Enjoy, Learn in & About, and Care for Nature
Whether outside or in, these resources support children's connection to nature and learning.
When going outside to enjoy any open space, be responsible: follow CDC guidance, respect others, and practice Leave No Trace Principles.
NRPA and CDC Joint Statement on Enjoying Parks and Green Space. More than 1,000 groups nationwide support safe use of parks during COVID-19 outbreak.
Parks. National Park Service (NPS), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), county, and city parks have modified operations on a park-by-park basis according to the latest guidance from CDC and state and local public health authorities, closing most facilities and cancelling events, leaving some outdoor spaces remain accessible to the public. As park operations change frequently, please check with individual parks regarding changes to park operations before visiting.
- NPS Operations: Find a Park!
- TPWD Park Operations. As of April 20, 2020, Texas State Parks have re-opened for day use only. Advanced reservations and social distancing practices are required.
- Houston Parks and Recreation Department Operations
- Houston Parks Board Bayou Greenways Operations
Citizens’ Environmental Coalition
- CEC Newsletter provides the latest virtual resources from its partner organizations
- Houston Environmental Resources for Educators (HERE). A one-stop shop for educators, parents, and families to learn about the Texas Gulf Coast.
EPA’s #EarthDayEveryDay Celebration. Explore the history of Earth Day, project resources and ideas for teachers/students, and tips for reducing your environmental footprint every day!
Creation Care Opportunities. Upcoming opportunities to enjoy, learn about, and Care for creation.
The Nature Conservancy – Youth Engagement Nature Lab. Curriculum and virtual field trips aligned to TNC’s research, designed specifically for a young audience and classrooms.
North American Association for Environmental Education. Resources list designed to keep learners of all ages interested and engaged during the crisis, from hands-on activities and lesson plans to websites, virtual tours, and more.
Kids for Saving Earth. Founded by an 11-year-old, former West University student, Clinton Hill, whose biggest dream was for a clean and healthy Earth. KSE provides incredible resources for student and teachers to take action to protect our Earth.
Learn about earth sciences—Explore nature in national parks.
- Be a steward—Preserve Earth's resources and keep natural spaces clean and using Leave No Trace principles.
- For kids—Go on an adventure becoming a Junior Explorer!
Urban Harvest – Grow Resilience. Tips and tools to start a home garden / encourage your students to start a home garden, support local farmers, and purchase fresh foods from farmers markets via current social distancing standards.
National Wildlife EcoSchools USA. Sustainable schools support; connect with your schools existing EcoSchool representative, or email eco-schoolsusa@nwf.org).
EcoRise Learning Resources. STEM and sustainability lessons to engage PreK–12th grade students at home, on- and off-screen.
Texas Wildlife Association – Youth On-Demand Webinars. Interactive, TEKS-aligned webinars, available anytime, for kids and families to learn about habitats and wildlife, fostering a connection to the land, and facilitating natural resource literacy (follow-along worksheets included!)
CELF Environmental Literacy. Online learning Sustainability workshops on the Zoom platform for Teachers, Non-Formal Educators and Parents.
Virtual Field Trips/Experiences
· Galveston Bay Foundation – At Home with the Bay
· Houston Zoo – Explore the Zoo
· Nature Discovery Center, Houston
· Nature Discovery Center, Houston – Virtual Experiences
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Wild Birds and Wild Wetlands
