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Bird Nest Building

Activity

How Would you Make a Nest?

Head over to the Family Garden to spend some time in our giant bird nests made from native plants. As you play, imagine how much work it takes for birds to make their nests. If you were a bird, what would you make your nest out of? Build a bird’s nest with materials found on the ground in the Wildflower Center to see what the native birds might use.

Cathy's copy of Wildflower Center PEEP - 139

Cathy's copy of Wildflower Center PEEP - 140

Science Seed

Birds create nests as a safe place to lay eggs and raise their young. Some nests are camouflaged to prevent predators from seeing them, and many are placed in areas away from the weather, like rain and wind. Just like human houses look different in different climates, birds create different types of nests based on their needs and location. For example, Bald Eagle nests can be as big as 10 feet wide for their large chicks, and many Swiftlets make their nests out of their own spit to hold their eggs safely inside caves and even behind waterfalls!

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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.