Dr. Christine Norton, PhD, will share her work with youth in public housing and the use of nature for promoting health and wellbeing

Youth living in public housing often face chronic risk factors, such as poverty, family violence, and addiction, and may benefit from more asset-building experiences in their lives (Forrest-Bank, et al, 2014). Too often, children from marginalized communities do not have access to the outdoors, yet...

Workshop looking at nature journaling with Lari Jo Edwards

Together we will explore sketching and writing as a powerful observation tool that gives everyone the means to better connect with the flora and fauna. Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program will provide writing, sketching, mapping and mindfulness curriculum ideas that help to engage visitors in the natural and cultural history of their own communities. These activities are...

Discussion about Austin's Green School Parks initiative and an innovative assessment tool the team has created.

Since 2016 Austin has been part of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, a partnership initiative of the National League of Cities and the Children and Nature Network working towards more equitable access to nature for the children of Austin. One of the strategies CCCN Austin has incorporated is green school...

Discussion with Gina LaMotte of EcoRise

What would it take to ensure that every child in Texas graduated high school environmentally literate and prepared to build healthy, sustainable and resilient communities for all? Gen:Thrive, is an initiative that uses GIS mapping and data visualization to track K-12 environmental education programs alongside equity and climate challenges. Our goal is to identify gaps in services, opportunities...

Workshop with Amanda McMickle of the Will Smith Zoo School at the San Antonio Zoo

Connecting our youngest audiences with nature is so important and beneficial to families and to our world. Not only will parents continue to look for schools and programming for children up to age five, a relationship developed with nature at a young age results in proactive behaviors towards our vulnerable planet well into adulthood. Exposure to...

Workshop with Rolando Balli of Ozadi

Do you remember the fun of recess at school or the times you would just look at the sky and imagine shapes in the clouds? Do you remember what it was like to be curious of nature and the universe? Many of us do not posses the level of curiosity we once had as children. Yet, the curiosity and awe that is inspired by nature provides mental and physical well-being to children…and adults. This session...