May 2022
Texas Children in Nature Network Quarterly Newsletter
|
|
 |
What a spring it has been for Texas Children in Nature Network! We produced some great webinars, kicked off some new programs, and had a chance to meet many of you during our Regional Collaborative meetings. We hired some exciting new members of our team and are looking forward to all the great work they will accomplish in connecting more children in nature.
We saw many of you at the Children & Nature Network Summit in Atlanta earlier this month - it was wonderful getting to hear about all of the great work happening across the state and nation.
|
2022 Summit Session Proposals Open Now!
Join us at our 2022 Summit at the AT&T Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin on December 7-9. We are currently accepting session proposals. Share how you are working to "Open the Doors to Nature For All" during our Summit. Submit today!
|
|
|
|
Join our June 1st Webinar - How to Develop Activities Students Love and Teachers Use with presenter Dr. Sandra Johnson |
Check out all our upcoming webinars on our Website!
TCiNN Policy Working Group
Did you know Texas Children in Nature has several working groups our partners can join and help steer the work of the organization? Interested in learning more? Contact Sarah.
|
|
|
|
|
North Texas - Cool Schools
Texas Trees Foundation (TTF) and Texan by Nature (TxN) are proud to announce the generous support of General Motors (GM) in funding a Cool Schools project at Jesús Moroles Expressive Arts School. The Texas Trees Foundation’s Cool Schools program will provide Jesús Moroles Expressive Arts School with outdoor learning areas and curriculum to help teachers bring students beyond the four walls of an indoor classroom for instruction.
The Cool Schools program is led by the Texas Trees Foundation that works closely with the Dallas Independent School District, Dallas Park and Recreation, and various contractors to design and implement school transformations. To date, the Texas Trees Foundation has transformed twenty campuses into Cool Schools, and has planted over 1,500 trees throughout participating Cool Schools campuses around the Dallas area.
|
|
|
|
Austin - Cities Connecting Children to Nature
The Cities Connecting Children to Nature Austin initiative recently published a new document guiding City staff and Partners on the best practices for the design, installation, maintenance, and management of nature play. Nature Play aligns with wider City goals, including Strategic Direction 2023, Imagine Austin, and the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Long Range Plan, through the reuse of natural materials, play installations which provide healthy and accessible means for recreation, leveraging partnerships, and community co-creation. In addition to PARD-led projects like the nature play features seen at Walnut Creek Metro, we are also starting to see Partners and community members advocate for and install nature play spaces throughout the city. These Guidelines will help bring clarity and consistency around the most commonly asked questions about nature play, including safety and liability concerns.
|
|
|
|
|
Rangelands Curriculum
Join the Welder Wildlife Foundation for our FREE Home on the Range educator workshop and discover how nature is a source of creativity, inspiration, wellness, and perfect learning environment to strengthen student knowledge and skills! Participants will receive the digital Rangelands: A Conservation Education Guide which provides 27 hands-on, TEKS aligned lessons with engaging activities to help K-5 educators convey the importance of natural resource conservation while establishing real world connections to science.
|
|
|
|
|
Texas Wildlife Association - Land, Water and Wildlife Expeditions
The Texas Wildlife Association, in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Central Texas Mycological Society, and Ecology Action, will be hosting a summer outdoor opportunity in Austin. Participants will get hands-on experience with plant identification, geocaching, and mycology and will receive materials to start their own pollinator garden at home. The program is for youth ages 11-17 accompanied by a parent/guardian and will take place at the Circle Acres Nature Preserve on June 11, from 8am to 4pm. Registration is $50 for each youth-adult pair, and spaces are limited. Apply today at https://forms.gle/uN8RbtGq2ojWdmCWA
|
|
|
|
North Texas - Green Space Learning
As a certified OLE! Texas design build firm, Green Space Learning creates and installs nature rich outdoor spaces for childcare centers across Texas. Designs include logs, boulders, stumps, trees, loose part play zones, sand and rock pits, and our most popular hill slides. Learn more about why Green Space Learning designs this way with our webinar recorded last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2fAVZOxU5I
|
|
|
|
Every newsletter we bring you the story of a conservationist doing great work so we can all share about more conservation heroes.
Carnivore Ecologist: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant
“I became inspired to study bears as a child, but I did not have my first experience in the outdoors until I was in my early twenties. That really helped me realize that this work is something I could be inspired about forever."
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a Large Carnivore Ecologist and a Nature Storyteller that is changing the face and perception of conservation scientists and nature experts for today’s generation of young people. As a child growing up in an urban area in California, she loved watching nature shows on television, but she didn’t really see herself represented in those programs. Dr. Wynn-Grant’s journey to become a Ph.D. Wildlife Ecologist specializing in large carnivores like African lions, gorillas and chimpanzees and North American black and grizzly bears is something she is dedicated to sharing with others. Through her outreach as a National Geographic Explorer and Expeditions Science Expert and her many appearances in the media, she inspires a more diverse audience of future scientists and naturalists with her story and passion for the natural world and its amazing wildlife.
Dr. Wynn-Grant’s academic and professional experience is as diverse as the wildlife she researches. She received her B.S. in Environmental Studies from Emory University, her M.S. in Environmental Studies from Yale University , and her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University. She is currently a Research Faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara leading carnivore research on the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. She maintains a Research Fellow position with National Geographic Society focusing on carnivore conservation in partnership with the American Prairie Reserve and a Visiting Scientist position at the American Museum of Natural History.
Check out these videos of Dr. Wynn-Grant telling her own conservation story.
National Geographic Explorers at Work – Dr. Rae Wynn Grant
Carnegie Science Center - Girls Rock Science Spotlight: Rae Wynn-Grant
|
|
|
Austin - Blue Trees at Pease Park
The Blue Trees by Konstantin Dimopoulos at Pease Park Conservancy is an art installation intended to raise awareness and provoke discussion about deforestation, climate change, and the importance of trees to our vast ecosystems. Using a chalk-based and water-soluble colorant, community members came out to the park to apply the colorant on a few of the park’s trees.The colorant, which is biologically and environmentally safe, will remain on the trees for several months and fade naturally through rainfall and weathering. Pease Park invites everyone to come out and see the trees in person! Resources on how to take action towards protecting our Austin trees can be found on The Blue Trees page as well as educational resources that can be used in the classroom.
|
|
|
|
Houston - Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation
CELF has two unique professional learning opportunities for educators. Summer institute will introduce education for sustainability as a lens for learning in any subject and grade level. Participants will use CELF’s Big Ideas of Sustainability Framework to guide the integration of sustainability concepts into teaching practices. This in-person event will take place on June 27-29, at Lone Star Community College Kingwood. Register HERE.
The second opportunity is a virtual institute, focusing on Engaging Students in Civic Science and Action. Educators will develop a project to engage students in learning through inquiry, place, and action. This project will be supported by CELF’s Inquiry to Action Framework which can be scaled to any 5-12 classroom. Educators will walk away with an Inquiry to Action Project planner ready to implement in the fall. After implementation, educators and students will be invited to present at CELF’s Student Symposium! This institute will take place on July 19-21 and 27-28. To register click HERE.
|
|
|
|
Access Partner Spotlight- Quinta Mazatlan |
The name Quinta Mazatlan is as intriguing as its history and present-day place in McAllen’s community. The historic adobe mansion was built in 1935 as a private villa by the Matthews family who enjoyed traveling to Mazatlan, Mexico and fell in love with the Spanish Revival architecture. An indigenous word “Mazatlan” translates to “Land of the Deer” and “Quinta” to “Country House” in Spanish. The name beautifully blends the inspiration of its creation with the natural connection to the land and its animals.
The mansion with a mission is now owned by the City of McAllen. It serves as a Texas historical site boasting one of the largest remaining adobe homes built in the state. It is a part of the World Birding Center network in the Rio Grande Valley and works to create memorable experiences from nature walks, to park concerts, to weddings in nature. Quinta Mazatlan is a 25-acre urban sanctuary bringing partners together to support education, eco-tourism and the environment for the health of all.
A new outdoor initiative has been launched for children 3 to 5 offering multiple opportunities to engage in nature play and learning. Using nature, Quinta Mazatlan has created outdoor educational pods including the Mesquite Cookie Trail, Mesquite Climbing Gym, Tree Swings, Food Planters, Book Nook and more. A healthy outdoor environment helps children of all ages to play, discover and connect with nature…while having fun learning.
|
|
|
Houston - Native Prairies Association of Texas
NPAT is offereing a statewide teacher workshop, Teaching on the Prairie. This workshop is a three-part hybrid workshop throughout the state. Prairie Teacher Workshops will be facilitated for local teachers in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Northeast Texas and Fayette.
|
|
|
|
Austin - Black Women Who Kayak+
Have you ever attended an event or participated in a once in a lifetime opportunity and saw that there was no one else attending that looks like you? You possibly stood out like a sore thumb, either by the color of your skin, financial background, physical capabilities, or your journey that led you to be in the very spot that you stand out in. This would've been the case for one lucky Black Women Who Kayak+ member who won a paid 8-day backpacking expedition in Alaska.
Tanya Walker knew very well what that feeling is like and quickly put together a raffle for another spot within the BWWK+ Team to accompany Kim on this journey. She would need to not only raise money for the second winner's expedition cost, airfare, lodging, transportation and a small cushion for emergencies for both ladies. A Go Fund Me Page was created and within two days, $1,645 was raised and two weeks later exceed the goal. BWWK+, received their largest donation thus far when Grape Nuts Cereal donated $12,500 in honor of their 125 Anniversary, aimed to support women trailblazers. BWWK+ is very pleased to announce there's two African American Women representing BWWK+ in an environment that's rarely grazed by melanin women.
In the words of Tanya Walker, founder and creator of BWWK+ - "we're planting the seed of curiosity in our members. So that it'll build confidence that'll encourage them to water that seed by stepping outside of their comfort zone."
|
|
|
|
|
San Antonio - The Scobee Education Center
The Scobee Education Center hosted more than 1,300 guests at our Lunar Eclipse watch Party on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Children and their families took part in a series of educational activities related to the moon provided by the Scobee team, the Witte Museum, SwRI, the SAC Society of Physics Students and SAAA. Telescopes dotted the upper level of the SAC Parking Garage #1 and guests were watching the transitions of the moon across the roof top.
|
|
|
|
Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant Applications Open August 1st
The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) will begin accepting applications for programming that engages under-represented audiences in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities on August 1st, 2022. Target audience demographics include low income, female, racial minority, and individuals with disabilities. Grant funding can support personnel, training, travel, food, fees, and supplies. This grant does not support construction and no sponsor contribution or match is required.
CO-OP staff will host a series of Grant Writing Workshops. The workshop will provide application support and assist potential applicants with grant program requirements and priorities, an overview of the application process, review the new scoring criteria, help with budget planning and eligible grant expenses, and answer questions from applicants.
|
|
|
|
Recovering America's Wildlife Act |
Exciting News! In the coming weeks game-changing wildlife conservation legislation—the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act— is expected to be scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. We need YOU to help ensure that the Recovering America's Wildlife Act crosses the finish line!
Please contact your U.S. House Representative and the U.S. Senators from Texas (Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz) and ask them to vote YES for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.
By doing so, you are an important voice to recover wildlife for current and future generations of Texans.
|
|
|
Texas A&M Forest Service
Teachers, Save the Dates of July 13-14, 2022, for ForesTREE Experience - a two-day, hands-on educator professional development program! K- 8th grade educators, learn about green STEAM concepts including forest ecosystems, water, wildlife, natural resources, and conservation using TEKS aligned lessons.
You will learn with foresters, biologists, educators, and natural resource professionals who care for forest lands and make wood products that we use every day.
|
|
|
|
San Antonio - San Antonio River Foundation and EcoRise
On Tuesday, May 17th, EcoRise and Texas Eco-Schools student leaders gathered at Confluence Park for the 4th Annual San Antonio Student Sustainability Showcase! Students from Herbert G. Boldt Elementary, Murnin Elementary, and Kuentz Elementary of Northside ISD, and students from Nimitz Middle School in NEISD shared about how they are protecting pollinators, saving water, building outdoor classrooms, and creating peaceful places for students to relax.
|
|
|
|
Houston - Coastal Prairie Conservancy
The Katy Prairie Conservancy is now the Coastal Prairie Conservancy. “We look at our name change as a more accurate depiction of where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow,” says Mary Anne Piacentini, president and CEO of the Coastal Prairie Conservancy.
“Coastal Prairie” signifies the broader, regional reach of the organization, which remains committed to land conservation and stewardship. This includes the Katy Prairie, along with protected lands in nine counties, including Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Jackson, Matagorda, Waller, and Wharton. The Coastal Prairie Conservancy currently protects more than 30,000 acres of land throughout the region.
|
|
Several partners have summer camps they would like to share with you:
|
|
|
|
Things We are Learning From! |
Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for more resources
|
|
|
|
TCiNN Partner Job Postings |
As many of our friends and partners are looking for their next opportunity we will share some postings that have been shared with us. Be sure to check out our Partner Job Postings Page throughout the year for postings as they come up.
|
|
|
|
A full list of upcoming grants is available on our Grants Resource page. Check it out regularly for any grants that have been shared with us. Here are a couple upcoming grant opportunities:
|
|
Upcoming Regional Meetings |
-
Austin: email Ashleigh to find out more
- Next meeting July 11
-
Coastal Bend: email April to find out more
-
Houston: email Robyn to find out more
-
North Texas: email Dustin to find out more
- Next Meeting June 29
-
Pineywoods: email Ted to find out more
-
Rio Grande Valley: email Marisa to find out more
-
San Antonio: email Thea to find out more
- Next Meeting May 25
|
|
Give to Texas Children in Nature Network |
|
|
You can support Texas Children in Nature Network and our work creating a state wide collaborative through an online gift |
|
|
|
|
|
|
