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Embracing Nature

Activity

Measuring Trees with Hugs

Measure trees across campus by hugging them. How many classmates will it take to circle the trunk? Find different sized trees and discuss why they might be different. Are they younger? A different species? Do they have access to resources they need to keep them healthy like sun, space and water?
two children hugging the trunk of a tree
A girl with a pink shirt hugging the trunk of a tree
a conceptual image of several peoples arms hugging a large tree

Science Seed

A tree’s thickness or diameter can tell us a lot about the tree and where it grows. Thicker trees are usually older and healthier because they have had good growing conditions. The width can also help us figure out what kind of tree it is. Thick trees store more carbon, which helps fight climate change. Trees also give us clean air to breathe, provide homes for animals and shade us on hot days!
botany jar illustration

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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 Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: TSBVI edition is a collaboration between Families in Nature and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired as an effort to help our community learn more about the TSBVI campus, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 80 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn, and volunteer on campus!

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.
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