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Nature’s Gifts

Activity

Treasures from the Wild

While exploring, think about what kind of “gift” you would give someone you love based on the items you find in nature around you. It could be a brightly colored leaf, a smooth rock, a flower, or an interesting seed pod, for example. Your item should have significance in nature or in your own life, like a food source, a potential nesting material or a symbol of beauty or reflection of a memory you share with your loved one.

Science Seed

Many animals engage in the practice of giving gifts as part of courtship rituals or to express affection. For example certain species of birds present colorful pebbles or twigs to attract mates, while other animals, like wolves or chimpanzees, may share food to strengthen bonds within a group. This behavior can also be seen in insects, where males might present food or other items to females as a demonstration of strength or suitability as a mate.

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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 the Memorial Park Conservancy

The mission of Memorial Park Conservancy is to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.

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