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Visualizing Ecology

Activity

Eco Inspired Art

Paint or draw what you see in your mind’s eye when you think about “ecology.” Go on a nature walk for inspiration.

Science Seed

Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms, abiotic factors (nonliving elements such as water, sunlight and wind), and the environment. Ecologists study how living things interact with each other and natural resources for survival. Ecology is important because it shows how changes in the environment affect the survival of living things. Humans are a part of ecology! For example, in South Texas new efforts to help ocelot populations include building bridges and corridors for ocelots to pass through barriers like roads, fences and walls. It’s critical to their survival to have safe ways to navigate their territories, find each other, food and shelter. These corridors keep them from crossing highways and now their population, though still incredibly small, is starting to recover and grow again.

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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 Waterloo Greenway

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: Waterloo Greenway Edition is a collaborative project between Families in Nature and Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to help our community learn more about the ecosystem and history of Waterloo Greenway, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 64 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn and volunteer in the park as a family!

Each branch of science corresponds with a matching badge featured in the top right corner of every activity. Complete all 4 activities in a science slice and you are eligible to earn that badge.

Circle of Sciences

Our hands-on activities span across 16 different branches of science! Each Science Slice is broken into 8 learning categories: S.T.E.A.M., Volunteerism, Outdoor Skills and Leadership Development. Our activities are designed to be enjoyed by all ages.

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.

Think you know what a park is? Think again!

Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile urban ecosystem with the power to bring the entire Austin community together. Winding along Waller Creek in downtown Austin, Waterloo Greenway is on its way to becoming a wondrous public park that celebrates the spirit of our community. This extraordinary shared experience is being launched in phases, and amazing free events and programs are already taking place. So, come explore the many ways we’re working to connect all of the people in our vibrant city to nature, art, culture — and to each other.

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy creates and maintains an extraordinary urban park system and a restored Waller Creek, in partnership with the City of Austin, for the benefit of all. The Conservancy renews the natural environment, promotes play, health and wellness, economic vitality and mobility, and engages the community through outreach, education, cultural events, and the arts.