Texas Children in Nature Network is off to a great start in 2024! The end of 2023 concluded with a very successful and inspirational Summit.

Staff is now gearing up for a busy Spring and is looking forward to unveiling new programs for network partners.

Register for

Spring Webinars

March 6 - More Green Time, Less Screen Time

March 23 Teacher Workshop - Breaking Play Barriers: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Let PLAY Lead the Way

You can also always watch all our past webinars on our YouTube Channel.

North Texas Health and Nature Liaison Update

By Jenny Larios



Many exciting things have been happening in North Texas! The Dallas Public Library and Texas Children in Nature Network will officially collaborate to bring the Library Explorer Adventure Pack program (LEAP) into libraries in the region. Additionally, Jenny has been presenting about the new Nature as a Health Initiative in Schools document created by the Health and Nature Liaisons this fall.

If you are interested in the North Texas LEAP program, please reach out to Jenny.

Rio Grande Valley Health and Nature Liaison Update

By Marisa Oliva

This fall was a busy one for our work in the Rio Grande Valley. In November, Texas Children in Nature Network coordinated the children's event at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, with over 350 children and families participating in the activities. 

Also in November, in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Planet Texas 2050 Research Team, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) ISD and the City of Pharr, a Photovoice Exhibit was held at the Pharr Memorial Library, showcasing the research and work of 25 local PSJA students. This project was a led by Marisa as a part of of youth engagment in nature in the Rio Grande Valley. The students' exhibition was attended by city officials, and in the spring the students will be working to create a project to address the concerns the students highlighted during the fall exhibition.

The exhibit will also have a showcase in Austin this Spring.

Connect with Marisa to learn more.

Partner Spotlight - The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health - Brownsville

By Marisa Oliva

The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health - Brownsville has led several efforts in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) to help improve student and family health through outdoor activities. One effort has been the Collaborative Action Board (CAB), which works with city and local entities to guide policies and support research, projects, and programs. 

Such projects include the formation of the Caracara Trails, a 230-mile regional trail that connects natural areas and communities in Cameron County. They encourage and guide school districts in the RGV to adopt recess policies, and support and organize events such as CycloBia, which works to temporarily transform streets into vibrant, car-free spaces for people to walk, bike, roll, connect, and play.

More information on the CAB at: Collaborative Action Board - Our Initiatives - Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! - UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

Gulf Coast Health and Nature Liaison Update

By Alicia Fontenot

With support from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Library Explorer Adventure Pack (LEAP) program is successfully expanding into the Gulf Coast region. A big thank you goes to the LEAP Advisory Council and trusted partners for finalizing the backpack themes, marking a significant milestone in this journey. 

Additionally, Alicia participated as a panelist last Fall in the Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) Eco-Professionals Panel. Further strengthening community connections, three successful H-E-B Our Texas, Our Future film series screening events were organized for Westside High School, Columbia Tap Trails, and 3rd Ward Community Members.

To get involved with work happening in the Gulf Coast region please contact Alicia.

More Recess Time in Houston ISD Thanks to

Free Play Houston

Free Play Houston, an affiliate of Bayou City Play, focuses on community advocacy for children's play in Houston. Grounded in playwork principles, the focus is on child-centered, self-directed play, aiming to raise awareness and create more play opportunities while addressing barriers to play in Houston, Texas.

Since 2022, Free Play Houston has been working on an initiative to protect children’s recess time and expand it within Houston schools. Free Play Houston's recess initiative gained urgency in 2023 when over 50 elementary schools were restructured to become what are now designated as "New Educational System" (NES) schools. Alarming changes proposed a reduction and even elimination of recess for some grades, sparking immediate community action led by Free Play Houston.

Public pressure, along with press coverage, led to changes in the schedule that restored recess for all children at NES schools, a rare win for Houstonians during this time of district upheaval.

Watch the four minute news segment from Aug 24, 2023.

For more information, please visit: www.freeplayhouston.com

Nature and Health Research Update

By Jenny Larios

Exposure to greenspace early in life could result in beneficial structural changes in the brain

A study in the Environmetnal Health Prespective Journal: The Association between Lifelong Greenspace Exposure and 3-Dimensional Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Barcelona Schoolchildren by Dadvand et al, examines how lifelong exposure to green spaces around homes relates to differences in brain volume among children in primary school. Given the growing urban population and limited access to nature, understanding how green spaces affect cognitive development is crucial.

Using data from Barcelona schoolchildren, the study looks at how exposure to greenness is linked to brain volume changes, focusing on working memory and attention.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of green spaces in cities and their potential impact on cognitive development, offering insights for urban planning and public health policies aimed at improving children's well-being and connection to nature.

Read the full article here.

Join the Founder's Circle

Join our Founder's Circle!

The Founder's Circle is a group of donors to Texas Children in Nature Network who have pledged to give at least $1000/year for three years.

Founder's Circle FAQ

Can I donate monthly?

Yes, you can do monthly donations of $83.33.

When can I join?

Anytime

Can only individuals join the Founder's Circle?

No, individuals and organizations can join our Founder's Circle.

Can I pay for three years in one payment?

Yes

For more information, visit our website or email Sarah.