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Forest Bathing

Activity

Immersing Yourself in Nature

As you roam, engage in a practice called Forest Bathing. Take the time to really absorb the natural landscape around you. Close your eyes and listen to the natural sounds, stop and take in the little things along your way, and clear your mind. How does being in nature make you feel? What is the relationship between you and the natural world?
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Science Seed

In ecology, we often think about how organisms interact with each other, but we sometimes forget to consider how we as humans interact with nature. Forest Bathing is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku and has been documented to reduce stress and improve mindfulness. To get started, try this forest bathing invitation: Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down. Focus your attention on your sense of sound. What can you hear? What might be the farthest thing you can hear? What about the closest? Can you make a sound that can only be heard by you? Take 3 deep breaths, noticing all the different sounds around you, who they come from and what direction they are moving.
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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 Sanchez Elementary

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.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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