Passport to Texas

Girls riding bikes at Resaca de la Palma State Park

Parks: Every Kid in a Park Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In February 2015 the White House announced a new initiative called Every Kid in a Park.

06— It’s a very exciting initiative. It is something that really ties in with what we’re working so hard with here in Texas.

Jennifer Bristol coordinates the Texas Children and Nature Program at Parks and Wildlife. The new initiative waives national park entrance fees for every child in the fourth grade. Why fourth grade? Jessica says kids are still willing to spend time with mom and dad, and that it’s an impressionable time.

25—It is really the time when children connect probably the most with nature. It’s called the age, or development time, of joy and wonder of discovery. And it’s when kids really make that connection – especially with wildlife. They care about something; they understand that the actions that they take can have an impact either on the environment; it can have an impact on wildlife. And so, they want to care for it, and they start building up those bonds with it.

Texas currently waives state park entrance fees for children 12 and under, and the new White House initiative dovetails nicely with the Texas program.

06— This is just one more way that families can have those barriers reduced to access to the outdoors.

And as we all know: Life’s better outside. Discover ways to engage the outdoors when you visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Girl exploring stream at Lost Maples State Natural Area

Event: Children and Nature Conference Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It takes a village to get kids and families outside these days; Jennifer Bristol, coordinator of Texas Children and Nature, is part of the tribe ushering them outdoors.

09— We are a network of organizations around the state of Texas; and we focus on connecting more children and families with the outdoors so they are happier, healthier, and smarter.

Next week, Jennifer tribe and their supporters gather in Bastrop for the Children in Nature Conference, to share ideas, successes, and future plans.

08—To really highlight all the issue and all the solutions that surround why it is important for children and families to have access to nature.

The theme of the conference is “Inspiration to Action”.

13— And it centers around our four concentration areas, which is health, education, community and access. So, we have everybody from architects who focus on bringing the outdoors in, to urban planners, to the health community….

In addition, they devote the first day to technology.

17— We know that we can’t get away from technology. We used to tell people all the time: unplug and get outdoors and things like that. That’s still an important message. But, it’s also important to say, ‘Hey, you know what? What can we do to let them use that smart phone in their hand or tablet in their hand that builds that confidence in the outdoors, too?’

We’ll check in with Jennifer after the conference for an update. Texas Children in Nature is co-hosting the conference with Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center and Children & Nature Network.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.