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Nature’s Cleanup Crew

Activity

Who Are The Hidden Recyclers?

Carefully flip over a rock, log, or patch of soil and investigate who is breaking things down. Who’s munching on what, and how might they be recycling nutrients? Make a list of your “suspects” with sketches or silly nicknames.

Science Seed

Under rocks, logs, or patches of soil, tiny decomposers like worms, beetles, pillbugs, fungi, and microbes work together to recycle dead plants and animals into nutrients that enrich the soil. Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are especially important—they release chemicals that break down tough materials like wood and leaves into simpler forms of soil that plants can use. Worms and beetles help by chewing or breaking organic matter into smaller pieces, making it easier for microbes to do their job. This hidden recycling system keeps soil healthy and supports plant growth, showing how even the smallest creatures play a big role in nature!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Billy Reagan K-8 Education Center

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.