nature study

the study of plants and animals, especially by amateurs.

Origin of nature study

First recorded in 1895–1900

Remember that mere identification of the kinds of trees is not the highest type of nature-study.

Cornell Nature-Study Leaflets |Various
You have probably learned at school in your nature-study work that these are—what?

The Social Emergency |Various
It cares little for science for sciences sake, but its point of view is nature-study in its best sense.

The Practical Garden-Book |C. E. Hunn
He cannot be educated on nature-study alone, but he ought not to be educated without it.

Summer |Dallas Lore Sharp

nature study

the study of the natural world, esp animals and plants, by direct observation at an elementary level