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Stream Observation

Activity

Check Flow Speeds

The Hill Country Stream here at the Wildflower Center features areas of both fast-moving and slow-moving water. Walk around the stream and look for areas with both water flow speeds, fast and slow. Test the speed of water by gently floating a leaf in the stream and watching how quickly it moves. Why might the Center want to create areas with different water speeds? Observe the plants and animals that you see in areas with each speed. Do you notice a difference between what lives in fast water vs. slow or stagnant water?

Cathy's copy of Wildflower Center PEEP - 116

Science Seed

The speed at which water is flowing is a big factor in determining what types of wildlife can live in an area. Some organisms thrive in slow-moving or stagnant water. For example, plants with weaker stems and root systems cannot stay grounded in fast-moving water whereas plants with stronger support can. Here at the Center, we want to provide a variety of conditions to maintain a diverse array of wildlife.

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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 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Ecologist School Web Guide: Wildflower Center Edition

This is a collaborative project between Families in Nature and The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to help our community learn more about the ecosystem and history of the Wildflower Center, while getting outside into nature together! This collection has 64 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn and volunteer in the park!

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. Click above to order your own Ecologist School badges!

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.

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation of native plants through our gardens, research, education, and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance human health and happiness. In 2017, we were officially designated the Botanic Garden of Texas.