Registration is OPEN

December 3-5, 2025 at the Brazos County Expo

Location: 5827 Leonard Rd., Bryan, TX 77807

During this three-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 300 community leaders to strengthen the network and develop opportunities and policies to connect more children and families.

Conference at a Glance

• Wednesday

• 9-10: First Time Attendees Coffee

• 10-11:30: Regional Collaborative Meetings

• 12-4: Workshops around Bryan/College Station

• 5-6:30: Summit Happy Hour

• Thursday

• 8:00-12:00: Conference Sessions

• 12:00-1:00: Student Poster Sessions

• 1:00-5:00: Conference Sessions

• 5:00-6:00: Professional Poster Sessions

• 6:00 -9:00: Night Out Evening Event

• Friday

• 8-12:30:Conference Sessions

• Keynote Speaker:

  Jorge Zamanillo: Founding Director of the Smithsonian of the American Latino

• Celebrate our 2025 Children in Nature Network Champions

Every year Texas Children in Nature Network honors individuals or organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of children through strengthening their connection with nature. We will honor our award winners during our 2025 Summit in Bryan/College Station.

Summit Session Strands

• Physical & Mental Health

• Formal and Informal Education (Elementary through College)

• Early Childhood Education Outdoor Learning Environments

• Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Nature for All

• Access to Nature

Concurrent sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday of the Summit and are one hour long.

Wednesday Workshops

Half-day workshops are on Wednesday afternoon, December 3rd. These workshops will feature our partners' great programs and highlight wonderful nature spaces across the Bryan/College Station area.

You will be asked to choose a workshop upon registration. Please make note of the workshop you selected for future reference. All workshop registration changes must be given prior approval and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

IMPORTANT: All workshops are held rain or shine.

1. Bike Share for Sustainable Transportation and Community Mobilization

Presenters: Dr. Jay Maddock, Director-Center for Health & Nature, Professor – Texas A&M University School of Public Health, Dr. Debra Kellstedt, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension

2. Exploring Nature through a Museum!

Presenters: Maria Lazo, Associate Director & Education Coordinator at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History; Garret Leopold, Education Administrator at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History; Dr. Deborah Cowman, Executive Director at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History

3. Intergenerational Innovation for Good: Connecting Youth, Older Adults, and Nature Through Technology

Presenters: Amelia Dominguez, Director of Tech Education, Stephanie Konvicka, Executive Director Hesed House of Wharton, Two Student representatives from Rooted in STEAM

4.Green Time EDU: A New Way to Nature

Presenter: Sarah Nielsen, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, Health and Outdoor Educator, SG Wellness, LLC, Michelle Gallas, DO, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Jennifer Duc, DO, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Lauren Gambill, MD, MPA, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School

5. Birdbrain Power Bird Patrols

Presenter: Sebastian Casarez

6. Designing Dynamic and Engaging Early Childhood Outdoor Environments

Presenter: National Wildlife Federation: Abi Cano Perez, Amanda Knight, and Ellen Warfield

7. Sunshine, Seeds, and Standards: Bringing Nature into Early Learning

Presenter: Beth Edwards, Texas Children in Nature Network, and Jodi Nerren, Texas A&M AgriLife, Randy Seagraves and Caren Walton, Texas Master Gardeners

8. Rooted in Story: Creating Nature-Focused StoryWalks from Concept to Completion

Presenter: Cheryl Potemkin, Learning Manager: Early Childhood Programs at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Laura Tadena: Austin Public Library

9. Texas Inspired Curriculum: a Look at Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET

Presenter: Sara Jose, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Jaden Kelly, Texas A&M Forest Service, Stephanie Regets, Guadalupe Blanco River Authority

10. Nature Connections for Children of All Abilities

Presenters: Rene Bartos MD, MPH Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and co-chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Community Pediatrics Nature and Child Health SIG, Anna Raumaker PEEQ Project Specialist Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, facilitator for Project Wild and Project Learning Tree and Master Naturalist; Virginia Rose, Birdability Founder, Jessica Burke, CTRS, CPRP, ADAC Accessibility Manager, ADA Act Coordinator, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Wednesday Evening Happy Hour

Wind down after the Wednesday Workshops at a special TCiNN Happy Hour from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. in Bryan!

Texas Children in Nature Network Night Out - Thursday Evening

Join us on Thursday, December 4th, at Lick Creek Park from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for an exciting evening of food, drinks, and activities.

Transportation to Lick Creek Park (13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 7845) is NOT provided.

Parking is available at the park.

Conference Lodging Options

Texas Children in Nature Network has a conference block at both the Hilton College Station and Convention Center

Room rate at $149/night

Booking Site: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=CLLCHHF&arrivalDate=2025-11-30&departureDate=2025-12-06&groupCode=TCNNS&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

Booking Phone Number: 979-693-7500

Discount Code: TCNNS

Parking and Transportation

Free Parking is available at the Brazos County Expo Center. Parking information for Wednesday's workshops will be provided as we approach the event.

Meals and Happy Hours

Full registration includes the following meals: