Texas Children in Nature Network Summit 2024

Name: Nature Smart Libraries and Loose Parts Kits: Innovative Collaborations for Nature Equity
Start: 2024-12-12T13:00:00-0600
End: 2024-12-12T14:00:00-0600

Welcome to the 2024 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit held in Waco, Texas!

After registering for the Summit and making your Wednesday Workshop selection, you will be enrolled in your selected workshop by TCiNN staff. You will see your workshop on your schedule after you have been enrolled.

You do not need to select and add your workshop to your schedule.
All workshops are "frozen" and only staff can manage enrollment.
If you do not see a workshop option on the registration form that is listed on the workshop PDF, that means it is full and no longer available.

Regular registration ends November 30.

Late registration begins December 1.

Once late registration begins, any cancellations will not be refunded.

Thank you for registering for the 2024 Summit!

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Texas South 116

This session will explore the integration of two Cities Connecting Children to Nature Austin strategies: Nature Smart Libraries and Nature Play. Participants will gain insights into the collaboration between Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Public Library and how these strategies address nature equity gaps. We will discuss the intersections of libraries and nature, and how libraries can serve as pivotal community hubs for nature connection, education and engagement. Leveraging library resources and nature play opportunities, this session will demonstrate how to create enriching, nature-based experiences for children, especially in urban areas with limited natural spaces.

Speakers

Kayla De La Portilla

Librarian II, Austin Public Library

I'm a Youth Services Librarian for the Austin Public Library system. I create programs for children and their families. I enjoy research that focuses on child development and nature based play.

Yasmine Anderson

CCCN Program Coordinator, City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department

Yasmine Anderson serves as the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) Coordinator within the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department’s Park Planning Division. In her role, she seeks to provide equitable access to nature for all children, with specific focus on Black and... Read More →