Join us for our 2021 Summit.

Dates: December 2-3

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Hosts: Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The 2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit: Inspiring Leaders for Healthier, Happier, and Smarter Kids will take place on December 2-3, 2021. The Summit is a full day (8:30-6:00) Thursday, and a half-day (8:30-12:00) Friday with optional post-conference workshops on Friday afternoon.

During this two-day Summit, TCiNN will bring together health, education, built environment, faith and conservation community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. TCiNN will convene over 250 community leaders to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies that will connect more children and families in nature.

During 2020 many things changed in the world and for Texas Children in Nature Network. One of the biggest lessons from the pandemic has been in importance of equitable access to nature for our health and the need for more space for us to live, learn and play outdoors. With this in mind TCiNN has planned this year’s Summit with a focus on our lessons learned this past year, and how to move forward in a world looking for more opportunities in nature.

Keynote Speakers: Texas Children in Nature Network is excited to announce our two keynotes for this Summit:

• Lisa Carlson - Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association. Throughout this past year of COVID Lisa has tirelessly led her organization through the public health crisis, and she has become more passionate about the importance of nature equity for our overall health. Join us as she speaks on Friday morning about her work and the importance of our work.
• Angela Hanscom - Author of "Balanced and Barefoot" and the Founder of Timbernook, Angela is an Occupational Therapist specializing in nature interventions and child development. Join us Thursday afternoon as she speaks about her work and the importance of nature in a child's healthy development.

Equity Panel: Friday morning, December 3rd, will feature a panel discussion of the importance of creating a more equitable outdoors, and creating a welcoming experience at our nature sites. Panel speakers will include: David Buggs, Alex Bailey, and Jaime Gonzalez.

Summit Session Strands

• Access to Nature
• Community Engagement and Partnerships
• Equity and Inclusion
• Formal and Informal Education
• OLE! Texas (Outdoor Learning Environments in Early Childhood Settings
• Physical and Mental Health

Post Conference Workshops

• Forest Bathing
• Fundraising Panel

Poster Sessions

TCiNN is hosting a poster sharing session on Thursday during the Summit. Share programs, research or ways you are connecting children and families to nature during this time. Submit your poster session now, RFP closes on October 1.

Register today!

Become a 2021 Texas Children in Nature Network Summit Sponsor

Conference Lodging Options

• Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block of 50 rooms at the SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University, 3250 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76117. Free breakfast, fitness center, free WiFi and outdoor pool. Room rate in the conference block is $109/night (plus tax) for either a single king or double queen room. Room block will be held until November 12, 2021. Call 817-878-2554 and state you are attending our Summit in order to book within our room block. Or you can register with this link.
• Other nearby hotels
• A shuttle service will be available from the SpringHill Suites to the conference at set times during the day. Parking is also available at the Botanic Garden and BRIT if you choose to drive yourself to the Summit.

Meals and Happy Hours

• Lunch at the BRIT on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration. Lunch at the BRIT on Friday (December 3) will be included in tickets for any post-conference workshops.
• Happy Hour on Thursday (December 2) is included with full registration.
• Breakfast and dinner is on your own.

We are watching the COVID-19 situation across the world closely, and will be adhering to all CDC guidelines in place for this Summit. We hope to meet in person in December of 2021, but are also evaluating options for a virtual or hybrid conference.