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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Nature
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Nature takes a broad, ecological look at the living world, connecting plants, soils, and animals into functioning systems. Requirement 4 is the core: you must complete field studies across five distinct natural disciplines — birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. Expect to spend significant time outdoors observing and cataloging specimens.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Ecosystem Connections & Food Webs
- Plant & Tree Field Identification
- Wildlife Sampling: Birds, Reptiles & Insects
- Habitat Stewardship & Natural Resource Care
6Printable Pages
7Requirements
2025Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Nature Requirements
Every requirement for the Nature merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1How Plants Matter to Animals
Name three ways in which plants are important to animals. Name a plant that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
2How Animals Matter to Plants
Name three ways in which animals are important to plants. Name an animal that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
3Food Chains
Explain the term "food chain." Give an example of a four-step land food chain and a four-step water food chain.
4Five Fields of Nature Study
Do ALL the requirements in FIVE of the following fields:
- a Birds. Do ALL of the following:
- b Mammals. Do ALL of the following:
- c Reptiles and Amphibians. Do ALL of the following:
- d Insects and Spiders. Do ALL of the following:
- e Fish. Do ALL of the following:
- f Mollusks and Crustaceans. Do ALL of the following:
- g Plants. Do ALL of the following:
- a Collect and label the seeds of six plants OR the leaves of 12 plants.
- b Photograph the seeds of six plants OR the leaves of 12 plants and create a catalog of your photos.
- h Soils and Rocks. Do ALL of the following:
5Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code
Discuss the importance of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code and how they relate to nature. Explain how you have followed the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code while in natural areas during field observation, specimen collection, and identification.
6Succession in a Natural Area
Do the following:
- a Explain what succession is to your counselor.
- b Visit a natural area (forest, grassland, meadow, water feature) and explain what stage of succession (both plant and animal) the area is in. Talk about what community/succession stages may have been there before and what community/succession stages may replace what you see now. Discuss what disturbances or changes have taken place in the past to create this landscape and what changes may occur in the future to change the landscape further.
7Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in Nature. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
- b Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in Nature to pursue a personal hobby. Research the additional training required, expenses, and affiliation with organizations that would help you maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Nature requirements in 2025. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/nature/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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