Launch of the 2021 Texas Nature Challenge, brought to you by Texas Children in Nature Network, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texan by Nature

The Texas Nature Challenge engages people in Texas of all ages with exciting explorations in nature both nearby and across the state. Challenges feature place-based adventures at various locations in Texas, thematic challenges that can be done anywhere, and items that can be completed at home. This FREE resource can be used by anyone, and features challenges from nature partners across Texas. Choose your next adventure by visiting http://naturechallenge.tamu.edu/ today, mobile friendly version coming soon.

Texas Children in Nature Network (TCiNN), Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texan by Nature (TxN) collaborated to bring you an updated version of the Texas Nature Challenge program, a perennial favorite of families across the state, but with accessibility for all in the new version. Families and pod groups can create a profile on the Nature Challenge site to find challenges near them, head out to explore the great outdoors, and earn digital badges. The newest version is open year-round and features many activities that can be done anywhere in the state, including your home.

Partner, Texan by Nature is excited to launch the new version of Texas Nature Challenge before Spring Break so that families can stay active and outdoors during the school break. Joni Carswell, CEO and President of Texan by Nature, states: “The Nature Challenge provides the perfect opportunity for every Texan to have fun and learn something new while enjoying the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of being in nature.”

Sarah Coles, Executive Director of Texas Children in Nature Network, adds: “This past year has been a stressful one for all of us. We all could use some nature to decompress, and the 2021 Nature Challenge offers just that. It offers a chance for families to spend time in nature and gives lots of activity ideas to engage children in the outdoors.”

Jacey Tosh, Conservation Education Coordinator at the Texas A&M Forest Service, agrees commenting: “Often times, the hardest part about getting out into nature and improving the environment is simply knowing where to start. Nature Challenge makes it easier than ever by connecting Texans with opportunities to learn new skills, have some fun, and make a difference at the same time.”

The 2021 Texas Nature Challenge is a FREE resource available for every Texan through its online portal: naturechallenge.tamu.edu. Choose your challenge and explore nature near you with activities right in your backyard.

Since 2010, Texas Children in Nature Network has partnered with more than 600 organizations as a collaborative statewide network working towards equitable access and connection to nature for all children in Texas. This network focuses on seven strategic areas to achieve its mission: equity, access, community, health, leadership, education and marketing. Our mission is based on the principle that children and families who spend time outdoors in nature are healthier, happier and smarter. Texas Children in Nature is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.texaschildreninnature.org

Texas A&M Forest Service is recognized as the leader in forestry for Texas and the nation through applied programs in forest and tree development: wildfire prevention, mitigation and protection; urban and community forestry; and a host of other innovative forest sustainability programs. By collaborating with regional governments and forestry cooperators, Texas A&M Forest Service employees work to ensure the state’s forests and trees are protected and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits today and for future generations. Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead state agency for protection from wildfires and one of the incident management agencies for state disasters. TFS has led the management of response for such incidents as the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike and the historic 2011 wildfire season.

Texan by Nature (TxN) unites conservation and business leaders who believe Texas’ prosperity is dependent on the conservation of its natural resources. TxN amplifies projects and activates new investments in conservation which returns real benefits for people, prosperity, and natural resources. Texan by Nature achieves mission goals through the Texan by Nature Certification program, Conservation Wrangler program, Symposia Series, and the Texan by Nature 20. Get involved and learn more at www.texanbynature.org and follow on Facebook @TexanbyNature, Twitter @TexanbyNature, and Instagram @texanbynature.