When I was just out of college, I was very intent on learning the latin name of every wild plant I could find. I did a pretty good job of it, even learning most of the grasses. (I stopped at the sedges - Carex spp. was sufficient).
This, however, is no longer my favored way to approach nature. Information and latin names have their place, but I find myself more often appreciating nature's beauty and simplicity for its own sake.
This may have something to do with being middle aged - At this stage in life people often reassess their life and tend to identify what they feel is most important in life.
I like the straightforwardness of nature, and the type of person I become when I spend a lot of time taking walks and observing the incredible world outside. A joy shared is a joy doubled. I never go alone. If my daughters do not go, or I am not leading a nature walk, my border collie goes with me. He is as much a nature lover as me, but in a different way (for one thing he uses his nose more).
When I sit in the family room after a walk, my border collie also has to be sitting with me. I catch him watching me, as if he just likes being around me. I am sure this has a lot to do with the experiences we share in the outdoors: him and me taking walks under the cottonwoods, enjoying life for what it is.