animals drink water from cacti in dry areas.
• Habitat: Plants create ecosystems where animals can find everything they need to survive. A forest is home to many types of animals.
• Pollination: While getting food from flowers, animals like bees and butterflies help plants grow by spreading pollen. This benefits both the plants and the animals.

When you work on the Nature merit badge, you will learn more about how plants and animals depend on each other. Understanding these connections helps Scouts appreciate and care for the natural world.

How Animals Help Plants

Animals are very important to plants. For the Nature merit badge, Scouts learn how plants and animals depend on each other. Animals help plants grow, spread, and survive in many ways.

Here are some ways animals are important to plants:

• Pollination: Animals like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats move pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants produce seeds and grow new plants.
• Seed Dispersal: Animals spread seeds by eating fruits and dropping seeds in new places. Some seeds stick to an animal’s fur and travel to new areas.
• Soil Enrichment: When animals leave behind waste, it breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil. This makes the soil healthier for plants.
• Protection: Some animals protect plants by eating pests that could harm them. For example, ladybugs eat aphids, which are insects that damage plants.
• Pruning: When animals eat certain parts of a plant, like leaves or branches, it can help the plant grow stronger. This is called natural pruning.
• Soil Aeration: Animals like earthworms and burrowing animals dig through the soil. This loosens the dirt, allowing air and water to reach the plant roots.
• Fertilization: In some cases, animals like fish or marine animals help fertilize plants in water ecosystems by releasing nutrients.
• Symbiosis: Some animals and plants work together to help each other survive. For example, ants protect certain plants, and the plants give the ants food or shelter.

When working on the Nature merit badge, Scouts see how animals and plants depend on each other to survive. Learning about these relationships helps Scouts understand why all living things are connected.

Understanding Food Chains

A food chain shows how energy moves through living things in an ecosystem. Plants, animals, and even tiny organisms are part of food chains. Each step in a food chain is called a link. When you work on the Nature merit badge, you will learn how food chains show the connection between living things.

A food chain starts with a producer, usually a plant. Plants make their own food using sunlight through a process called photosynthesis. The next steps are consumers, which are animals that eat plants or other animals. The last step is usually a decomposer, like fungi or bacteria, which breaks down dead plants and animals.

Here are examples of two four-step food chains:

Land Food Chain:

1. Grass (producer) makes food using sunlight.
2. Grasshopper (herbivore) eats the grass.
3. Frog (carnivore) eats the grasshopper.
4. Hawk (top predator) eats the frog.

Water Food Chain:

1. Algae (producer) grows using sunlight.
2. Small fish (herbivore) eats the algae.
3. Larger fish (carnivore) eats the small fish.
4. Eagle (top predator) catches and eats the larger fish.

When you study food chains for the Nature merit badge, you will see how energy flows through ecosystems. This helps you understand the balance of nature and the importance of every living thing.

Observing and Helping Birds for the Nature Merit Badge

Birds are an important part of nature. For the Nature merit badge, you will spend time learning to identify birds and creating a space for them. This helps you learn about bird behavior and how to support wildlife in your area.

Identifying Eight Bird Species
To identify eight bird species, spend time outdoors in places like parks, forests, or even your own backyard. Use a field guide or a bird identification app to help you. Pay attention to details like size, color, beak shape, and behavior. Listen for their calls and songs, which can also help you recognize them. Binoculars can help you see birds up close without disturbing them.

Making a Bird-Friendly Space
You can build a birdhouse, feeding station, or birdbath to support local birds.

• Birdhouse: This is a small shelter where birds can nest. Make sure the size of the hole and box fits the species in your area, like wrens, bluebirds, or chickadees.
• Feeding Station: Hang a bird feeder filled with seeds, nuts, or suet. Different birds eat different foods, so try to use a mix. For example, sunflower seeds attract many birds.
• Birdbath: Place a shallow dish of clean water in a safe, open spot. Birds need water for drinking and bathing.

Tracking Bird Visitors
Once your birdhouse, feeding station, or birdbath is set up, observe it for a month. Keep a list of the birds that use it. Watch for common species like sparrows, robins, or cardinals. Note how they behave, such as drinking water, eating seeds, or using the birdhouse.

Working on this part of the Nature merit badge helps you build observation skills and learn more about bird conservation. It’s also fun to see how small actions can support local wildlife.

Learning About Mammals for the Nature Merit Badge

Mammals are warm-blooded animals with fur or hair. They usually give birth to live young and feed them with milk. For the Nature merit badge, you will learn to identify wild mammals and make plaster casts of their tracks. This helps you understand how mammals live and move in their environment.

Identifying Three Wild Mammals
To identify three wild mammals, spend time outdoors in natural areas like forests, fields, or near water. Look for animals that are active during the day, like squirrels, rabbits, or deer. You can also watch for signs of mammals, like tracks, droppings, or chewed plants. Use a field guide or app to help you recognize them. Pay attention to their size, shape, color, and behavior to figure out what species they are.

Making Plaster Casts of Tracks
Making a plaster cast of a mammal’s track is a fun way to learn more about how animals move. Tracks are often found near water, in mud, or on sandy trails. Look for clear tracks that are easy to see.

To make a cast:

1. Mix plaster of Paris with water until it’s smooth, like pancake batter.
2. Pour the plaster carefully into the track without spilling over the edges.
3. Let it harden for about 30 minutes.
4. Once it’s dry, gently lift the cast and brush off dirt.

The cast will show the shape and size of the animal’s track. Compare it to pictures or guides to identify which mammal made it.

Working on the Nature merit badge helps you learn how mammals live and adapt to their surroundings. It also teaches you to observe details and explore nature in a hands-on way.

Exploring Reptiles and Amphibians for the Nature Merit Badge

Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures. Reptiles, like snakes, lizards, and turtles, have scaly skin and breathe air. Amphibians, like frogs, toads, and salamanders, have smooth skin and often live part of their lives in water. For the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn how to identify them and recognize their signs.

Recognizing Venomous Snakes
Learn to identify venomous snakes in your area by studying their appearance and behavior. Venomous snakes often have distinct patterns, triangular-shaped heads, and vertical pupils (like a cat’s eye). Some species, like rattlesnakes, have warning sounds or unique markings. Use a reliable guide or website to learn how to tell venomous snakes from harmless ones. Always keep a safe distance when observing snakes in the wild.

Identifying Three Species of Reptiles or Amphibians
Spend time in places like wetlands, forests, or near streams to find reptiles and amphibians. Look for turtles basking on logs, salamanders hiding under rocks, or snakes sunning themselves. Use a field guide or app to help identify them based on their size, color, markings, and behavior. For example, you might spot a box turtle, a green tree frog, or a garter snake.

Recognizing a Frog by Voice or Identifying Signs
Frogs and toads make unique calls, especially during breeding season. Listen for their sounds near ponds or streams and compare them to recordings to recognize a species. If you prefer to look for signs, search for eggs, burrows, or dens. Frog and toad eggs are usually found in water and look like jelly-like clusters. Reptile signs might include shed skin, tracks, or burrows.

Completing this part of the Nature merit badge helps you learn how reptiles and amphibians live and interact with their environment. It also teaches you to observe wildlife safely and responsibly.

Discovering Insects and Spiders for the Nature Merit Badge

Insects and spiders are all around us. Insects have six legs and three body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen), while spiders are arachnids with eight legs and two body parts. For the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn to identify them and observe their life cycles.

Collecting and Identifying Ten Species
You can collect or photograph 10 species of insects or spiders. Look in places like gardens, forests, or near lights at night. Use tools like a magnifying glass, bug net, or a camera to observe them safely. When identifying, focus on details like the number of legs, body shape, color, and patterns. Examples might include ants, butterflies, dragonflies, or orb-weaver spiders. Use a field guide or app to confirm your identifications. If you handle live insects, be gentle and release them back into their environment.

Hatching or Keeping Insects
Choose one of these options to observe an insect’s life cycle:

• Hatching from a Pupa or Cocoon: Find a cocoon or pupa (like a moth’s or butterfly’s) and keep it in a container with air holes. Watch as the adult insect emerges.
• Hatching from Nymphs: Some insects, like grasshoppers, have young that look like smaller versions of adults. Find eggs or nymphs and observe their growth.
• Raising Larvae: Caterpillars or other larvae can be kept until they form pupae or cocoons. Feed them fresh leaves and watch their transformation.
• Keeping a Colony: Ants or bees live in colonies with a queen and workers. You can safely observe them by creating a small ant farm or visiting a local beekeeper.

Working on this part of the Nature merit badge helps you understand how insects and spiders live and grow. It’s also a great way to learn how these small creatures play big roles in our ecosystems.

Exploring Fish and Their Food for the Nature Merit Badge

Fish are important members of aquatic ecosystems. They come in many shapes and sizes and eat a variety of foods to survive. For the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn how to identify fish species and understand what they eat in the wild.

Identifying Two Fish Species
To identify two species of fish, start by visiting a nearby lake, river, pond, or stream. Look for fish swimming, or ask a local angler about common species in the area. Use a field guide or an app to identify them based on their size, color, markings, and fin shapes. Some common freshwater fish include bluegill, bass, or catfish. If you’re near saltwater, you might identify species like mullet or flounder.

Collecting Four Kinds of Fish Food
Fish eat a variety of foods in the wild. To complete this requirement, collect four types of food fish might eat. Here are some examples:

• Insects: Look for aquatic insects like mayflies or dragonflies, which fish catch at the surface.
• Crustaceans: Small creatures like crayfish or shrimp are favorites for many fish. Look under rocks or in shallow water.
• Worms: Earthworms or aquatic worms are a common food source. You can dig for them in soil or find them near water.
• Plankton: Tiny organisms, like zooplankton, are eaten by smaller fish. You can collect them by scooping water into a fine-mesh net.

When collecting food, handle it carefully and return any living creatures to their habitat after observation.

By identifying fish and learning about their food, you gain a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems and how species depend on each other. This part of the Nature merit badge shows how everything in nature is connected.

Exploring Mollusks and Crustaceans for the Nature Merit Badge

Mollusks and crustaceans are fascinating animals that live in water and on land. Mollusks, like clams and snails, have soft bodies and often have shells. Crustaceans, like crabs and shrimp, have hard outer shells and jointed legs. For the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn how to identify these animals and work with their shells.

Identifying Five Species of Mollusks and Crustaceans
To find mollusks and crustaceans, look near rivers, lakes, oceans, or even in forests. Use a guide or app to identify them based on their shape, size, and color. Here are some examples:

• Snail: A land or water mollusk with a coiled shell.
• Clam: A mollusk with a two-part shell often found buried in sand or mud.
• Octopus: A mollusk without a shell but with eight arms.
• Crab: A crustacean with a broad shell and claws.
• Shrimp: A small crustacean with a thin shell and long antennae.

When identifying species, observe carefully but handle them gently to avoid harm.

Collecting, Mounting, and Labeling Six Shells
To complete this part of the requirement, collect six shells from mollusks, such as clams, snails, or mussels. Follow these steps:

1. Collect: Look for empty shells on beaches or near water. Avoid taking shells with living animals inside.
2. Clean: Wash the shells with water and remove dirt or debris.
3. Mount: Arrange the shells on a display board or in a box for presentation.
4. Label: Write labels that include the name of the mollusk and where you found the shell.

This activity teaches you to observe details and appreciate the variety of life forms in nature. Working on the Nature merit badge helps you see how mollusks and crustaceans play important roles in their ecosystems.

Learning About Wild Plants for the Nature Merit Badge

Plants are an important part of ecosystems, providing food, oxygen, and shelter for other living things. For the Nature merit badge, you will identify wild plants and learn more about their seeds or leaves. This helps you understand how plants grow and their role in the environment.

Identifying 15 Wild Plant Species
To identify wild plants, visit parks, forests, or open fields. Look at trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and ferns. Pay attention to details like the shape of leaves, the texture of bark, or the color and size of flowers. Use a field guide or app to help you identify them. Some common examples might include dandelions, oaks, cattails, or ferns. Always observe plants carefully without damaging them.

Collecting or Photographing Seeds or Leaves
Choose one of the following options to complete this requirement:

• Seeds: Collect and label the seeds of six plants. Look for seeds in fruits, pods, or cones. Label each one with the plant’s name and where you found it. If you photograph seeds, include notes about their size, color, and shape in your catalog.
• Leaves: Collect and label leaves from 12 plants. Carefully remove a single leaf from each plant. Label each leaf with the plant’s name and details like where it grows. If you choose to photograph leaves, take clear, close-up pictures and create a catalog that describes the plants.

This activity teaches you to observe details and appreciate plant diversity. Completing this part of the Nature merit badge helps you understand how plants contribute to life on Earth and how to recognize them in the wild.

Discovering Soils and Rocks for the Nature Merit Badge

Soils and rocks are the foundation of ecosystems. Soil supports plant growth, while rocks help shape the landscape and provide minerals. For the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn to identify different types of soil and rocks. This helps you understand their role in nature.

Collecting and Identifying Three Types of Soil
Soil is made up of tiny particles of minerals and organic material. The three types you need to collect are:

• Sandy Soil: Feels gritty and drains water quickly. It’s made of large particles and is common near beaches or deserts.
• Clay Soil: Feels smooth and sticky when wet. It’s made of very small particles and holds water well. Look for it in areas with poor drainage.
• Humus-Rich Soil: Dark and crumbly, full of decomposed plant and animal material. This type of soil is found in forests or gardens and is good for growing plants.

When collecting soil, take small samples and label them with the location and type.

Collecting and Identifying Five Types of Rocks
Rocks are grouped into three main types based on how they form:

• Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled lava or magma. Examples include granite (with visible crystals) or basalt (dark and smooth).
• Sedimentary Rocks: Made from layers of sand, mud, or tiny fossils that press together over time. Examples include sandstone and limestone.
• Metamorphic Rocks: Created when other rocks are changed by heat and pressure. Examples include marble and slate.

To collect rocks, look in natural areas like riverbeds, quarries, or hillsides. Label each rock with its name and where you found it. Use a guide to help with identification based on texture, color, and hardness.

Working on this part of the Nature merit badge teaches you how soil and rocks support life and shape the environment. It also builds observation skills and helps you appreciate Earth’s natural resources.

Understanding Leave No Trace for the Nature Merit Badge

Leave No Trace is a set of guidelines that help people enjoy nature responsibly. The goal is to protect the environment so it stays healthy and beautiful for wildlife and future visitors. For the Nature merit badge, you will learn how to practice Leave No Trace and why it matters.

Read more about Leave No Trace here.

Leave No Trace has seven basic principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the rules of the area you’re visiting. Bring the right gear and supplies to avoid damaging the environment.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to trails and campsites to avoid trampling plants and disturbing animals.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and other waste. Leave nature as you found it.
4. Leave What You Find: Don’t pick plants, take rocks, or disturb wildlife. Let others enjoy nature too.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove instead of making a fire. If fires are allowed, keep them small and use established fire rings.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Don’t feed them or disturb their homes.
7. Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise levels down and respect other people enjoying the outdoors.

Leave No Trace relates to the Nature merit badge because it helps you understand how human actions impact the environment. By following these principles, you can explore nature without causing harm. This ensures that plants, animals, and ecosystems stay balanced and healthy for generations to come.

Understanding Succession for the Nature Merit Badge

Succession is the natural process of change in an ecosystem over time. It happens as plants and animals gradually replace each other in an area. For the Nature merit badge, you will learn to observe and understand these changes in a natural environment.

What Is Succession?
Succession begins when an area is disturbed or starts without life. Over time, plants and animals move in, and the ecosystem grows more complex. There are two main types of succession:

• Primary Succession: This starts on bare surfaces, like after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat. Life begins with simple organisms like mosses and lichens, which prepare the soil for other plants.
• Secondary Succession: This happens after a disturbance, like a fire or farming, where soil is already present. Grasses, shrubs, and trees gradually grow back, bringing in animals that depend on them.

Visiting a Natural Area
When visiting a natural area, observe the plants and animals and think about what stage of succession it is in:

• Early Succession: Areas like meadows or fields with grasses and wildflowers. Animals might include insects, small mammals, and birds.
• Middle Succession: Areas with shrubs and young trees. Animals like deer, rabbits, and songbirds are common.
• Late Succession: Mature forests or other stable ecosystems with a mix of large trees and diverse wildlife like owls, foxes, or larger herbivores.

Think about what the area looked like before. Was it a forest cleared by humans or a grassland affected by fire? These disturbances create new opportunities for plants and animals to move in. Consider what might happen in the future. For example, a meadow might eventually turn into a forest as trees grow.

By studying succession for the Nature merit badge, you’ll learn how ecosystems change and recover. This knowledge helps you understand the importance of protecting natural areas and supporting their ability to grow and adapt.

Nature and Environment Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The Nature and Environment troop program feature helps Scouts explore plants, animals, and ecosystems. It focuses on how living things depend on each other and how humans impact the environment. Activities include identifying birds, learning about wild and edible plants, and understanding food chains. Scouts can also work on advanced topics like grafting plants or discussing evolution. Suggested activities include birding trips, nature campouts, and outings with naturalists.

This program connects well with the Nature merit badge, giving Scouts opportunities to study wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation while enjoying hands-on experiences in the outdoors. It’s a great way to learn about nature.

What is the Nature merit badge about?

The Nature merit badge teaches Scouts about plants, animals, ecosystems, and conservation. It helps you explore the natural world and understand how everything in nature is connected.

Do I need to visit a specific location to earn the Nature merit badge?

No, you don’t need to go to a specific place. You can work on the requirements in any natural area near you, like a park, forest, or even your backyard.

How much time does it take to complete the Nature merit badge?

It depends on how much time you spend outdoors and how quickly you can complete the activities, like identifying species or observing wildlife. Most Scouts take several weeks to finish it.

Do I have to collect anything for the Nature merit badge?

For some requirements, you can collect items like leaves, seeds, or shells. If you don’t want to collect them, you can take photos instead and label them for your project.

What skills will I learn from the Nature merit badge?

You will learn how to identify plants, animals, rocks, and soils. You’ll also learn about food chains, ecosystems, and how to observe nature. These skills help you understand and protect the environment.

Do I need special tools to work on the Nature merit badge?

You don’t need a lot of tools, but some items can help. A field guide, binoculars, a magnifying glass, or a camera might be useful for identifying species or observing wildlife.

Can I do the Nature merit badge with a group?

Yes, you can work on it with your troop or friends. It’s a great way to explore nature together and share what you find. You must complete each requirement yourself though.

Why is the Nature merit badge important?

The Nature merit badge helps you appreciate and protect the natural world. It teaches you about the connections between plants, animals, and the environment.

What is the most challenging part of the Nature merit badge?

Many Scouts find identifying species challenging because it takes careful observation. Using a guide or app can make it easier.

Can I finish the Nature merit badge indoors?

Some parts, like reading or labeling photos, can be done indoors. But most of the Nature merit badge activities involve going outside to observe and explore.

The Nature merit badge is all about exploring the outdoors and learning how plants, animals, and ecosystems work together. Scouts get hands-on experience in identifying species, understanding food chains, and observing nature. By working on this badge, you’ll discover the beauty and balance of the natural world.

Scouts will learn how to identify trees, birds, mammals, and more. You’ll also study how animals and plants interact with their environment. This includes looking at things like soil, rocks, and how ecosystems recover after a disturbance. Each activity helps you see the connections that keep nature healthy.

One exciting part of the Nature merit badge is getting outside. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or exploring your backyard, you’ll sharpen your observation skills. You’ll also create projects like plaster casts of animal tracks or a catalog of seeds and leaves. These activities make learning about nature fun and meaningful.

Earning the Nature merit badge helps Scouts understand why conservation is important. By learning about nature, you can take steps to protect it. This badge encourages Scouts to appreciate the environment and become better stewards of the Earth.