In This Issue:
“Land, then,
is not merely soil;
it is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of
soils, plants, and animals.”
~ Aldo
Leopold
 Is your school in the greater metropolitan area of Amarillo, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lower Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio? If so, join Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and others in the City Nature Challenge (CNC). CNC is a fun challenge to see which city around the world can document the most species.
Education Toolkits are filled with classroom activities, field investigations, media and guides to prepare students, nature center visitors, homeschools and more for the CNC. Find tips for bringing kids outside and see how CNC can fit into your curriculum or education programs.
Students will…
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Classify and differentiate major groups of plants and animals
- Compare observations of species among different areas in the school yard or outdoor space
- Identify the characteristics of major groups of organisms on earth and discuss global biodiversity
- Build observation, identification, and classification skills
- Explore City Nature Challenge results through data analysis
Taking Part is Easy
- Find wildlife: It can be any plant, animal, fungi, slime mold, or any other evidence of life (scat, fur, tracks, shells, carcasses!) found in your participating city.
- Take
a picture of what you find: Be sure to
note the location of the critter or plant.
- Share your observations: By uploading your findings through iNaturalist or your city's chosen platform.
For more information and to get involved in Texas, go to City Nature Challenge - Texas.
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Conserving Critters
Our focus is on wildlife conservation because of the nature of
this month's topic, however, we hope we've opened the door to other, broader
discussions about conservation in your classroom by introducing the term
"resources." Since the formal definition of conservation is
"the wise use of resources" the larger subject includes many other
arenas including soil and water conservation.
Print
"Conserving Critters"
You may print and distribute this PDF of the article for
classroom use.
Student Research Pages
These Web pages are for your students, with links to
activities, video clips and related Web sites to guide your students'
research.
Background for Teachers
Learn more about the topics for this month.
Vocabulary - definitions and
context
These definitions include a context sentence to aid in
understanding.
Activities and Lesson Plans
From discussion questions to fun activities, try these
supplements to your curriculum to engage students' interest.
Project WILD Activities
Activities suited for this
month's topics.
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Workshops
Learn to share
conservation with children: Professional Development for anyone who works with
children.
For more workshops
visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/project-wild-growing-up-wild-workshops
WILD Workshop Scholarships!
• Awarded based on underserved student
populations and teacher need
• Covers Texas WILD workshop fee
• Applications accepted April 2-30, 2018
• Awards announced May 10
• Apply here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/project-wild
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The new Project WILD books are
here! They include new activities,
updated background material, STEM connections and careers in every activity,
and expanded, student-driven investigations.
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Events
-
April 8 Birding 101 at Enchanted Rock State
Natural Area
Birds and binoculars!
Join a ranger for an introduction to the great hobby of birding.
Join us on a guided
walk to learn about our native habitat and find out who of our "Rio Grande
Valley Specialty Birds" can be spotted. This walk is for all visitors,
young or old who wants to learn about wildlife, the park, and its bird life. Bring
water, one-hour easy trail walk.
The festival features
special speakers on informative topics, bird-related exhibitors and vendors,
raptor demonstrations, Master Birder-led bird hikes (both beginner and
experienced), and a tent full of bird crafts for the little ones. Even
bird-friendly plants for sale! The Wingding offers something for everyone!
Connect with
conservationists, educators, park rangers, bird and butterfly lovers,
naturalists, gardeners and others to learn and share about our winged locals in
the choice Dinosaur Valley State Park, with its nearly 1,600 acres and its
scenic and accessible, rock-bottomed Paluxy River. Find out how you can be an
effective conservation leader in your own backyard, school, or community!
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April
21 BioBlitz!
at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Parkr
Learn to document and
identify wildlife using the iNaturalist App.
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April 27-30 City
Nature Challenge in Amarillo, Austin,
Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lower Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio
Join Texas Parks &
Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and others in a fun
challenge to see which city can document the most species. It is easy to
participate by joining an event, or making observations on your own using
iNaturalist.
To learn more about other fun events and recreational activities, we invite you to sign up to receive our free email updates or visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/.
Preview archived copies of these and other e-newsletters here:
- Life’s Better Outside e-newsletter, featuring stories and news on hunting, fishing, state parks, and conservation efforts
- State Parks Getaways e-newsletter and State Parks Promotions and Offers, highlighting ideas for your next park visit, news of park events, and fun seasonal activities
- The Award winning Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine
- Specialty Newsletters, such as Eye on Nature and Texas Hummer, including topics on wildlife diversity, conservation and statewide volunteer opportunities
You can change your subscription preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of any email you receive from us.
Angler Education | Boater Education | Buffalo Soldiers | Coastal EXPO
Hunter Education | Recreation Grants | Save Water for Wildlife | Teacher Toolkit
Texas Archery in the Schools | Texas Children in Nature | Nature Rocks Texas
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center | Texas Master Naturalist
Texas Nature Trackers | Texas Project WILD | Texas State Parks
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