Texas Children in Nature Network Summit 2024

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!

10:30am CST

Birding is for Everyone: Tips for Creating an Inclusive Birding Experience for Children of All Ages and Abilities

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Texas North 115

Learn some hands-on activities and experiences to engage learners of all abilities in learning more about birds. Enjoy going outside to do some birding and learn how to guide children to identify birds.

Speakers

Jennifer Fetter-Matthys

Director, K-2 teacher, Ecologist School Houston

Jennifer Fetter-Matthys is the director of Ecologist School Houston, a microschool for neurodiverse PK and elementary students. She has several teaching certifications and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She is currently working on a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas North 115

Concurrent Session, Nature for All

10:30am CST

Connecting Hispanic Families with Nature in Central Texas: A capacity building workshop

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Texas North 113

Are you a member of the Hispanic community in Texas? Does your organization serve Hispanics in this area or have a desire to reach them? If you answered YES to one of the questions please join us for this capacity-building workshop. We will briefly share A Rocha USA’s efforts to connect Hispanic families with nature through our program Picnics en el Arroyo and the lessons we learned along the way. We will dedicate time to hear about the participants' efforts to engage the Hispanic community, identify stakeholders, common goals and collaboration opportunities, and define next steps.

Speakers

Jennifer Ramirez

Veronica Godoy

Central Texas Conservation Project Director, A Rocha USA

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas North 113

Concurrent Session, Community

10:30am CST

Environmental Education: Evaluating Impacts for Growth

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Texas South 118

As environmental educators we strive to connect people to nature through authentic learning experiences – but do we know if it’s working? How can you measure whether your programs have really connected with your audience or made an impact on their knowledge or behavior? How can you know if your work and passion is translating to action or real change, either on learners or on the natural world? Join our session for a recap and resources we’ve studied, applied, AND surveyed. Learn from us and apply it to your tribe.

Speakers

Michelle Wood-Ramirez

Tarrant Regional Water District

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas South 118

Concurrent Session, Education

10:30am CST

Low Floors & High Ceilings: Design Elements for Outdoor Experiences

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

McLennan Hall

Educators and designers have long used the concept of ‘low floors and high ceilings’ to create experiences that are easily accessible for users yet boundless in their potential. Join a 30+ year educator now working with an architectural firm as we explore this concept as it relates to outdoor areas and try our hand at a few aligned activities. An annotated list of resources will be shared for outdoor space design and aligned activities targeted at K-higher education.

Speakers

Brenda Swirczynski

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
McLennan Hall

Concurrent Session, Nature for All

10:30am CST

More Green Time, Less Screen Time: A New Way To Nature

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Field Session

Field Session (Outdoors): Meet in the pre-function area of the Texas Rooms 5 minutes prior to session to walk to the outdoor area with a volunteer. Look for the sign with the name of this session on it. The pre-function area is located on the lower level of the convention center by the escalators and elevators.

Exposure to nature has been proven to be extremely beneficial for a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. As a result, calls for youth to balance out their Screen Time with Green Time have been increasing, but it’s worth noting that younger generations may not feel comfortable spending time in nature, and may lack the confidence or experiential know-how to engage their attention span outdoors in technology-free ways. Participants will learn how to refocus their attention so that they can reconnect with nature in technology-free ways, leading to sustainable habits around getting more green time, less screen time, and improved wellbeing.

Speakers

Sarah Nielsen

Health and Outdoor Educator, Board Certified Health Coach, SG Wellness, LLC

My work leverages 18+ years of experience in health and outdoor education through the lens of sustainable behavior change. We should talk about what it means for all ages to get More Green Time, Less Screen Time!

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Field Session

Concurrent Session, Health

10:30am CST

Nature Box as a Tool for Student Self-Regulation

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Field Session

Field Session (Outdoors): Meet in the pre-function area of the Texas Rooms 5 minutes prior to session to walk to the outdoor area with a volunteer. Look for the sign with the name of this session on it. The pre-function area is located on the lower level of the convention center by the escalators and elevators.

Every year teachers spend precious class funds on plastic fidgets and glitter wands in hope of helping their students self regulate in Peace Corners. Why not create a free, student driven, place-based Nature Box that connects students to the joy, comfort, and belonging of the outdoors? Inspired by the Neurosequential Model of Education (NME), participants will experience the community building and sensory regulation benefits of creating their own interactive Nature Box.

Speakers

Magda Hernandez

Mariana (Mo) Bonilla

Outdoor Education Specialist, Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Field Session

Concurrent Session, Health

10:30am CST

Promoting Flood Awareness through Engaging STEM Programs for Community and Environmental Connection

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Texas South 116

Join us for an inspiring session showcasing an innovative nature-based STEM program that incorporates flood safety awareness into an exciting educational journey. In 2023, the San Antonio River Authority’s Education team developed programming to inspire youth living in Flash Flood Alley through positive, hands-on, and place-based activities. Students explored their watershed, assessed flood prevention infrastructure, and learned how STEM protects communities. This program ignites a passion for STEM, encouraging young leaders to develop solutions that preserve natural spaces and places. We’ll share best practices, tools, and resources, and invite participants to discuss their challenges and solutions for implementing impactful programs.

Speakers

Janine Garcia

Education and Engagement Coordinator, San Antonio River Authority

Janine Garcia, a former classroom teacher and park ranger with the National Park Service, has over a decade of experience in both formal and informal education. With a B.S. in Psychology specializing in Family and Child Development, a B.S. in Environmental Science and Ecology, and... Read More →

Emily Rew

Education and Engagement Coordinator, San Antonio River Authority

Emily Rew is a certified educator, science communicator, and musician. Shehas over ten seasons of experience directly engaging youth and adults inoutdoor education programming. As a member of the River Authority’seducation team, Emily informs and inspires learners of all ages to... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas South 116

Concurrent Session, Education

10:30am CST

Using the NABERS Tool to Identify the Quality of Nature-based Programs

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST

Texas South 117

Nature-based education is a rapidly growing approach in early childhood. The Nature-Based Education Rating Scale (NABERS) is a tool developed to help identify the quality and level of “natureness” for those PreK and K-3 programs using adding nature to their curriculum. This session will first identify the core principles of Nature-based Early Childhood Education (NbECE) and then discuss tangible measures of quality. Participants will leave able to identify nature-based practices in the program structure, staffing, physical environment, community partnerships, and family engagement.

Speakers

Arianna Pikus

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, Texas A&M University

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas South 117

Concurrent Session, Early Childhood

1:00pm CST

Bringing OLE Down To Earth

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

McLennan Hall

Co-presented with Jerri Thompson, Head of School, St. George's Episcopal School and Paige Oliverio, Principal Designer, Urban Patchwork (urbanpatchwork.com).

Through the journey of transforming St. George's into a natural haven for early-childhood education we explore some of the common barriers to planning, fundraising, building, and maintaining these facilities over time.

Speakers

Paige Oliverio

Director, Urban Patchwork

Jerri Thompson

Head of School, ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Jerri Thompson has 40 years of experience as an early childhood educator, administrator, trainer, and consultant. She is currently an administrator at a NAEYC accredited early childhood program in Austin. Jerri has developed a passion for teaching adults, consulting, advocacy, and... Read More →

Marc Opperman

Facilities Manager, St. George's Episcopal School

Before joining St. George's in March, 2024, I helped transform the playgrounds and gardens as the project manager for a local design/build landscaping firm. While I bring a pragmatic approach to building and maintaining outdoor learning spaces, I thoroughly love dreaming up new ideas... Read More →

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

Concurrent Session, Nature Administration

1:00pm CST

Bringing Texas Schools to Life with Native Plants

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

Texas North 114

Would you like to create a Texas-native plant garden at your local school or community center? Haeley Giambalvo of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) will show you how! You'll learn from examples of schools around Texas that have successfully brought their school campuses to life with native plant gardens. You will also be introduced to various resources and activities to help educators get the most out of their gardens and engage students in the outdoors!

Speakers

Haeley Giambalvo

VP Communications, Native Plant Society of Texas

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Texas North 114

Concurrent Session, Education

1:00pm CST

Connect Families to Nature through the National Wildlife Federation's Community Wildlife Habitat Program

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

Texas South 118

Learn how a small community is bringing families and children into the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Community Habitat certification process and how it lends itself to the Texas Children in Nature Network efforts to connect all Texas children to nature. NWF’s process to attain certification as a wildlife-friendly community works particularly well with small towns or neighborhoods who frequently say, “Our little town does not have the resources of the big cities -- how can we apply this to where we live?" Information will be shared about how participants can use the NWF program to benefit their own neighborhood or town.

Speakers

Linda Welsh

Early Childhood/Higher Education Consultant, Self

Dr. Linda Welsh is exploring where to put her energies in this next phase of her life. The preciousness of our connection to nature to heal and transform and the urgency to find ways for all to experience this connection is driving her exploration. While on the board of directors... Read More →

Rebecca Benz

Rebecca is a volunteer with the TCiNN 2022 Summit.

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Texas South 118

Concurrent Session, Community

1:00pm CST

Growing Youth Access to Nature Field Trips and Camps Through Collaboration

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

Texas South 117

What is possible when nonprofit organizations work together to increase youth access to nature? How can a mindset of collaboration and abundance, rather than competition and scarcity, support their missions and benefit the community? Three Austin groups (Austin Sunshine Camps, Shield Ranch Foundation’s Camp El Ranchito and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Girls+ Outside) share their collaborative approaches to improving youth lives and opportunities to explore, grow and connect outdoors. Session participants will hopefully spark their own ideas of how together we can enhance youth well-being by leveraging opportunities for them to connect with their resilience, each other, and the natural environment.

Speakers

Andrea Mellard

Jenny McMillan

Executive Director, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Erica Blue

CEO, Austin Sunshine Camps

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Texas South 117

Concurrent Session, Access

1:00pm CST

Nature Smart Libraries and Loose Parts Kits: Innovative Collaborations for Nature Equity

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 →

Laura Tadena

Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Texas South 116

Concurrent Session, Nature for All

1:00pm CST

Rooted Resilience: Cultivating Neurodiversity in the Garden of Minds

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

Texas North 113

Presenter: Francesca Munoz Newman, HTX Ecotherapy

Step into 'Rooted Resilience: Cultivating Neurodiversity in the Garden of Minds,' a session celebrating the diversity of human cognition and nature. Discover practical strategies for fostering inclusion and empowerment in nature whether you are outdoors, in classrooms, workplaces, or communities. Uncover hidden talents and untapped potential, nurturing a culture where differences, just like flowers are celebrated. Join us in sowing seeds of empathy and compassion, creating a garden where every mind can flourish.

The session goal is to help participants understand neurodiversity, how the brain develops, and why movement and nature is so important for a child's brain. By exploring these topics together, participants will be provided with insights that will enrich their understanding of a child's individuality and support their growth and well-being. Practical tools and resources that both adults and children can readily implement to foster growth and overall well-being.

Thursday December 12, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Texas North 113

Concurrent Session, Health

1:00pm CST

Students Transforming their School Grounds with EcoRise & PBL

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

Field Session

Field Session (Outdoors): Meet in the pre-function area of the Texas Rooms 5 minutes prior to session to walk to the outdoor area with a volunteer. Look for the sign with the name of this session on it. The pre-function area is located on the lower level of the convention center by the escalators and elevators.

EcoRise sparks transformation at public-schools through a type of Project-Based Learning (PBL) known as an Eco-Audit Grant. Learn about some of the projects that have blossomed across Texas through student-driven inquiry, teacher-guided innovation, and grants from EcoRise. Participants will do a biodiversity audit of an outdoor space. We will identify and count any living organisms within a designated kingdom. We will discuss findings, develop a visualization of our data, and give ourselves a biodiversity “score”. We will end with a quick brainstorm of ways to increase biodiversity in our own backyards and communities, including with or through K-12 schools.

Speakers

Elizabeth Harper

Senior Program Manager, EcoRise

EcoRise Program Manager for Central & South Texas, always seeking to improve the student experience through empathy and engagement, life-long learner

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

Concurrent Session, Education

1:00pm CST

Unleashing the Power of Outdoor Learning & Play: Outdoor Learning Environment Early Childhood Education Network

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

Field Session

Field Session (Outdoors): Meet in the pre-function area of the Texas Rooms 5 minutes prior to the session to walk to the outdoor area with a volunteer. Look for the sign with the name of this session on it. The pre-function area is located on the lower level of the convention center by the escalators and elevators.

Join us for an engaging walking field trip to The Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development at Baylor University, where we’ll explore the transformative power of outdoor learning environments for young children in Texas early learning centers. We will begin with a short presentation on the ECE Outdoor Learning Environment Network, a program of Texas Children in Nature Network, and the OLE! Texas initiative Attendees will learn how this network will help early childhood educators create vibrant, nature-connected spaces that support children’s growth, learning, and community engagement. You'll learn about the tools, resources, and community partnerships empowering educators to integrate outdoor learning into their practices and discover how this innovative work is inspiring teachers and young learners to connect with the natural world. After a brief presentation on the network’s impact and goals, attendees will be guided on a tour of The Piper Center by its Director, Michelle Kiefer. Come see firsthand how early learning centers are transforming outdoor spaces to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of nature.

Speakers

Amanda McMickle

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

Concurrent Session, Early Childhood

2:15pm CST

Down and Dirty Community Engagement: Developing shared leadership and decision-making with the communities you serve

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Texas North 113

Presenters: Jennifer Boley, Nature & Eclectic Outdoors - NEO, Dashaunda Richardson, Asuncion Sanchez

Learn from the Program Director of Healthy Outdoor Communities as well as residents from the Acres Homes and Third Ward, Houston communities about the nuts and bolts of what it takes to develop a shared leadership and decision-making model driven by the community, for the community. It isn't always smooth sailing, but it's the right thing to do, and when we draw on the strength and leadership of the communities we serve, the results are spectacular!

Speakers

Jennifer Boley

Director, Nature & Eclectic Outdoors and Healthy Outdoor Communities

NEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds lead more outdoor oriented lives for better health, happiness, and life balance. We have a variety of programs that teach outdoor skills and provide real world experiences for children, families... Read More →

Asuncion Sanchez

Founding Member, HOC Youth Leadership Council

Asuncion Sanchez, a Houston, Texas native and recent high school graduate holds a deep-rooted connection to nature. This bond was cultivated by his grandfather, a traditional farmer in Mexico. His grandfather introduced him to the wonder of the natural world through gardening, sowing... Read More →

Dashaunda Richardson

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas North 113

Concurrent Session, Community

2:15pm CST

Fostering Collaboration to Promote Recess Policies for Healthy, Happy Children

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Texas North 115

Presenter: Lisa Mitchell-Bennett, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health

UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville will share collaborative strategies for promoting the adoption of district-wide recess policies to promote daily, unstructured outdoor play for elementary school students. The presenter will share several case studies to highlight how the nonprofit organization, It’s Time Texas, and an academic institution are working together to advocate for and support the implementation of local recess policies, as well as develop a comprehensive toolkit to help parents, school district staff, and community members participate in these efforts across the Rio Grande Valley.

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas North 115

Concurrent Session, Health

2:15pm CST

From Concept to Creation: Developing Nature-Based Self-Guided Booklets

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

McLennan Hall

Which describes your nature activity journal best: 1) Uninspiring, 2) Non-existent, or 3) Capable of changing a child’s life? Self-guided activity booklets are a cornerstone of effective nature education and one of the most cost-effective. When done right, they can change a child’s life as they prompt families to explore, connect with, and protect nature. This session covers the essentials of interpretive planning, creating engaging and educational content, and effective design. Learn from real-world examples and participate in hands-on demonstrations to develop your own booklet ideas. Leave with practical strategies to develop self-guided experiences for your site or program.

Speakers

Ky Harkey

Founder, The Visitor Experience

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
McLennan Hall

Concurrent Session, Access

2:15pm CST

Interactive Virtual Tours (IVTs) for Demonstrating Childcare Outdoor Design Best Practices

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Texas North 114

Presenters: Rebecca Colbert, National Wildlife Federation and Muntazar Monsur and S Y Andalib, Texas Tech University

We are going to show you a virtual tour of a childcare outdoor environment and talk about how you can find helpful information to create an exciting play and learning space with lots of opportunities for children to interact with nature. In the workshop, you will also have an opportunity to wear a headset to experience the space in Virtual Reality (VR)!

Following the session, the audience will be able to 1. Understand the importance of nature-based, active outdoor environments for children’s health and why increased awareness of childcare providers is critical to achieving it. 2. Visualize the role of IVT and associated technology as tools for capturing high-quality 360 imagery required for generating effective professional development platforms. 3. Identify the potential of IVTs as a novel and innovative platform for disseminating learning materials. 4. Experience IVTs of high-quality childcare demonstration sites (located in Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina) immersively using VR headsets.

Speakers

Rebecca Colbert

Senior Director of Design and Engagement, NWF - Early Childhood Health Outdoors

Rebecca Colbert is a licensed landscape architect with 20 years of experience and a doctorate in Design and Planning. She serves as the Senior Director of Design and Engagement for Early Childhood Health Outdoors at the National Wildlife Federation. Dr. Colbert previously served as... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas North 114

Concurrent Session, Nature Administration

2:15pm CST

Our Texas, Our Future: Local Conservation Issues to Inspire Your Learners

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Texas South 116

Inspire your learners to head outside and explore their local environments through 5 visually breathtaking videos and informative learning guides. H-E-B Presents: an Our Texas, Our Future film series tells the conservation stories of 4 Texas natives: black bears, ocelots, redfish, and bats along with the 100-year history of our state parks. Join this session to learn how to access and use these TEKS-aligned learning resources.

Speakers

Anne Marie Fayen

Curriculum Developer, Fayen Consulting LLC

I create K-12 learning resources for environmental ed materials. Most of my recent projects have been connected to nature documentaries.

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas South 116

Concurrent Session, Education

2:15pm CST

Texas Healthy Parks Mapping Tool: Discover the Science Behind Park Planning

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Texas South 118

Presenters: Jenny Larios - Texas Children in Nature Network, Justin Fleury - Texas Parks and Wildlife, Marinda Griffin

The Texas Healthy Parks Plan and associated Decision Support Tool have been designed to help communities by creating a tool to assist in planning for parks and greenspace to strategically address community health disparities, increase park access for socially vulnerable communities, and incorporate greenspaces. The presentation will provide a walkthrough of the Texas Healthy Maps project, showcasing both the mapping tool and the research that links parks to health outcomes. This is a valuable resource you can use when you return to your community, helping you advocate for increased park access and understand the connection between parks and community health. Make sure to bring your laptop!

Speakers

Jenny Larios

Health and Nature Liaison, North Texas, Texas Children in Nature Network

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas South 118

Concurrent Session, Access

2:15pm CST

Water Walls

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

Field Session

Speakers

Jill Bienenstock

Director of Education, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Inc

Jill is a registered early childhood educator with over 30 years of experience in various settings. She currently works as the Director of Education, alongside her husband, Adam, at their company Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Jill is part of an exciting team that designs and creates... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Field Session

Concurrent Session, Early Childhood

3:45pm CST

Building Green Workforce Pipelines: Connecting Young Professionals with Community, State, and Federal Entities for Inclusive Environmental Solutions

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

McLennan Hall

Presenters: Alicia Fontenot - Texas Children in Nature Network, Michael Valdez - National Wildlife Federation, Craig Gilden - Texas Department of State Health Services

Join us for "Building Green Workforce Pipelines: Connecting Young Professionals with Community, State, and Federal Entities." This workshop will focus on creating inclusive pathways for green workforce development in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Participants will explore strategies to overcome socioeconomic barriers and engage in hands-on activities, including reviewing success stories and developing actionable networking plans. By fostering connections and leveraging real-world examples, attendees will gain practical insights for enhancing career opportunities and diversifying the environmental sector. Ideal for professionals, educators, and community leaders committed to building a more inclusive and resilient green workforce.

Speakers

Michael Valdez

Alicia Fontenot

Gulf Coast Health & Nature Liaison, Texas Children in Nature Network

Alicia serves as the Health and Nature Liaison in the Gulf Coast Region for Texas Children in Nature Network. As a native Houstonian, she takes pride in her city’s cultural diversity and growing environmental awareness. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas Southern... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
McLennan Hall

Concurrent Session, Community

3:45pm CST

Embracing Nature and Cultivating Young Innovators: Integrating Outdoor and Nature-Based Experiences into Education

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Texas South 116

Ignite the natural joy of the outdoors through exploration and interactive hands-on activities. Learn how to enhance indoor play areas as an option to overcome temporary barriers to outdoor nature play. Whether you’re creating a learning space from scratch or transforming an existing environment, this session will introduce key elements of outdoor learning environments and the six principles of nature-based education that can be incorporated to help foster the developmental domains of young children. Participants will be empowered to utilize available assets to teach environmental stewardship through intentional center-based education and to implement key concepts such as risky play and other integrated educational philosophies.

Speakers

Shana Kutac

Alexis Cordova

Early Childhood Project Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Alexis Cordova is an Early Childhood Project Specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Promoting Early Education Quality Program. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Family and Child Development from Texas State University. Over her 20-year career... Read More →

Emily Smith

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Texas South 116

Concurrent Session, Early Childhood

3:45pm CST

Empowering Youth Voices through Photovoice: Insights from the Pharr Youth Photovoice Research Study

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Texas South 117

Join us for a workshop exploring youth advocacy and the environment. The University of Texas Planet 2050 team led the Pharr Youth Photovoice Research Study in Spring 2023, empowering youth in Pharr, Texas, to document their outdoor experiences through photography. This workshop will showcase their insights and emphasize the importance of youth voices in addressing environmental challenges. Participants will learn about the Photovoice methodology and its role in storytelling and advocacy. The event will also feature insights from the Texas Children in Nature Network Partnership, promoting connections with nature for healthier communities.

Speakers

Janice Hagerman

Marisa Oliva

RGV Health & Nature Liaison, Texas Children in Nature Network

Marisa Oliva-Rodriguez serves as the Rio Grande Valley Health and Nature Liaison for the Texas Children in Nature and Network. She previously managed the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center, helping to establish it as one of the premier environmental education sites... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Texas South 117

Concurrent Session, Community

3:45pm CST

Inspiring a Connection to the Land: A Continuum of Education through Early Childhood to Adulthood

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Field Session

Field Session (Outdoors): Meet in the pre-function area of the Texas Rooms 5 minutes prior to session to walk to the outdoor area with a volunteer. Look for the sign with the name of this session on it. The pre-function area is located on the lower level of the convention center by the escalators and elevators.

Experience three activities for different age groups that foster a connection to the land from early childhood to adulthood. For birth to age five, engage in sensory exploration of natural materials, dramatic play prompts, and wildlife observation. For K-12, become a wildlife/nature interpreter by creating a hidden treasures walking map using math, science, English/language arts, and art.

For young leaders, use NOAA mapping tools to explore community vulnerabilities, conduct water quality testing, and discuss how native plantings can impact water quality. Participants will receive a guiding handout with links to the activities to consider possible application in their own settings. Participants should be comfortable traveling about ½-mile to access the sites.

Speakers

Karen Bishop

Manager, Texas Education, National Wildlife Federation

Karen Bishop is a Manager of Education & Engagement with the National Wildlife Federation. Her current work focuses on helping schools to build and maintain pollinator habitat through NWF’s Monarch Heroes program. Karen works with schools across Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Manor... Read More →

Rebecca Colbert

Senior Director of Design and Engagement, NWF - Early Childhood Health Outdoors

Abi Cano Perez

Education & Engagement Coordinator, ECHO/National Wildlife Federation

In this role, I help build community partnerships as well as create outreach materials for early education professionals. I attended the University of Idaho and received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and GIS. I have previously worked for STEM-based youth education... Read More →

Kate Unger

Resilience in Schools Coordinator, National Wildlife Federation

As NWF's Coordinator for the Houston region, I manage the various grant programs active in the area (Monarch Heroes, Outdoor Learning Cohort, & Resilience in Schools & Communities) and prioritize building and strengthening relationships with local partners as well as K-12 schools... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Field Session

Concurrent Session, Education

3:45pm CST

Inviting Indoor Families Outdoors

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Texas North 113

Americans are spending about ninety percent of their time indoors, and children are no exception. This session will provide a framework for discussing the common concerns parents and caretakers have about taking children outdoors. Participants will leave with solid evidence and key talking points for parent and adult education that may increase opportunities for children to have access to the outdoors and all the physical and mental benefits it provides.

Speakers

Peter Rangel

Kristy Rangel

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Texas North 113

Concurrent Session, Nature for All

3:45pm CST

Leveraging Partnership to Support a Public School Outdoor Learning Center

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Texas North 115

Seguin ISD recently purchased the former Seguin Outdoor Learning Center. As we approach the first year of ownership we recognize that collaboration and partnerships are necessary in the pursuit of our goals. In this presentation we will discuss lessons learned, and challenges and triumphs in our pursuit of creating a sustainable nature based public school outdoor learning center.

Speakers

Pete Silvius

Director of Whole Child Initiatives, Seguin ISD

Elizabeth Moore

Student Services Coordinator, Seguin ISD

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Texas North 115

Concurrent Session, Nature Administration

3:45pm CST

The Creativity of Outdoor Learning Centers

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

Texas North 114

Let's take learning outside! Children learn everywhere! The same learning centers we have in our classrooms are the same learning centers educators can design outside. In this session, we will discuss the six basic developmental milestones and 6-8 creative learning centers. We will share ideas for using real objects, creative planning and how to transform the playground as a classroom.

Speakers

Natasha Harris

Heritage Kingdom Corporation

Thursday December 12, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
Texas North 114

Concurrent Session, Early Childhood

Texas Children in Nature Network Summit 2024

From $45.00