Teacher Resources

Children and adults both benefit from learning about and spending time in nature. When people understand something they are more likely to care for it. There are many ways to learn about nature from formal classroom settings, to programs at nature centers or parks, to simply making observations while exploring the outdoors.

There is a myriad of resources that exist for formal and informal educators to utilize. Please find a short list below of some of the offerings our members have for teachers.

To find out more about the research behind why kids need nature please visit the Research page.

Statewide Organizations

EcoRise

Website: https://www.ecorise.org
Contact: Elizabeth Harper - elizabeth@ecorise.org
EcoRise offers: Field Trips for PreK-12th grade, Teacher Workshops, In-Classroom, and Distance Learning Opportunities

EcoRise mobilizes a new generation of leaders to design healthy, just, and thriving communities for all. We offer a range of sustainability and climate curricula and programs for students, teachers, and school districts. Additionally, we provide teacher training & support, and opportunities for students to solve sustainability challenges on campus and in the community through student-driven classroom grants. You can access our curriculum and lesson catalog at no cost at learn.ecorise.org.

Student Innovation Grants: Students apply for funds to address a sustainability issue they've identified and create real change on their campus and community. https://www.ecorise.org/our-work/grants/

Families in Nature

Website: https://familiesinnature.org
Contact: Jo Joly - jo@familiesinnature.org
Families in Nature offers: Teacher Workshops and Distance Learning

Place-based Environmental Education Project (PEEP) - PEEPs are self-guided, place-based activities that activate local nature through hands-on STEAM learning. Designed for all ages, learning styles, and group types, PEEPs make it easy to explore your environment together—no matter where you are. You can access free activities across 16 different branches of science at EcologistSchool.org

National Wildlife Federation

Website: https://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-US
Contact: Statewide: Karen Bishop - bishopk@nwf.org, Houston: Kate Unger - ungerk@nwf.org
National Wildlife Federation offers teacher workshops, school grants, curriculum, habitat resources, and the Eco-Schools U.S. framework for certification and recognition.

Monarch Heroes curriculum (aligned to PreK-5 Math & Science TEKS)
Schoolyard Habitats planning guide
Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) curriculum

Project Learning Tree

Website: https://www.texasforestry.org/programs/environmental-education

Contact: Ted Stevens, Texas Forestry Association Education Director, Jaden Kelly, Texas A&M Forest Service Conservation Education Program Specialist

tstevens@texasforestry.org

jaden.kelly@tfs.tamu.edu

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning, research backed, TEKS aligned environmental education program that uses trees and forests as windows onto the world. PLT helps students strengthen their skills in science, social studies, math, and language arts while deepening their understanding of environmental systems and natural resources. By integrating nature-based learning into academic content, PLT supports educators in fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. PLT Explore Your Environment: K–8 Activity Guide This guide features 50 hands-on, cross-curricular activities designed for educators working with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Activities are aligned with academic standards and promote inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to explore topics such as biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. The guide supports both indoor and outdoor learning and is ideal for formal and non-formal education settings. Trees & Me: Activities for Early Childhood Tailored for children ages 1–6, Trees & Me combines sensory experiences, movement, and play to help young learners connect with nature. The curriculum includes 12 activities that foster early childhood development in areas like language, math, science, and social-emotional learning, all through the lens of trees and the natural world. It’s a perfect resource for preschool teachers, childcare providers, and families looking to nurture curiosity and environmental awareness from an early age. Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers This curriculum introduces middle and high school students to green careers in forestry and natural resources. Through engaging activities, students learn about real-world jobs that contribute to sustainability, such as urban forestry, forest management, and conservation science. The guide helps youth explore their interests, build career readiness skills, and understand the pathways to green jobs that support healthy communities and ecosystems. PLT Facilitator Training Becoming a PLT facilitator allows educators to lead professional development workshops and share PLT’s resources with others. Facilitators receive training in PLT’s philosophy, curricula, and best practices for workshop delivery. This leadership role is ideal for those passionate about environmental education and interested in building a network of engaged educators in their community. PLT offers many other resources to support environmental education across grade levels and learning environments. To explore more PLT resources visit https://www.plt.org, learn about Texas Forestry Education opportunities and PLT Trainings at https://www.texasforestry.org/programs/environmental-education, and feel free to reach out to Ted or Jaden for questions or guidance on how to get involved.

Project WET

Website: https://www.projectwet.org/

Contact: Visit the website to find a Project WET facilitator near you

Project WET offers teacher workshops on their TEKS-aligned curriculum for teachers, Early Childhood - High School.

Project WILD

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/project-wild

Contact: Sara Jose - sara.jose@tpwd.texas.gov

Project WILD offers teacher workshops on their TEKS-aligned curriculum for teachers, Early Childhood - High School.

Take Care of Texas

Website: https://takecareoftexas.org/
Contact: Stephanie Dempsey - stephanie.dempsey@tceq.texas.gov
Take Care of Texas offers classroom materials

We provide free lesson plans, worksheets, handouts, posters, virtual field trips and other educational materials focused on promoting ways to keep the air clean, conserve energy/water, and reduce waste. We also have the Ambassador Program, where educators across Texas collaborate to create resources and promote the program. Applications are open from May to August. The next class of Ambassadors will be announced at the beginning of September.

Texas Wildlife Association

Website: www.texas-wildlife.org
Texas Wildlife Association offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, In-Classroom, and Distance Learning Opportunities
Wildlife by Design Classroom Presentations (geared for Grades K-8) Conservation Educators use hands-on, inquiry-based presentations on wildlife, soil, and water to connect students to nearby natural resources and bring relevancy to stewardship at any age. Discovery Trunks (geared for Grades K-8) Wildlife, water, and land-themed trunks filled with biofacts, books, models, displays, and tools - and accompanying lessons - for teachers and students to engage in science and natural resources. Trunks are reserved online and shipped statewide! Distance Learning Youth video lessons featuring Texas wildlife, water, and conservation. Watch one online anytime! Critter Connections Magazine (geared for ages 13 and younger) is a subscription-based print magazine where readers learn about native wildlife and natural resources in Texas. Each quarterly issue includes articles, activities, puzzles, and stewardship actions geared toward youth.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds

Location: Colorado and Canada
Website: bienenstockplaygrounds.com
Contact: contact@bienenstockplaygrounds.com
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds is North America’s leader in designing authentic, sensory-rich natural playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces. As advocates of this global movement, we share our knowledge worldwide to improve the experiences of children in their playgrounds. With over 4,500 projects, our team includes award-winning designers, architects, planners, and educators united by a belief in the power of immersive experiences with nature to support children’s development, which connects children to nature and supports their growth through immersive experiences.

Colorado River Alliance

Website: https://coloradoriver.org/

Contact: Erica Castillo - Program Director - programs@coloradoriver.org

CRA offers three field trip programs:

1. Wilkerson Center Field Trips (3rd-5th) Field Trips to the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education provide elementary-school students with TEKS-aligned information to inspire them to be future River Stewards. This is a unique, immersive, and memorable experience that emphasizes the importance of protecting Texas’s economic and environmental lifeblood—the Texas Colorado River. (https://form.jotform.com/253186968451166)

2. The Mobile River (7th) The Mobile River is a traveling water science center that brings the river directly to the schools of 7th graders in the Texas Colorado River basin. Our hands-on exhibit is designed to connect students to their water source and teach them the importance of planning for the future in an engaging and exciting way. This program is especially valuable for schools that may not have the funding or support to take field trips to visit the river. The program also equips educators to deliver up to three in-classroom, TEKS-aligned lessons designed to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Hands-on materials are provided to facilitate critical thinking and encourage the use of scientific techniques. (https://form.jotform.com/253187434357160)

Explore Austin

Website: https://exploreaustin.org/
Contact: Anitra Edwards, Program Director - anitra.edwards@exploreaustin.org
Explore Austin offers Field Trips for grades 4th-12th

Gault School of Archaeological Research

Location: Austin, Texas

Website: https://www.gaultschool.org

Contact: Lynn Boswell -lynn@villitamedia.com

Gualt School of Archaeology offers Field Trips for all grades

Field Trip Cost: $10 per child over 8, $20 per adult - with exceptions for Title I schools

Natureversity Outdoor School

Location: Austin, Texas

Website: https://natureversity.org/

Contact: Chris Hyde - natureversity@gmail.com

Natureversity offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, and in-classroom opportunities

https://patreon.com/Natureversity

Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program

Website: https://www.nuecesdeltapreserve.org/
Contact: Roy Hawthorn - rhawthorn@cbbep.org
CBBEP offers Field Trips for grade K-12, Teacher Workshops, and In-Class Experiences

The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) invites teachers and students to dive into an engaging, hands-on exploration of our local watersheds! Through this interactive program, students will discover how water connects our communities, landscapes, and coastal environments. Using one of CBBEP’s large-scale watershed models, brought directly to your classroom, students will see firsthand how runoff, pollution, and conservation practices affect the health of our bays and estuaries. Tailored to the watershed specific to your area, each presentation encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and stewardship. By the end of the experience, students will take action as “Watershed Warriors,” pledging to protect and care for the natural resources that make the Coastal Bend such a special place. https://www.nuecesdeltapreserve.org/classroom-activities/#program-overview Travel Trunks are trunks that contain resources and instructions for educators to facilitate five days worth of educational activities. Trunks are available that cover the subjects of watersheds, soil, and estuaries. Educators check-out these trunks much like a book from a library. https://www.nuecesdeltapreserve.org/delta-discovery-days-registration/

Welder Wildlife Foundation

Website: https://welderwildlife.org/
Contact: Sarah Wood - swood@welderwildlife.org

K-12 Programs (https://welderwildlife.org/k-12/) Outreach Programs (https://welderwildlife.org/outreach/) University Programs (https://welderwildlife.org/university-groups/) Adult Programs (https://welderwildlife.org/adult-trainings/) Teacher Programs & Resources (https://welderwildlife.org/teacher-training/) Rangeland Curriculum (https://welderwildlife.org/rangeland-curriculum/)

Baylor University: Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Research

Baylor University Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research

Location: Waco, Texas

Website: https://crasr.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/

Contact: Melissa Mullins - melissa_mullins@baylor.edu

CRASR offers both Teacher Workshops and Distance Learning

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Bosque Museum

Location: Clifton
Website: Https://bosquemuseum.org
Contact: Erin Shields - director@bosquemuseum.org
The Bosque Museum offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, and In-Class Opportunities

Gault School of Archaeological Research

Website: https://www.gaultschool.org/
Contact: Meranda Goodwin - meranda@gaultschool.org
The Gault School of Archaeological Research offers Field Trips for K-12th grades, Distance Learning, and In-Class Opportunities.

Children's Museum Houston

Website: https://www.cmhouston.org/visiting/groups-and-field-experiences
Contact: Lydia Dungus - ldungus@cmhouston.org
The Children's Museum of Houston offers Field Trips and Teacher Workshops

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7R Ranch

Location: Acton
Contact: Sharon Valverde - sharon.valverde@ttu.edu
7R Ranch offers Field Trips based on the best-selling Hank the Cowdog books.

We can connect you with Ranch Life Learning, a TEKS-aligned free (!!) curriculum based on a 5-book series written by author John R. Erickson that explains ranch life through the humorous voice of Hank the Cowdog. These books are written to engage elementary through high school students in learning about ranching and to serve as a resource book for science and social studies classes. Each books has a series of classroom activities which can be incorporated into your science, math, history, or reading lessons.

Cook Children's Center for Community Health

Website: https://www.cookchildrenscommunity.org/
Contact: Callie Anderson - callie.anderson@cookchildrens.org
Cook Children's Center for Community Health offers Teacher Workshops, Distance Learning, and In-Class Opportunities

Dallas Arboretum

Website: www.dallasarboretum.org/education

Contact: Jessica Liken - education@dallasarboretum.org

The Dallas Arboretum offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, In-Class Opportunities, and Distance Learning

Digital Guide: https://issuu.com/dallasarboretum/docs/educators-guide-2026-27?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw

Field Trips Bring your students for a memorable learning experience at the Dallas Arboretum. Choose a teacher-led Learning Gallery, Classroom Lab, Outdoor Lab, or explore the garden at your own pace. Available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Each reservation includes full garden access and grade-specific pre- and post-visit resource guides. https://www.dallasarboretum.org/education/school-programs/field-trips/

Outreach Programs Can’t make it to the Arboretum? Let us bring the magic of the garden to you! We offer a suite of 18 TEKS-aligned programs with proven academic results, plus other garden favorites. Looking for something outside of the school day? We also offer a variety of afterschool programs and STEM Night activities.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Website: https://fwbg.org/learn
Contact: Tara Harms - tharms@fwbg.org
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers: Field Trip for grades PreK-High School, Teacher Workshops and In-Classroom Experiences

Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers a PK, in classroom, program called Bella Books & Botany that includes nature-based quality literature, song and movement, outdoor exploration, and a hands-on activity to extend the learning. This hour-long program happens once a month and builds nature and science knowledge progressively. https://fwbg.org/learn/school-programs/bella-books-botany-outreach-program

Tarrant Regional Water District

Location: Fort Worth
Website: www.savetarrantwater.com/youth
Contact: Betsy Marsh - betsy.marsh@trwd.com
The Tarrant Regional Water District offers: Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, and In-Classroom Opportunities
TRWD offers free, hands-on water education programs In Tarrant County for schools, homeschools, after-school, clubs, camps, science nights, and festivals. Our sensory and play--based programs are designed to build real-life science connections and empower youth to become water champions.

Texas Outdoor Education Center at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro

Website: https://www.campfirefw.org/texas-outdoor-education-center/
Contact: Customer Support Team - campet@campfirefw.org
The Texas Outdoor Education Center at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro offers: Field Trips for 2nd-12th Grades and Teacher Workshops.

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/estero-llano-grande
Contact: Veronica Guzman - veronica.guzman@tpwd.texas.gov
Estero Llano Grande State Park offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, and In-Classroom Opportunities

Project WILD: Project WILD is a national conservation and environmental education program designed to teach students from Pre-K through 12th grade about wildlife and natural resources. The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/project-wild/project-wild-overview Aquatic WILD: Aquatic WILD is an educational program that teaches K-12 students about water habitats, aquatic animals, and conservation through hands-on activities. https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/project-wild/project-wild-aquatic-overview

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/paal/index.htm
Contact: Karen Weaver - Karen_Weaver@nps.gov
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park offers Field Trips for all grades, Teacher Workshops, Distance Learning, and In-Classroom opportunities.

South Texas EcoTourism Center

Website: www.stec-lv.org
Contact: Edward Meza - edward.meza@co.cameron.tx.us
The South Texas EcoTourism Center offers: Field Trips for 2nd-12th Grades, Teacher Workshops, Distance Learning, and In-Classroom Opportunities

We have a curriculum for 2nd to 8th grades relating to the exhibits at the STEC. We offer information about native plants and animals.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory

Website: https://www.utrgv.edu/coastal-studies-lab/
Contact: Laura Grayson - coastal@utrgv.edu
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory offers Field Trips for all ages

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas

Website: https://greensatx.org/
Contact: Carra Garza - carra@greensatx.org
Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas offers Field Trips for 5th and 6th grade and Distance Learning

Bring your classroom outdoors! Picture Your World offers nature photography workshops for Title 1 Schools, Scouting, Homeschool, and Non-Profit Youth Organizations. Workshops are held on-site and include a lesson on photo composition and digital camera instruction. Each student is loaned a camera, and creative photo opportunities are encouraged as we embark on a guided hike, learning about and photographing nature along the way. These TEKS-based workshops are ideally suited for 4-6th grades. https://greensatx.org/our-programs/picture-your-world/

From September to May, Picture Your World hosts monthly Sunday afternoon workshops on-site at natural areas and green spaces around San Antonio. Each workshop provides families and youth, ages 8-18, opportunities to explore and photograph nature with the guidance of professional photographers and a master naturalist. Picture Your World provides the cameras, instruction, and targeted feedback for you to build a creative portfolio while sharing in a transformative experience in nature. https://greensatx.org/event-calendar/

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Location: San Antonio
Website: https://www.sabot.org/
Contact: Gina Lucci - glucci@sabot.org
The San Antonio Botanical Garden offers: Field Trips for PreK-12th Grade, and Teacher Workshops

San Antonio River Authority

Website: https://www.sariverauthority.org/education/
Contact: Janine Garcia - jvgarcia@sariverauthority.org

The San Antonio River Authority offers Field Trips, Teacher Workshops, Distance Learning, and In-Classroom Opportunities
The San Antonio River Authority’s Educator’s Toolkit: The Story of Litter is a free, TEKS-aligned environmental education resource designed to help teachers engage students in learning about the causes, impacts, and prevention of litter. The toolkit includes lesson plans, vocabulary lists, extension activities, slide presentations and videos for different grade levels, student data collection materials, and a litter pickup planning guide, empowering educators to combine classroom learning with hands-on stewardship activities that promote cleaner and healthier communities. LINK: https://www.sariverauthority.org/education/educators-toolkit/ The San Antonio River Authority Curriculum page provides a collection of TEKS-aligned educational resources that support classroom learning about the San Antonio River and broader environmental science topics. Resources cover subjects such as watersheds, water quality, bays and estuaries, erosion, nonpoint source pollution, volunteerism, scientific research, and environmental decision-making, helping students understand how their actions affect local waterways and ecosystems. The curriculum includes videos, virtual field trips, and classroom activities that introduce students to real-world scientific research and environmental stewardship. https://www.sariverauthority.org/education/curriculum/ The San Antonio River Authority’s River Camp! Virtual Education Series is a collection of free K-12 environmental education resources designed to help students explore the natural world from home, school, or their local community. The series features engaging videos, hands-on activities, nature walks, journaling prompts, citizen science projects, and lessons focused on the San Antonio River, watersheds, water conservation, native plants and wildlife, pollinators, and pollution prevention. https://www.sariverauthority.org/education/river-camp/

Teacher Resources

Statewide Organizations

International Partners

Austin

Coastal Bend

Heart of Texas

Houston

North Texas

Rio Grande Valley

San Antonio