TPCNActionPlans12410

Workshop Reports

The following are summaries of discussions to launch the Texas Children in Nature Strategic Plan. These discussions took place during a state conference hosted by the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature, on December 3‐4, 2010 in Austin.

Workshop attendees were asked to discuss each goal within the plan and recommend “first steps” toward implementation. The discussion and reports reflect the interests of the attendees in the room. In each workshop, the strategic plan goal was first introduced by a host representing the Partnership. A facilitator then initiated the discussion, and when possible helped the group reach consensus. “First step” recommendations were captured by the scribe. Notes from the scribes and flip charts are summarized in the following pages.

The intent of these recommendations is to help facilitate the first steps toward implementation by the state action teams (health, education, access, community, policy, marketing, and natural leaders) and regional collaborative efforts that are forming throughout the state. Implementation will depend on participation from both the public and private sectors, working creatively and effectively with limited resources.

Access Goal 1: Workshop Report Optimize access to natural areas to make them safe and convenient.

First Steps: • •

•

Form a steering committee to develop a list of best practices in each area Identify existing and potential trails and corridors (power lines, railroads, corridors, etc.) for land and water trails. Seek public input from partner groups and work with city planning elements to promote understanding of importance of trails.

Identify an organization that will commit to managing this project: creating an inventory of public and private sites, land and water, that provide experiences in nature. Begin to determine sources of information, software options, and information fields for database.

Recommended First Step: Develop an inventory of areas that provide experiences in nature TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

6 months - Form a steering committee to develop a Objective 1: Facilitate safe and convenient public access. list of best practices in each area (land and water).

What constitutes “safe?”

Action 1: Encourage federal, state and local agencies to 18 months – Disseminate the work of the best provide easily identifiable, practices committee accessible, public transportation routes to natural areas.

NOTES: Examples include bus stops, train stops and bicycle stands.

• Different types and uses of natural areas (for Action 2: Expand and children, toddlers, horse trails, bike trails, walking encourage proactive law trails, community green belts, swimming, boating, enforcement to protect public botanical gardens, etc..) require different levels of lands and waterways and the “safety” and convenience. For some, SAFETY is people of Texas.

VERY important.

Action 3: Develop partnerships • What is needed to create a family-friendly between schools, park environment? departments and parents to • Elements could include lighting, parking mile provide training for playleaders markers for trails, emergency phone access, or playworkers to staff park open points/nodes, volunteer security monitors, and/or school play and learning emergency access/extrication plan, bike racks, environments after school and nearby public transportation, access to water during holidays. (See station (equine and pets), rest stops with benches

Education.)

Action 4: Encourage universal design facilities and signage to ensure access to those with all abilities.

Action 5: Encourage grant incentives for federal, state and county designers to partner with other agencies, cities and communities to cost-share development of universal design facilities and signage.

• •

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Create hiking, biking, walking and paddling trails with points of access for multiple and diverse users in natural areas, including those with disabilities.

6 months – Identify existing and potential trails and corridors (power lines, railroads, corridors, etc.) for land and water trails. Seek public input from partner groups and work with city planning elements to promote understanding of importance of trails.

Action 1: Improve the quality and distribution of boat ramps statewide.

Action 2: Reach out to nonprofit organizations and volunteers to assist in creating, operating and managing hiking, biking, walking and paddling trails and other natural areas.

Action 3: Encourage alternate pathways within natural areas that are short and easily accessible to accommodate people who use mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.

Action 4: Create natural rest stops along trails, and provide the public with signage that indicates the length of the trail and the location of additional

• •

What constitutes “convenient?”

Connectivity is an important issue. Need to be able to get from one place to another easily.

Promote easements through private lands to public sites Consider legislation to make public utility line spaces available for public access

18 months - Identify stakeholders groups and a champion that can advocate for each trail corridor and set them to work.

NOTES: 1. Stakeholders can include, equine and mountain bike groups, birders, paddlers, etc.

2. Involve TxDoT: provide access features at new bridges 3. Include consideration of access for people with disabilities, physical and cognitive 4. Utilize watersheds in urban areas to establish corridors 5. Develop an “Adopt-a-Trail” program 6. Explore use of technology on trails (QR codes, etc.)

7. Enlist Scouts for Eagle Scout projects 8. Consider non-traditional partners such as railroads, utility easements, TxDoT and federal transportation department 9. Connect fragments 10. Develop a uniform trail rating system (duration, length, difficulty, etc.)

stops.

11. Research trail marking standards 12. Monitor and protect trails 13. Place trailhead close to public transportation nodes 14. Include interpretive elements and more: history, ecology, multi-lingual, etc.

15. Encourage private development to tie into public systems 16. In urban setting, provide sidewalks (to pocket parks)

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Inventory and identify areas that provide experiences in nature.

Universal Accessibility - (Phone - computer - print - dual language)

Action 1: Work with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other regulatory agencies to evaluate the feasibility of public access to waters at TxDOT-owned bridges and other public locations.

Action 2: Encourage federal, state and local agencies with established trails and natural areas to work with nonprofit organizations to provide internet and GPS-accessible information such as location and coordinates, maps, and points of access, including ADA access icons, at no cost to the entities.

Action 3: Within state trail grants, where applicable, enable applicants to identify other entities/neighbors with adjacent trails or recreation areas and provide incentives to interconnect and manage those trails as cooperative units.

6 months - Identify an organization that will commit to managing this project: creating an inventory of public and private sites, land and water, that provide experiences in nature. Begin to determine sources of information, software options, and information fields for database.

18 months – Create database, make information available on a website and promote its use Resources: Schoolfieldtrips.com Landscope America Intergrating universities Local Council of Governments NOTES: 1. This will be an ongoing project with considerable updating 2. Should be sortable by zip code, county, types of use, etc.

3. Include site amenities 4. Investigate use of mobile apps for finding sites 5. Create a user content function like Wiki Trails 6. Initial sources of data include Great Texas Wildlife Trails, schoolfieltrips.com, traveltx.com, landscope.org, local councils of governments, Corps of Engineers, state parks, National Park Service, river authorities, National Wildlife Refuges, state and federal fish hatcheries, Images for Conservation, TxDoT, state and national forest services, wildlife management areas, paddling trails, boat ramps, nature centers, Nature Conservancy, Audubon, arboretum, botanical gardens, nature preserves, Texas Wildlife Assn., etc.

7. Develop suggested itineraries for regions Order of importance #3, #1, #2 Workshop Host: Joe Moore Facilitator: John Davis Scribe: Koy Coffer Liaison: Ernie Gammage Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Access Goal 2: Workshop Report Partner with government agencies, nonprofits and the private sector, in coordination with youth, to provide increased access to Texas lands and waters.

(Because this was such a broad goal, there are action items for each objective that the group feels are doable in the short- and near-term.)

First Steps: • • • • • •

Investigate how a (significant) portion of funds for playgrounds are allocated and if they could be used to develop natural areas at schools (Obj 1&4) Initiate collaborative support and advocacy for continued funding for state and local parks and natural areas. (Obj 1&4) Promote existing programs and landowner success stories (who is hosting school groups, hunts, camps, etc. and having great success?). Showcase and highlight these. (Obj 2) Ensure landowner representation (and success stories) in TPCIN Regional collaboratives to ensure linkages of outdoor experiences. (Obj 2) Identify significant landowners who could participate in linkages (TWA members, Farm Bureau Texas, Texas Nature Conservancy, Local cooperatives and Range and Wildlife Societies, etc. (Obj 3) Review current statues relating to recreational use of private, public and agricultural lands and develop a plain-English explanatory document to educate current and potential landowners and land managers. (Obj 5)

Recommended First Step: Objective 1 and 4 – Initiate thru the current TPCIN collaborative to get started; Objective 2, 3 and 5 can be linked and addressed in an overarching process of education and assimilating a database of good information and success stories.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Encourage the creation of more natural areas in schools, neighborhoods, communities and park systems.

Objectives 1 & 4; Encourage creation of more natural areas in schools, neighborhoods, communities and park systems and support for state parks system and local park grants program

Action 1: Support the establishment of “outdoor classrooms” on school

6 Months: 1 a. Investigate how a (significant) portion of funds for playgrounds are allocated and

if they could be used to develop natural campuses.

Action 2: Encourage and areas at schools incentivize the creation of pocket 1 b. Initiate collaborative support and parks in communities.

Action 3: Increase the number advocacy for continued funding for state of safe and accessible parks and local parks and natural areas. and playgrounds, particularly in underserved and low-income 18 Months: 1 a. Encourage TEA to issue a policy communities. statement supporting the establishment of Action 4: Develop and consult natural areas on school campuses and with a youth advisory board to define “natural play area” create natural areas appealing to youth.

1 b. Collaboratively support, articulate, Objective 4: Support funding for the state park system and local park grants program.

educate and advocate for funding for state and local parks, and parks grants.

NOTES: • Clearly define “natural area” • Determine how PTA /PTO can be used to advocate for natural areas • Can YM/WCA after school programs be involved • Working through districts can be difficult; more success might be had at the campus level; that said, approaching school boards and administrators as well as facilities managers might be effective • After-school care and childcare may also be advocates • Investigate how the TEA and bonding process can be used to promote incorporation natural areas. Possible criteria for use of playground funds might be: daily accessibility, available as a playground, safety provision, adequate supervision, etc.

• Customization of natural areas can be expensive.

Can templates be developed?

• Incorporate student service learning projects • Consider developer/school partnerships • Educate municipal planning commissions on how to incentivize the use of natural areas • Reach out to professional associations • Develop and promote a body of information about the value of recreation and its impact on student health and achievement, etc.

• Can use of natural areas be written into

• •

TPCN Plan

curricula?

Promote use of current natural areas vs. reintroduction of these areas Encourage access by groups outside of formal education

Workshop Discussion

Identify land owner benefits. Educate landowners Objective 2: Create hiking, biking, walking and paddling about incentives, realizing that there are different trails with points of access for types of landowners--new, long-time, rural and multiple and diverse users in urban--who will respond differently to different natural areas, including those incentives with disabilities.

Action 1: Improve the quality and distribution of boat ramps statewide.

Action 2: Reach out to nonprofit organizations and volunteers to assist in creating, operating and managing hiking, biking, walking and paddling trails and other natural areas.

Action 3: Encourage alternate pathways within natural areas that are short and easily accessible to accommodate people who use mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, etc.

Action 4: Create natural rest stops along trails, and provide the public with signage that indicates the length of the trail and the location of additional stops.

6 Months: 1a. Promote existing programs and landowner success stories (who is hosting school groups, hunts, camps, etc. and having great success?). Showcase and highlight these.

1b. Ensure landowner representation (and success stories) in TPCIN Regional collaboratives to ensure linkages of outdoor experiences.

18 Months: Explore incentive options, and • Identify and educate land owners and managers about existing incentives (tax valuations, grants, etc.)

• Promote recognition for success (awards like Lone Star Land Steward); • Articulate additional land management benefits provided by use (feral hog hunts, etc.)

• Seek additional incentives for land managers who provide experiences (improved access to technical guidance or recreational planning, or preference points on land enhancement programs) NOTES: • Investigate incentives for private development (permit fees, etc.) and other things that can be leveraged • Explore use of usage taxes for pocket parks, etc. and Certifications (NWF) • Promote use of current natural areas vs. reintroduction of these areas

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 5: Address liability concerns that limit access to nature on school grounds, parks, public lands and private lands.

A statute which limits liability, the Recreational Land Use Statute, is on the books. It is not widely known, however. Making landowner and managers aware of this law will significantly contribute to mitigating litigation fears.

Action 1: Seek clarity of liability laws and share findings.

Action 2: Determine recommendations based on findings.

6 Months: Review current statues relating to recreational use of private, public and agricultural lands and develop a plainEnglish explanatory document to educate current and potential landowners and land managers.

18 Months: Identify outlets for disseminating information and develop and launch an awareness campaign targeting landowners and managers. Identify and remedy any gaps in protection.

NOTES: • TWA and Texas A&M Real Estate Center has information on their websites

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Inventory and identify areas that provide experiences in nature.

Identify and promote successful models of land use links and cooperation among adjacent landowners.

Action 1: Work with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other regulatory agencies to evaluate the feasibility of public access to waters at TxDOT-owned bridges and other public locations.

Action 2: Encourage federal, state and local agencies with established trails and natural areas to work with nonprofit organizations to provide internet and GPS-accessible information such as location and

6 Months: Identify significant landowners who could participate in linkages (TWA members, Farm Bureau Texas, Texas Nature Conservancy, Local cooperatives and Range and Wildlife Societies, etc.)

18 Months: Develop a package with case studies and models and available incentives to use to promote collaboration and linking.

NOTES: • Engage homeowner and neighborhood associations

coordinates, maps, and points of access, including ADA access icons, at no cost to the entities.

Action 3: Within state trail grants, where applicable, enable applicants to identify other entities/neighbors with adjacent trails or recreation areas and provide incentives to interconnect and manage those trails as cooperative units. Â Workshop Host: Tamara Trail Facilitator: John Davis Scribe: Koy Coffer Liaison: Ernie Gammage Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Â

Access Goal 3: Workshop Report Encourage creation and expansion of natural areas that provide varied and recurring nature-based experiences.

First Steps: •

• •

Begin to develop a comprehensive inventory of current opportunities. Define database fields. Find person or organizations to compile database. Include parks, county parks, municipal, pocket parks and private lands/partners, built environments, etc. Determine best methods to make information available to the public.

Identify various user groups of natural areas and create database by region and statewide.

Through TPCIN partners with natural areas, promote activities that provide a continuum of teachable moments to meet participants’ needs and build on sense of ownership or connection to the site.

Recommended First Step: Begin to develop a comprehensive inventory of current opportunities.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Encourage the creation and expansion of natural areas that facilitate multiple uses.

(6 month and 18 month overlap)

Action 1: Provide universal design facilities for multigenerational families and people with disabilities to better enjoy the outdoors.

Action 2: Encourage program development that incorporates multiple opportunities for outdoor experiences and considers multiple levels of fitness and abilities. For example, a site might be conducive to fishing, hiking and restoration work available at the same location for novices and/or enthusiasts.

6 Month: Begin to develop a comprehensive inventory of current opportunities. Define database fields. Find person or organizations to compile database. Include parks, county parks, municipal, pocket parks and private lands/partners, built environments, etc.

Determine best methods to make information available to the public.

18 Month: Complete inventory and market to the public highlighting activity types, amenities, accessibility for various ages, special needs, etc.

Establish awards programs for model opportunities to further awareness and buy-in to participation.

NOTES: • Can competing uses and user group issues be resolved?

• Where are the “use” gaps and how can they be filled?

• Add activities to trail systems • Promote Volunteer Ranger Program • Take a regional approach to providing a community with a variety of nature resources • Promote use of Nature Rocks • Interface with private land owners • Consider opportunities for partnerships, particularly for funding when land is already available (opening existing land for use).

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Encourage the creation and expansion of natural areas that facilitate multiple users and universal access.

6 Month: Identify various user groups of natural areas and create database by region and statewide.

Action 1: Provide universal design facilities for multigenerational families and people with disabilities to better enjoy the outdoors.

Action 2: Encourage program development that incorporates multiple opportunities for outdoor experiences and considers multiple levels of fitness and abilities. For example, a site might be conducive to fishing, hiking and restoration work available at the same location for novices and/or enthusiasts.

18 month: Involve all stakeholders in planning processes. Understand needs and uses on local and regional levels.

NOTES: • Create regional or statewide advisory boards representing different user groups • Consider people with mobility, emotional or cognitive special needs. Network with organizations that represent these needs.

• Maximize use of existing sites and facilities • Develop case studies and Best Practices repository • Be aware of transportation challenges • Address cultural and generational needs • How can Wounded Warrior program and structure be utilized?

• Resource books from Watchable Wildlife Inc.: “Everyone’s Nature,” and “Providing Positive Wildlife Viewing Experiences”

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Encourage the creation and expansion of natural areas that foster recurring or frequent participation.

6 month: Through TPCIN partners with natural areas, promote activities that provide a continuum of teachable moments to meet participants’ needs and build on sense of ownership or connection to the site.

Action 1: Promote enhanced use through public awareness campaigns for sites near population centers.

Action 2: Highlight and promote the unique aesthetic qualities of natural areas.

Action 3: Support stable funding for land acquisition for publicly-accessible natural areas in close proximity to population centers.

Action 4: Identify and promote unique or underrepresented habitats available for public access that are near population centers.

18 month: Develop regional collaboratives using a unified message to connect experiences on a regional level. Build database of Best Management Practices that can be included in an overall informational network.

Workshop Host: Carolyn Chipman Evans Facilitator: Kelly Bender Scribe: Marc LeFabre Liaison: Ernie Gammage Coordinator: Nancy Herron

NOTES: • Promote communication and collaboration between regional sites to encourage a continuum of use • Maximize use of existing sites and facilities • Identify and invite user groups to participate in the planning process • Recognize that water can also enhance frequent and recurring use • Elements that encourage frequent and recurring use: programming and hands-on activities, incentives (prizes), access to equipment, admission prices, convenience of location, safety, consistency, excellent customer service, empowered staff, good community relations, workshop or class series rather than “one-offs,” community-based lifelong learning opportunities, mentors, culturally-relevant facilities, volunteer opportunities, and good marketing

Access Goal 4: Workshop Report Plan, develop or expand built environments to include natural areas with interpretive elements.

First Steps: • • •

•

Develop resources package including best practices, existing programs (Green Ribbon Schools), successful models and incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in schools.

Develop resources package including best practices, successful models and available incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in residential developments.

Develop resources package including best practices, successful models and available incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in commercial developments. Focus on LEED and other green certification programs.

Develop resources package including best practices, private consultants, associations (National Assn. for Interpretation), templates and successful models. Include this information on the appropriate Texas Children in Nature websites.

Recommended First Step: Create a list of resources and programs supporting inclusion of natural areas and their interpretation for three targets: schools, commercial and residential developments.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Encourage the creation or expansion of natural play areas and wildscapes at schools.

6 months:

Develop resources package including best practices, existing programs (Green Ribbon Schools), successful models and incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in schools.

18 months:

Mobilize community leaders to effectively promote the development and inclusion of natural spaces in preK-12 schools. Stakeholders should include parents and maintenance

Action 1: Identify model interpretive projects across the state, and disseminate project plans and potential contacts for support in interpretive product design.

Action 2: Encourage the installation of accessible playscapes and equipment to

accommodate children who use mobility devices such as wheelchair-accessible train rides and platform swings for wheelchairs.

Action 3: Create cost-share programs for school developers to leave native vegetation on the premises when building new schools.

interests NOTES: • Include public and private schools, preschools and daycares in “school” definition.

• Need successful models • Potential partner: NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children); could be a training and funding source • Could Nature Rocks Texas be a clearing house for case studies • Green Ribbon Schools is a perfect program for this. Can it be expanded to preschools and daycares? Is there a GRS awards program?

Should there be to promote exceptional achievement?

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Encourage and identify incentives for the creation of natural areas in residential developments.

6 months:

Develop resources package including best practices, successful models and available incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in residential developments.

18 months:

Promote inclusion of natural spaces in residential developments to homeowner, neighborhood, and homebuilders’ associations, stressing economic benefits (property values, etc.) and connection to LEED neighborhood development.

Action 1: Identify and disseminate model policies such as open space ordinances for urban design and land use that preserve the natural environment and provide examples of Texas communities that have successfully implemented such policies.

Action 2: Educate reviewing agencies such as city planning departments and planning and zoning boards about the benefits of natural play. Partner with them to develop incentive criteria for those developers that preserve accessible natural space, including sample openspace ordinances.

NOTES: • Target existing and new developments • Work with permitting agencies to offer expedited permits for developments that include natural areas • Connect backyard habitat programs to Children in Nature messages • Use LEED as a carrot • Develop economic impact data of green development for interested parties

Action 3: Mobilize the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) and Texas Municipal League membership to educate local decision-makers such as city councils, realtor associations, planning and zoning boards, about the need for more open space and accessibility using documentation prepared by the TPCIN. Action 4: Create and encourage grant programs similar to the TPWD recreational trails grant

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Encourage and identify incentives for the creation of natural areas in commercial developments.

6 months:

Action 1: Educate reviewing agencies (city planning departments and planning and zoning boards) about the benefits of natural play, and partner with them to develop incentive criteria for those developers that preserve accessible natural space.

Action 2: Promote and document the positive economic benefits of natural areas to statewide organizations representing the real-estate,

18 months:

Develop resources package including best practices, successful models and available incentives to be used to advocate for the importance of including natural spaces in commercial developments. Focus on LEED and other green certification programs.

Promote inclusion of natural spaces in commercial developments to permitting agencies, architects’ organizations and developers, stressing economic incentives and benefits. Consider the art in public spaces program as a model for including natural elements.

NOTES: • Includes retail, industrial and office development • How do we quantify value added?

development and building communities.

Action 3: Mobilize TRAPS and Texas Municipal League membership to educate local decision-makers such as city councils, realtor associations, planning and zoning boards about the need for more commercially-centered natural areas and accessibility using documentation prepared by the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature.

• • •

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 4: Include interpretive elements in natural areas.

6 months:

Develop resources package including best practices, private consultants, associations (National Assn. for Interpretation), templates and successful models. Include this information on the appropriate Texas Children in Nature websites.

18 months:

Promote inclusion of interpretive elements in natural spaces in schools, and residential and commercial developments to planning and permitting agencies, architects’ organizations and developers, homeowner, neighborhood, and homebuilders’ associations, stressing economic incentives and benefits.

Action 1: Ensure that interpretive elements are included on public lands and waters.

Action 2: Encourage and provide incentives and/or avenues for interpretive elements on private lands.

Action 3: Encourage interpretive elements that incorporate multiple learning styles, experiential learning and alternative access.

Action 4: Provide materials that model interpretive design.

• •

Include municipal spaces Available certifications: LEED, SSI (?), NWS, UIL Amenities include trails, shade, pocket gardens, pocket gardens, interpretation Make presentations to local government permitting agencies about existing “green” certification programs What, specifically, are the economic incentives?

NOTES: • Provide interpretation for multiple learning styles and abilities • Resources: TPWD urban biologists, NAI (has a list of consultants and trainers), TRAPS • How do we connect resources to the decision

• •

Workshop Host: Brian Ott Facilitator: Kelly Bender Scribe: Marc LeFabre Liaison: Ernie Gammage Coordinator: Nancy Herron

makers Find best practices and successful examples Identify incentives

Community Goal 1/Marketing: Workshop Report Raise awareness and action among adults and children through consistent and unified communication.

First Steps: • • •

Web site (redirect stakeholders to; connect collaboratively; share resources) Need to identify regional collaborative leaders to host web site One “Texas” portal web site

Recommended First Step: TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Community Goal 1, Objective 1: Promote the brand marketing campaign so it is well recognized by parent and youth networks.

Promote brand marketing

Action 1: Gather input from the community in creating and implementing a brand marketing campaign.

Action 2: Facilitate youth-and family-oriented organizations and businesses to adopt and communicate the unified message, “Children who play in nature are Healthier, Happier and Smarter” to their constituents.

Action 3: Provide and encourage youth and family oriented organizations and businesses to regularly use a campaign toolkit that includes monthly themes and suggested activities, including entry-level opportunities, backyard activities, and free resources,

SUMMARY NOTES: Key points: • • • • • •

A couple of brands comfortable with—HHH, Nature Rocks Action: Form a Volunteer Marketing Committee Put a RFP together Taking inventory of all stakeholders and provide them with tool kit Finding a Texas Celeb Spokesperson Need a web site

FLIP CHART NOTES: •

“Nature Rocks” supports the local group, not replaces it • Confusion over national, state, local identities • Need a unifying symbol/logo for all partners to use – could be “Nature Rocks”?

• Texas example could be used as example to other states Action item: Expand the Nature Rocks network to local areas

Web banners, exhibit materials, presentations, brochures, posters and flyers.

Action 4: Promote local coverage of children in nature monthly themes, activities and events to media outlets.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Marketing Goal 1: Formalize a structure for the state to facilitate development and implementation of a state marketing campaign.

(Structural Phase)

SUMMARY NOTES: Need a Universal Message with regional specific message (Federation of stakeholders) FLIP CHART NOTES: How to develop the brand • RFP? • Who will manage? o Volunteer Marketing Comm (Representative) • Tasks o Develop request for pro-bono brand development o Creative Brief-Broad o Broad Research—What do we want to say? o Confirm effectiveness of current tag lines

Objective 1: Form an entity or employ an existing entity such as a 501(c)(3) or foundation to serve as an umbrella organization that will be responsible for coordinating the effort, fundraising and developing an overarching brand and message.

Action 1: Raise approximately How to promote the brand $200,000 to cover start-up costs • TWA-promote to their 5,600 members/landowners via all of their communication vehicles and operational funding for the • Valley Nature Center: school visits, web, social umbrella organization. media, college lectures to science teachers Action 2: Raise approximately • Marketing kit: schools $100,000 as seed money for the • Texas Celebrity spokespeople brand and marketing campaign • Web site plan development.

Objective 2: Hire a marketing or advertising firm to research and estimate costs of a brand and marketing campaign.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Community Goal 1, Objective 2: Support local networks in promoting children in nature activities, exchanging information and sharing best practices.

Action 1: Assist six communities each year in establishing their own Nature Rocks website.

Action 2: Recruit 100 schools annually for the Green Ribbon School program.

Action 3: Launch the Green Ribbon Communities program and recruit 50 organizations annually as members.

SUMMARY NOTES: • Work cooperatively using Nature Rocks • All could benefit from a logo that could be incorporated into the stakeholder’s flyers, documents, newsletters, web sites, etc. (exampleAffiliate of TPCN or Nature Rocks) • Regional network template for use by other states Action: The Nature Rocks platform was adaptable for use by all Additional Comments: • Nature Rocks doesn’t translate to Spanish well • Could go out of style in a few years • Age groups—may not resonate with “Nature Rocks” • Regional specificity Resources: • Regional Parenting Magazines, groups FLIP CHART NOTES: • Identify stakeholders (health community, nonprofits, etc) • Identify audience • Consolidate • Message adoption (to be clear, concise and consistent; guidelines for use) • Universal message, but regional specific

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion SUMMARY NOTES: Question 1: Who are the constituents?

• Parents, comm. Groups, underserved pops, schools, youth orgs, communication among NPOs

Marketing Goal 2: Conduct specific research to better understand the awareness, perceptions, barriers, cultural considerations and motivations of the stakeholder Question 2: What types of messages?

• Healthy, Happy, Smarter—does it resonate targets in Texas. (Discovery well?

Phase) Objective 1: Determine target audiences and priorities.

Methodologies: surveys (paper or web or verbal); survey at community events, using other service orgs like WIC, surveys thru schools Voting or competition at schools Focus groups: to understand barriers, etc

Objective 2: Conduct research to determine knowledge (preFLIP CHART NOTES: awareness) and attitudes of

nature benefits.

Objective 3: Seek Texasspecific research evidence about the benefits of nature for health and education.

Objective 4: Establish baseline data using research results.

Action: Consider measurable data for baseline and future evaluation such as the number of certified wildscapes or school habitats, the number of schools using outdoor education curriculum, or the number of state, municipal, county parks and nature preserves by acreage available in the state of Texas.

Target Audience: • Parents • Community Groups • Stakeholder • Underserved populations • Schools • Youth Organizations • Internal service/in-field providers Nature Rocks! Happier, Healthier, Smarter: Which words resonate with you?

Happier = Outdoors, Nature, Environment, Sustainability, Ethics Research Methods: Survey (parents, community/young adults); web-based, paper, community events, entertainment, prizes, WICSocial services Voting/Competition (t-shirt) – schools, children Focus groups – internal stakeholders

Objective 5: Inventory existing resources/ organizations that will adopt the brand and marketing campaign.

WORKSHOP SESSION 1 -- FINAL COMMENTS:

• • • • • •

Need to be sure to include Health Care community Have Health Community adopt the brand (target new moms—walking outside, etc..)

Something like “The Good Life” (would translate to Spanish easily) For small orgs—able to tap into larger resources especially with regards to marketing Use Mission Possible Nature Challenge’s list of 90+ orgs to start organizing regional lists

Top 3 things to do: • • •

Web site (redirect stakeholders to; connect collaboratively; share resources) Need to identify regional collaborative leaders (to host web site) One “Texas” portal web site

PEOPLE WILLING TO HELP:

John DeFillipo, DFW, WetlandCenter.com Zeshan Segal, DFW, National Aud. Society Alana Presley, DFW-Denton, UNT Carolyn Rose, CC, Mission-Aransas Natl Estuarine Reserve Sandra Skrei, Naturally Curious, East TX (Lufkin area) Blair Condon, San Antonio, Green spaces Alliance of So. TX. Martin Hagne, RGV, Valley Nature Center Elizabeth Renton, Houston, Houston Coalition for C&N Jaime Gonzalez, Houston, Katy Preserve Patrick Olsen, LCRA, Austin Workshop Host: Hayden Brooks Facilitator: Steve Amos Scribe: Karen Marks Liaison: Karen Marks Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Community Goal 2: Workshop Report Create community-based regional partnerships throughout Texas to increase children in nature activities.

First Steps: • • • •

Inventory of partners; resources; Facilitating grassroots networks Identify our needs (engaging people; $$ available) Unified messages

Recommended First Step: TPCN Plan Objective 1: Engage, recruit and educate new and diverse partnerships to support children in nature activities in communities. Create opportunities for new connections with community groups not formerly engaged.

Action 1: Invite a diversity of civic and citizen organizations (for example, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, community service agencies (police, sheriff, fire, EMS), local environmental interest groups, outdoor recreation organizations, land-trust organizations, condominium or homeowner associations, neighborhood groups, faithbased organizations, school clubs and organizations, historical and cultural societies); businesses (such as chambers of commerce, tourism boards,

Workshop Discussion (Note: large group was split into two groups, A&B.) [Focus on Community Partnerships] SUMMARY NOTES--GROUP A: Started with a brainstorm list of people (see flip chart) Sponsorship opportunities How to educate? Training Look at regions and form regional committees; need a unified message Action: dynamic presentation and experiential 6 months: Identify regions, engage stakeholders and Identify leaders 18 months: Identify messages FLIP CHART NOTES—GROUP A: • Identify regions, form committees to invite groups • Big Brother / Sister • Hospital • 4-H • Homeowners • Rotary Clubs • Senior Centers • Special needs (groups & schools) • $$ Opportunities – REI? • Schools & Home School Coalitions • Community centers • Chambers of Commerce • Local Police Dept.

insurance companies, outdoor retailers, outdoor education/ recreation groups, health and fitness groups, relevant local, state, tribal or federal government officials); philanthropic organizations; and health providers to join the state and/or local children in nature group.

Action 2: Recruit local leaders/partners in six priority communities that will identify and communicate with these diverse organizations within their region.

Action 3: Create a high-energy, informational and user-friendly presentation for outreach events and meetings that clearly states the need for a focus on children in nature to promote “Happier, Healthier and Smarter” children and incorporates health, education and nature issues.

• Local Universities Action step: Presentation – Experiential presentation • Public forum • Presentation include Health benefits • Training (include outdoor activities, Cast for Kids, Break out sessions, Youth hunts, certifications) • Reaching out to Hispanic Communities • Regionally o Unified message to get partners interested 6 months:

Identify regions Engage stakeholders (traditional and non-

traditional) 18 months:

Form committees Taking message into community Presenting Recruiting

SUMMARY NOTES--GROUP B: • Reaching diverse audiences—we all do great things, newsletters, etc.

Barrier—breaking through invisible wall • Practical How-To: • Having a community advocate (pastor; the real leaders on the block—the super mom; find out who is the real power broker in the community and invite them to a special meeting and introduce nature and nature benefits) • Transportation issues: bicycle program; • Food is important to some communities—have food at these type of events so participants are comfortable.

• Translation; youth mentors (HS teach younger kids); • Connecting with businesses and youth mentors and city councils.

FLIP CHART NOTES—GROUP B: Partner with locally based organization inside connection from local leadership quality of life— future employment Experiment• Will underserved diverse audiences come if it is offered?

• Provide family passes • Outreach to event • Ability to gather Will this help community

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Create event—one specific goal Transportation issues Buy-in filter programs Identify Town crier Translate info Orientation –presentation—package Personal relationship Youth mentors – empower with leadership capacity Providing task Boys Translate benefits to people Invite key people and voices from community Bike drive Donation resources from community Create outdoor event in grassroots manner Provide incentives Bilingual outreach Youth mentors Identify civic groups with youth leaders that provide service hours Feed the public—brings people together with donations from local businesses Food, transportation and person in the community

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Engage, recruit and educate new and diverse partnerships to support children in nature activities in communities. Create opportunities for new connections with community groups not formerly engaged.

[Focus on Business Partnerships]

Action 1: Invite a diversity of civic and citizen organizations (for example, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, community service agencies (police, sheriff, fire, EMS), local environmental interest groups, outdoor recreation organizations, land-trust organizations, condominium or homeowner associations,

SUMMARY NOTES: • • •

What is it that we want them to join?

What are we asking the bus partners to do?

More than just money; can volunteer and help them meet their mission; must be a 2-way street

FLIP CHART NOTES: 1. Identify businesses supporting movement (with focus on businesses with national reach.)

2. Identify what businesses are getting in return 3. Identify what we are asking them to fund.

4. Donor research 5. Identify associations 6. Allow state entity to disperse funding to local levels 7. Engage with volunteer opportunities 8. Develop messaging for businesses 9. Identify areas with economic interests

10. Develop underwriters for materials for business neighborhood groups, faithrecruitment based organizations, school 11.

Joining rather than supporting movement clubs and organizations, historical and cultural societies); Who do we want to join? businesses (such as chambers What are we asking for? of commerce, tourism boards, What do they get in return? insurance companies, outdoor retailers, outdoor education/ recreation groups, health and fitness groups, relevant local, state, tribal or federal government officials); philanthropic organizations; and health providers to join the state and/or local children in nature group.

Action 2: Recruit local leaders/partners in six priority communities that will identify and communicate with these diverse organizations within their region.

Action 3: Create a high-energy, informational and user-friendly presentation for outreach events and meetings that clearly states the need for a focus on children in nature to promote “Happier, Healthier and Smarter� children and incorporates health, education and nature issues.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Connect groups that are engaged in children in nature activities to one another, and leverage and share resources, ideas and strategies.

[Focus on regional partnerships]

Action 1: Host 20 regional children in nature outreach events or town hall meetings

SUMMARY NOTES: Action: Identify what partnerships exist; bring together like-minded organizations 12 months: start linking calendars; use social media 18 months: do a mini-summit on a regional level; Resources: high quality people; tap into health and police and retail

with local partners to communicate the plan.

Communities identify specific needs and fill gaps to provide nature opportunities and access.

Action 3: Support local organizations and businesses in establishing local collaboratives to share resources and increase program participation.

Corporations like numbers. Reaching out to groups that we haven’t targeted yet; use work force solution groups for youth workers FLIP CHART NOTES: Who has regional partnerships already?

1. Identify similar minded groups 2. Network them Models: Austin / Houston • • • • •

Start drawing in health orgs/agencies/hospitals Health fairs, events etc.

Retail Churches/Faith-based Police/Fire-County-Sheriff, etc

6 months: Identify what partnerships exist and introductions of like minded orgs. Investigate aligning regions with TPWD regions 18 months: regional conference of (see above 6 month goal); mini summit with vendor fairs/panels.

12 months: Getting calendars synced/sharing and outreach • • •

TPCN Plan

Facebook and Twitter Work with summer to lead activities Unified statewide support; regional points of contact

Workshop Discussion

[Focus on tools, campaigns and strategies] Objective 2: Connect groups that are engaged in children in SUMMARY NOTES: nature activities to one another, and leverage and • Link to the White House initiative share resources, ideas and • Athletic sporting goods strategies.

Action 2: Utilize a local naturerocks.org to make available toolkits/resource guide for establishing a local children in nature collaborative. Where applicable, integrate the tools

• • • • •

Medical community NSTA Look for inventory and Identify pop/stakeholders Have a testimonial Don’t forget the congressional allies

6 months: Hire a full-time rep to lobby congress

that have been developed by C&NN. Action 4: Share and utilize tools and strategies from national organizations such as C&NN’s Natural Leaders and Natural Teachers; and U.S. Department of Interior’s Let’s Move Outside!

Id contacts; Cultivate allies FLIP CHART NOTES: Tools/Org/Campaigns: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Study of federal agencies American Camp Association (ACA) AFWA • Search their websites Natl. Youth serving org NCLI Natl. Associations that fund youth programs Project WILD / PLT / Project WET / Flying WILD / GUW American Medical Assoc.

Corporations: REI, Outdoor, Bass Pro “Let’s Move” Campaign – White House American Coaches Assoc Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, NWF Ag. Community; AH; FFA NSTA Nutrition Diverse Minority Groups

Strategies: • • • • • • •

Locate the Texas contact in that natl group Target cities, big national areas, regions Be recognized statewide first Establish a unique mission that could be attractive for funding Membership – look who belongs to our network!

Look for Congressional allies Be able to say what we can do at a natl level, Texas, etc

6 month plan: 1. Establish organization, mission, brand 2. Establish list of potential targets (national); prioritize list 3. Identify a Texas contact within that list 4. Cultivate congressional allies 5. Build Texas coalition (see what other states are doing) 6. Begin to connect to national campaigns that relate

to our mission 7. Hire a full time representative at the national level

WORKSHOP SESSION 2 -- FINAL COMMENTS: Top Action Items: • • • •

Inventory of partners; resources; Facilitating grassroots networks Identify our needs (engaging people; $$ available) Unified messages

Comments: • • • •

Start Identify funding Look for major donors What are we funding? Need to be strategic, need to ask the right entity for the right gift amount.

Unique purpose

Workshop Host: Michelle Haggerty Facilitator: Hayden Brooks Scribe: Karen Marks Liaison: Karen Marks Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Community Goal 3: Workshop Report Promote the cultural and economic gateways and benefits through nature-based opportunities. [Focus on Culture] First Steps: • • • • •

Develop activities that are simple to implement.

A process document (Best Practices) to make sure inclusion is achieved.

Identify best practices to make sure the message is relevant to the community Identity the cultural spokesperson that the community can identify with.

Create a message that represents the minority population that encourages involvement.

Recommended First Step: TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Raise awareness and concept of “nature is everywhere for everyone,” in your backyard, in your local park or abroad.

[Focus on raising awareness and acceptance that nature is everywhere.]

Action 1: Provide simple ideas for people to play outside and explore nature in their backyard, schoolyard, neighborhood or local park.

Action 2: Suggest easy-to-use resources or local programs to connect families to the outdoors.

Encourage multi-generational participation and culturally relevant activities.

Action 3: Share information that many parks and natural areas have staff and/or volunteers to assist visitors.

SUMMARY NOTES: Action step: Develop activities that are simple to implement: • Interesting • slow introduction • welcoming Kids need to understand flora and fauna. Provide schools with list of resources—need a common depository to collect these.

Develop community gardens—start in the home neighborhoods Make places safe. Work with local law enforcement, park services and staff. Parents need to feel that kids will be safe.

Involve Senior Citizens in youth programs and projects.

Resources: Develop a common theme that uses:

• • • •

curriculum guides training and accountability uses all age groups Birth +plus nonprofits, NGOs, State agencies, etc.

Q&A/Comments: • Folks who were involved with dialysis, came out to “x” site and learned how to plant cilantro, etc seeds (start small) • Need to include Private Landowners—untapped resource! There is a perception that landowners don’t want people on their land—false. Great opportunity for eco-tourism.

• Resources: USDA, NRCS, TWA, TPWD, Tread Lightly--(for signs to use on land.)

• Need to get folks to just walk down the block to their local park.

FLIP CHART NOTES: Resources: • Provide curriculum guides and training with accountability (e.g. Project WILD, PLT, Amphibian Watch) • Use non-profit organization and their activities (e.g. MN, M. Gardeners) • Encourage in-school participation by government agencies • Use friends groups • Take the opportunity to use outdoor recreation programs (Angler Education, Hunter Ed, birding) • Utilize Senior Citizens Action Steps: • Nature in backyard • Nature in community • Understand the flora and fauna • Have fun discovering nature • Develop activities & opportunities that triggers interest in nature • Providing schools with lists of resources • Develop community gardens (e.g. vegetable, butterfly) • Make places safe • List of outdoor activities that are simple to implement • Provide places in the community that are unstructured

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Raise awareness and concept of “nature is everywhere for everyone,” in your backyard, in your local park or abroad.

[Focus on inclusive partnerships that represent diverse cultural groups]

Action 1: Provide simple ideas for people to play outside and explore nature in their backyard, schoolyard, neighborhood or local park.

Action 2: Suggest easy-to-use resources or local programs to connect families to the outdoors.

Encourage multi-generational participation and culturally relevant activities.

Action 3: Share information that many parks and natural areas have staff and/or volunteers to assist visitors.

SUMMARY NOTES: Action steps: 1. A process document (Best Practices) to make sure inclusion is achieved. What has worked locally and can be replicated (i.e., Latino Legacy). Resource: TPWD 2. Create a web-based training on how to be culturally inclusive 3. Community partnerships and multi-culturalism should not be sub- category, but a main headline.

4. Media partnerships ~ Developing an activity of the month and promoted by local media (i.e., Univision) FLIP CHART NOTES: Action Steps: • Identify best practices to make sure the message is relevant to the community • Need the spokesperson that the community can identify with. Cultural spokesperson • Create a message that represents the minority population that encourages involvement.

Local Parks, AmeriCorps and SCA (mentors), Boy Scouts, PTA, Church, Youth groups, employers (*where parents work) Action step: Have a web-based education that assist the professionals to teach in other languages Boy Scouts “Venturing program” Media component— Family activities at a low cost

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 5: Promote and encourage youth and families to participate in environmental stewardship opportunities.

SUMMARY NOTES: Group 1: 6 months: • Working with community partners, create a template (Best Practice) to get youth and families involved in stewardship activities at a site.

Action 1: Encourage at-risk youth to participate in conservation and stewardship opportunities. Examples of sources for these activities include REI community service projects, Texas Master Naturalist and Junior Master Naturalist, Student Conservation Association, student internships and AmeriCorps.

Action 2: Connect landmanaging organizations and agencies with youth engagement organizations such as Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H, Campfire Kids, Boys and Girls Clubs, summer camps, church youth groups and others.

Action 3: Encourage environmental stewardship organizations to provide more volunteer opportunities for young children and families.

•

Create a communication plan know who to communicate to.

18 months: Developing and launching communication tool Group 2: Action steps: • Create multiple and accessible programs that are fun: citizen science projects, o Resources: REI, Nature Centers, • Need a ”White Paper” on the Nature Rocks site to share info • New advocacy groups (CYD TX. Dept of Protective and Reg.) o Resource: National Neighborhood Night Out. • Neighbors working on/at each other homes FLIP CHART NOTES—GROUP 1: • Leadership in nature e (H.S. level—let them help recruit) (*Facebook) (adv. to schools—kids) NTL. Hispanic Council Min. Youth Envir Trning Institute • Careers in Conservation (Audubon) Undergrad with H.S. Student both get paid Min & Women (targets) Field work • Youth and Nature Leadership Challenge Latino Legacy College: Kids getting paid can still get credit; H.S. kids get credit for leadership • Bamberger Ranch Kids come out and do projects (teaching moments) Non-profit works with kids—they become teachers (curriculum) (Master Naturalists) • Work days several times a yr. o United Way o University Vol Center o Local H.S. o Flyers o Great Hills Park (Austin) (some parks are age restricted) • McKinney Roughs Stewardship trainings traded for recreation Dpt. of correction • Neighborhood night out • Little Helping Hands uses 4-8 yr olds

• • •

Texas Brigades (AgriLife Ext and TWA) 13-17 yrs, apply, $350, 4 day Texas Mountain Bike Riders H.S. kids help – adopt a plot

Commonalities of above programs (Hook?)

1. incentives 2. curriculum 3. trade off for recreation 4. leadership roles 5. communication (PSA, Mktg) • local • state • national Create a plan/process on how to get this going (Best Practices) and communication. to community groups for support Develop a communication tool to participants (community at large) Nature Rocks FLIP CHART NOTES –GROUP 2: Action steps: • Create multiple accessible opportunities that make stewardship rewarding and fun. o Resources: REI; neighborhoods • Community Collaboration among env. Edu. To develop citizen science projects for families o Resources: Univ professors, State Park Biologists, Master Naturalists, Spanish Science Booster Clubs (Richard Gonzales) • Family Education Days – Locally o Resources: Local schools, museums, parks • Local / R / Statewide Day of Nature – Work Day o Resources: nature centers, etc.

• White paper / resource on Nature Rocks web site o Resources: web site, us • Include youth advocacy / component / mapping o Resources: CYD, TDPRS; state funding for juvenile delinquents.

• Create multiple assessable opportunities that make stewardship rewarding/ educational, and fun. (neighborhood block / regional / workday events, citizen science projects, national night out • Make Resources available for outreach education; communication on white papers Include youth advocacy components (CYD; TDPRS)

Workshop Host: Tamberly Conway Facilitator: Rob Borowski Scribe: Karen Marks Liaison: Karen Marks Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Community Goal 3/Economic: Workshop Report Promote the cultural and economic gateways and benefits through nature-based opportunities. [Focus on Economic Opportunity] First Steps: • • •

Training workshop (10 votes) (a conference/workshop/training to train professionals (us) in environmental economics) Nature web site (5 votes) Inventory of all assets

Recommended First Step: Training Workshop on Environmental Economics TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Communicate that nature and open space provide economic value to local communities in the form of educational resources, recreational opportunities, protection of water resources, providing habitat for recreation and commercial fisheries, and ecotourism opportunities.

SUMMARY NOTES: It will decrease the rising cost of health care.

Increased value of surrounding real estate Nature tourism revenue Impact on industries (sporting goods retailers) Attracts pop and businesses Visitation drives sales to those businesses Voter tax dollars Trees have value; Real estate values Action Items: • Develop a conference / workshop / training that would train professionals (us) in environmental economics, which may lead to: o development of an advocacy group o Central web site to gather all this info o Lead to a college course on environmental economics

Action 1: Develop a series of case studies that identify the value of nature and of connecting children and nature in Texas; and promote Resources: conservation as an economic • Trust for Public Lands (value of open space) benefit to communities.

• Dr. Crompton (TAMU) – environmental economics Action 2: Develop awareness of (can help us learn how to talk to politicians and and educational opportunities for decision makers) connecting local governments • Landscape developers and conservation agencies to • Outdoor Industry • Green Printing (physical mapping of green offer community, classroom and spaces) after-school educational

programs about the value of local natural resources, watersheds, creeks, rivers and native flora and fauna.

Action 3: Offer incentives such as grants, tax breaks, technology upgrades, etc. for traditional after-school programs to design curriculum and activities around local natural resources.

Action 4: Encourage and promote awareness programs for county, city, neighborhood groups, homeowner associations, schools and businesses to use native plants and landscaping for wildlife in private and public spaces.

•

USFWS report and TPWD report on economic impacts

Comments: Need to make green jobs cool Need a pride campaign and sense of place for local areas (what makes x place cool) FLIP CHART NOTES: • Decrease in cost of health care • Increased value of surrounding real estate • Nature tourism revenue – TTIA = $6 ROI Resources: • “Trust for Public Lands” – value of open space org./ report • Dr. Crompton, A&M • Outdoor Industry Association • Landscape Designers • Green-printing: physical mapping, economic value • US Fish & Wildlife • TPWD Economic Impact Action item: • Follow-up conference; Post-committee to value land, economic value • Advocacy Groups to communicate economic value of nature and open space (see above bullet) • Impact on industries (REI, Sporting Goods, etc…)

• Attracts population, businesses • Drive sales surrounding business • Find and create central place/web site to access information abut economic impact issues • Training to help environmentalists be able to communicate effective business advantage / eco.

Value • Voter / Constituent / Tax $$ • Access by age of trees / # of trees • Develop an “Economics of Environment” course

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Encourage nature-based career path opportunities.

SUMMARY NOTES: Divided into 2 categories: recruit Web site for clearinghouse of Best Practices, includes list of internships; have available speakers to speak to college students; youth written-youth driven; youth

Action 1: Encourage public and

private organizations to sponsor conservation and outdoor recreation job-readiness training and internship opportunities, targeting at-risk and underserved youth.

Action 2: Raise student awareness of natural-resource and outdoor-recreation vocational opportunities or college degree programs.

Action 3: Develop programs that reinforce youth peer acceptance of the outdoors.

advisory boards; encourage regions to have their own Green Teens; Think outside the box—any career (accountant, graphic designer, lawyer, etc.)

Identify kids early—have ways to show them—take a kid to work day.

Comments: • Word of mouth is great • Mentoring different ethnicities within an organization • Take advantage of economic shift • Nature Rocks needs a job/intern module • Bring what we do to life for people—maybe use social media. Have biologists tweet about what they are doing in the field.

• YouTube example—Corps of Engineers Park Rangers • Have a video like this on the web site • Connecting Universities and Orgs/Agencies with regards to internships FLIP CHART NOTES: • Programs that encourage diversity in jobs (Nat. Hispanic Enviro. Youth Council) • Use internal role models (specifically minorities) • Target young people and progress by grade level to full-time jobs • Volunteer op for families (use social media to highlight NR jobs) • Recruit speakers to rep • Inventory of internships • Teacher input and encouragement using incentives for teachers • Communicate with schools, state, federal • Market NR jobs • Mimic Army’s “we want you” • Participate in career days • List publications—career demographics • Youth involvement in these strategies • form youth advisory group • clearinghouse website Comments: web links highlighting NR careers.

Showcase diverse internal jobs to connect to kids, teens, and young people.

Action steps: 1. Gather info on jobs, internships and volunteer ops 2. Best Practices for recruitment (age appropriate websites) 3. Case studies

4. Available speakers 5. Provide teacher incentives to encourage student participation 6. Provide “cross-training” Biologists >>Speakers

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 4: Promote and encourage nature-based community economic opportunities.

Action 1: Encourage communities and businesses to collaborate to establish ecotourism opportunities at introductory and intermediate skill levels and/or provide incentives for people to spend time outdoors.

Action 2: Connect youth camps and human-powered activity organizations with the local children in nature collaborative.

Action 3: Invite new partners to become involved, and encourage organizations to take ownership.

SUMMARY NOTES: Need an inventory of resources Get buy in from community and business leaders Engage tourism and city chamber of commerce orgs Do video Provide suggested Itinerary planning (half day, full day, weekend) Advertising print and web Collaboration Take decision leaders on a trip—take them to your site Work collaboratively: ½ day at one organization’s site, ½ day at another organization’s site Find funding Public speaking Signs (brown tourism signs) on hwy to ID trails etc.

Calendar of seasonal events 6 months: 1. Inventory nature resources in community region 2. communicate to political and business leaders – invite them on a trip 3. engage chamber of commerce/visitors bureau 4. start marketing plan 18 months: 1. Have marketing plan in effect 2. Have resources and personnel in place FLIP CHART NOTES: • Inventory what’s there • Get buy-in from community leaders • Corporate / Business Leaders • Chambers of Commerce and Tourist Bureaus • Share success stories from other communities • Itineraries—half day, full day and weekend

• • • • • • • • •

Workshop Host: Beth Banks Facilitator: Rob Borowski Scribe: Karen Marks Liaison: Karen Marks Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Advertising – print and web Collaborate with nearby orgs in area Make info available to statewide clearinghouse Take leaders / decision makers on a trip – and get publicity / media there Plan coordinated events using several resources Find funding for edu programs at nature centers Public speaking Signs on major highways Calendar of seasonal events

Education Goal 1: Workshop Report Increase the understanding, appreciation and use of experiential learning outdoors within the formal education system.

First Steps: • • • • •

Create a PowerPoint to reflect our message Convene a group of stakeholders to identify barriers Survey to identify Texas colleges & universities that already incorporate outdoor experiential learning into the pre-service training Align TEKS with Natural Resources Literacy Form a collaborative and develop a unified message

Recommended First Step: Create a PowerPoint to present to administrators TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Provide professional development training for formal education administrators.

Comments: • Consistent message to administrators • Objective 4 is a sub-step of this objective • Cheryl Boyette & Tracy Hollis will create the PowerPoint

Action 1: Provide professional development to administrators about the benefits of outdoor learning; the importance of training educators to use outdoor learning; and how outdoor learning supports structured learning in the classroom.

Action 2: Work with partners such as Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to host, plan, implement and evaluate opportunities for school administrators.

First Step Create a PowerPoint that would reflect our message: Provide with research how it affects test scores • Research on how outdoor experiential learning affects test scores • What TEKS lessons look like outdoors • Health benefits & brain science of outdoor experiential learning • Success stories & case studies of outdoor experiential learning • Career related opportunities Find a champion administrator to present at Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).

FLIP CHART NOTES: • Create admin in-service • Validate CPE credits • Must have under Env.Ed. (Admins) • What does TEKS look like?

•

Action 3: Provide professional training for administrators about the value and enhancement of free, outdoor spontaneous play and its benefits for fitness, health, brain development and learning.

Children in Nature Networks Provide Research – qualitative anecdotal actual, or other quantitative • Articles in their journals • Present at their conference.

• Career related – green collar jobs – decrease drop out rates • Inspiration from participation workshops for admin – strand • Create PowerPoint to reflect a message (continuity)cover such things as : 1. providing support – research for student achievement qualitative (anecdotal) & quantitative 2. TEKS – what does it look like?

3. Health Benefits – Brain Science 4. Success Stories – case studies vignettes 5. career related opportunities – 3-5th yr Math/Science Green Jobs • Find a Champion Admin to take this message & present at TASA • Create PowerPoint from all • Continuity of message • Make sure to from the pt of admin • Unified message • Include o University Professors over pre-service education. o TEKS – what does it look like? o Health Benefits & Brain Science o Success Stories, Vignettes, Case studies Find a champion administrator to present at TASA

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Provide professional development training for teachers that encourages continuing education and a community of learners, and provides training opportunities over time.

Comments:

Action 1: Develop methods that

•

Accomplish objective 1 first

First Step: •

Convene a group of stakeholders to identify barriers

encourage experienced teachers to engage student learning outdoors.

Action 2: Provide professional development to in-service teachers showing the importance of outdoor learning in enhancing structured learning in the classroom and as an opportunity for interdisciplinary teaching.

Action 3: Identify and encourage professional development opportunities for teachers that are consistent with best practices in natural resource literacy education with, for example, a minimum of 36 contact hours.

Action 4: Identify and encourage existing professional development opportunities for outdoor skills education.

Action 5: Provide professional training for teachers about the value and enhancement of free, outdoor spontaneous play and its benefits for fitness, health, brain development and learning.

FLIP CHART NOTES:

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Provide professional development training opportunities to preservice teachers.

First Step:

Action 1: Incorporate environmental education within existing teacher preparation programs.

Action 2: Provide outdoor learning immersion experiences for teachers to help them

•

Convene a group of stakeholders in order to identify professional development barriers.

Survey to identify Texas colleges & universities that already incorporate outdoor experiential learning into the pre-service training Chris Moseley will do the survey FLIP CHART NOTES: none

become comfortable teaching in the outdoors.

Action 3: Identify 5 to 10 Texas colleges or universities that will embed natural resource literacy and outdoor skills education into existing pre-service teacher preparation program course offerings.

Action 4: Provide instruction in current technologies, such as GIS and probes.

Action 5: Provide professional training for pre-service teachers about the value and enhancement of free, outdoor spontaneous play and its benefits for fitness, health, brain development and learning.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 4: Provide students outdoor learning opportunities aligned with TEKS standards for natural resource literacy.

Comments:

Action 1: Convene an education summit to identify and review curriculum needs for developing literacy in natural resources.

Action 2: Identify and solicit existing curricula for assessment.

Action 3: Determine whether experiential curricula will meet TEKS requirements.

Action 4: Identify model outdoor field and service-learning experiences that can be integrated into the regular school curriculum.

Action 5: Distribute qualifying curricula to formal education

• • •

What do TEKS look like in an outdoor setting?

Which TEKS support it?

Chris Moseley is aligning TEKS with NAAEE literacy guidelines First Step: •

Take on the task of aligning TEKS with Natural Resources Literacy • Identify low performing TEKS and find outdoor experiential learning ways of addressing them FLIP CHART NOTES: •

(Target) I.D. low performing TEKS and partners who can address Natural Resources Literacy in an outdoors/natural context/experiential setting

Kiki’s note: Rey Ramirez has real life examples where a school district has targeted low performance TEKS and used outdoor experiential learning to raise those test scores. Since this approach already has a track record of success, it is the preferred first step.

outlets and into the hands of teachers trained in outdoor learning, and encourage its use.

Action 6: Share with students information about nature-based careers.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 5: Engage families in understanding and appreciating outdoor learning experiences

First Step:

Action 1: Provide information in multiple languages to families on the benefits of outdoor learning experiences.

Action 2: Provide information two times per year to families regarding resources and activities they can use easily at their homes to engage children in outdoor experiential learning.

Action 3: Assess the impact of information regarding outdoor experiential learning on parent knowledge and behaviors.

Workshop Host: Irene Pickhardt Facilitator: Janice Sturrock Scribe: Kiki Corry Liaison: Kiki Corry Coordinator: Nancy Herron

• •

Form a collaborative and develop a unified message Present a collaborative outreach through a unified message to schools & school boards allowing distribution of information about activities in their area for family participation. Also backed by organizations to participate through civic clubs.

FLIP CHART NOTES: Collaborative outreach through a unified message to schools & school boards allowing participants to distribute information about activities in their area for family participation. Also backed by organizations to participate through civic clubs.

Education Goal 2: Workshop Report Develop quality outdoor classrooms, wildlife habitats and integrated natural play/learning environments on every Texas schoolyard.

First Steps: • • •

Work with TEA to create a comprehensive source of guidelines for designing natural areas on schoolyards.

Create local or regional groups and opportunities for conversations, funding and promotion connected by a dynamic clearinghouse.

Collect information from people who are already doing it

Recommended First Step: Create local or regional groups and opportunities for conversations, funding and promotion connected by a dynamic clearinghouse.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Encourage design and planning of natural areas on school grounds.

Comments:

Action 1: Identify design guidelines for outdoor classrooms, wildlife habitats and integrated natural play/learning environments.

Action 2: Encourage local school districts to provide structure for recess that includes outdoor activities.

Action 3: Identify ways to encourage natural areas in new school construction and renovation through educational materials, development of a model school board policy, and incorporation into voluntary certification standards (for example, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)

• •

Need guidelines for how it is done TEA has started the work based on an old document

First step: Work with TEA to create a comprehensive source of guidelines for designing natural areas on schoolyards.

FLIP CHART NOTES: 1. Get school administration on board (including grounds committee) 2. Get community involvement (PTO) to maintain habitats 3. Outdoor learning specialist in school district as a model for training 4. Partner w/ school district foundations for financial support of habitats 5. Identify how habitats are outdoor labs that can be used to meet TEAKS 6. For new school construction – adopt standards that require outdoor habitats 7. Identify local business partners that can maintain

for Schools certification).

habitats 8. *TEA guidelines for classroom habitats from several existing program guidelines

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Partner with existing programs promoting school habitats and outdoor classrooms.

Comments:

Action 1: Assess existing schoolyard habitat programs and recommend a way that existing programs can work together to achieve the objective of increasing natural landscaping on schoolyards.

Action 2: Build and train a cadre of volunteers to help with implementation and maintenance of the outdoor classrooms.

Action 3: Encourage outdoor play as part of physical education classes.

Action 4: Provide daily recess and challenging natural/built play environments for all preschool and elementary schools.

•

Need a centralized place to find all the partners and resources First step: Create local or regional groups and opportunities for conversations, funding and promotion connected by a dynamic clearinghouse.

FLIP CHART NOTES: Resources Within Group Present: • •

Uplift Austin University of Houston Clearlake – school habitat DVD • Texas Wildscapes – DVD instructional for teachers • Project Learning Tree – funding • U.S. Fish & Wildlife – funding and technical support • Real School Gardens • NE Tx Community College: workshops and K-12 partnerships • Round Rock ISD – service learning Summary: There are many resources present and not present that need to be connected.

Notes on the needs: •

Need a central place to share partnerships & resources: Database will need to consider both development of the site and maintenance

•

Local level or regional cooperative meetings to get regional leaders/teachers to take responsibility Sustainable support so that training sticks Regional Service Center Specialists/host/Leadership TAEA has a database that can be used

• • •

•

Create a central clearinghouse to share information on the site and in person Possible Ways to Promote the Cause:

•

Work through non-profit, such as PTA or funding sources

• • •

Have TEA disseminate information Provide case studies Develop solid partnerships

Added Objective

Workshop Discussion

Identify best practice use of outdoor learning areas

Comments: Started by identifying what an outdoor learning space is – seating, natural area, food gardens (be careful about defining it so that we don’t exclude possibilities) Some books are already available as well First step: Collect information from people who are already doing it within these categories and create a document • Classroom management • Management plan for the classroom (calendar) • Training leaders • Content & topics that are appropriate • How it is used • Materials (Start with the list that this group started) FLIP CHART NOTES: •

•

BP of Outdoor Classrooms o Boy scouts need to have management plan that include kids o Sating for presentations o Natural areas or planted natives o Place to propagate Special species Vegetables o Informal natural items Classroom Management B.P.s o Calendar usage

Instruct in advance of going outside on behavior o Combine instructed learning with exploration Trained leaders o High School Env. Clubs as leaders o Train at least 3 on campus for care o Make use of CAMN – others o Gardening Merit badge o Eagle Scouts Content & topics to address o Integration ALL content areas o Do not limit o Use to intro topic, teach skills, let explore options after minimal instruct. o Rhythm of seasons o Compare their site to other natural areas Available for unstructured – students given ownership o Small groups o ACCESS but build respect Materials used o ID Existing resources o

•

•

•

•

Some sources for using outdoor space: Schoolyard Enhanced Learning by Herb Broda How to Build a School Garden by Bucklin-Sporer & Prongle TPWD Wildscapes; Guide to School Habitats realschoolgardens.org U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Workshop Host: Tracy Hollis Facilitator: Janice Sturrock Scribe: Kiki Corry Liaison: Kiki Corry Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Education Goal 3: Workshop Report Develop integrated and collaborative partnerships between the formal education and informal systems and resources to benefit Texas youth.

First Steps: • • • •

Find someone to identify and/or create one single database of informal providers and groups, and the kinds of services they provide for formal and informal education/educators Promote the use of TAEE’s searchable database portal where organizations that offer informal education professional development opportunities.

Equip leadership of educational entities (anything from homeschool leaders to day care providers) with customized professional development for their own staff (train their trainers) Define best practices for play training, identify value of play, existing resources to potential partners after school daycare youth groups, parent organizations

Recommended First Step: Find someone to identify and/or create one single database of informal providers and services TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

SUMMARY NOTES: Objective 1: Assess informal education providers for ISEA – Informal Science Education Association relevant programming to meet TAEE – Texas Association of Environmental the needs of formal education.

Action 1: Identify and establish communication with at least 50 existing informal education providers.

Action 2: Engage existing informal education providers of nature-based programming to create a plan of action.

Objective 2: Identify at least five strategies to link formal and informal educators in

Educators TEEAC – Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee Comments: • •

ISEA is attempting to reassemble the research that the Dana Center used to have Possibility of Nature Rocks or TAEE

First Step: Find someone to identify and/or create one single database of informal providers & groups and the kinds of services they provide who could meet the needs of formal

order to increase communication and clarity of alignment with the TEKS. Action 1: Create Web-based resources as a common point of communication.

Action 2: Create video programming to educate students and teachers about nature and natural resources.

Action 3: Identify successful formal-informal partnerships.

and informal education including professional development. (At least figure out how to do and maintain it) FLIP CHART NOTES: 1. Identify ISEA & TEEAC members 2. Resources o ISEA booklets o NAAEE guidelines for best practices o Texas A&M Dorothy Chavez o TAEE publication o TOEA o Registration this conference o Community colleges o Scouts, 4H, Campfire, YMCA, religious orgs, arts, master naturalists orgs 3. Identify all informal educators o Identify (self) programs hat align with TEKS o Media – keep in mind 4. regional connections among informal providers Create database of educational resources (funded?)

Identify an individual Include Regional Service Centers both as resources & recipients of database.

Allow for database maintenance& updating

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Identify partners to provide professional development opportunities for informal educators.

Comments:

Action 1: Endorse and promote existing training that meets the needs of informal educators.

Action 2: Implement outdoor, nature-based education via welltrained volunteers and parents.

•

How to find the opportunities? TAEE has a database First Step: Promote the use of TAEE’s searchable database portal where organizations that offer informal education professional development opportunities. (at a cost of $50/year) FLIP CHART NOTES: • • •

Clearinghouse or portal for all informal education networks Provide Informal Educators w/ TEKS as their starting place ISEA

• • • •

•

Texas Informal Science Education Assn Regional workshops/networking gathering Identify content areas Promote the use of TAEE’s searchable web-based portal where organizations post their educational informal opportunities by region o Searchable o $50/year Promote the use of TEAA’s searchable web-based database portal where organizations that off informal education opportunities (at a cost of $50.00/year)

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 4: Encourage nonpublic education such as private schools, home schools and after-school programs to address natural resource literacy.

Comments: Wide variety of entities

Action 1: Identify and share resources and best practices tools through related networks and organizations.

Action 2: Share opportunities for experiential learning and educator training.

First Steps: Equip leadership of educational entities (anything from homeschool leaders to day care providers) with customized professional development for their own staff (train their trainers) FLIP CHART NOTES: • •

•

Social networking Networks of providers – o Afterschool o Private school o Daycare Workshops(prof. dev) for teachers of o Afterschool o Private school o Daycare

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 5: Develop partnerships between schools, park departments and parents to provide training for playleaders or playworkers to staff park and/or school play and learning environments after

First Steps: Define best practices for play training, identify value of play, existing resources to potential partners after school daycare youth groups, parent orgs.

FLIP CHART NOTES:

school and during holidays.

Define BP for play training ID value of play, existing resources to potential partners after school, daycare, youth groups, parent orgs

Workshop Host: Dr. Chris Boleman Facilitator: Janice Sturrock Scribe: Kiki Corry Liaison: Kiki Corry Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Education Goal 4: Workshop Report Assess the effectiveness of natural resource literacy education in Texas.

First Steps: • • •

Provide evaluation training for formal and informal educators so they can do a needs assessment Set up a framework for a responsible party such as TAEE to appoint a task force to create and maintain a NR literacy plan Review the NAAEE guidelines as a starting point.

Recommended First Step: Provide evaluation training for formal and informal educators TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Assess the quality of experience and knowledge of Texas students on natural resource topics.

Comments: • Find out how informal’s evaluations can be integrated into formal’s evals.

• Needs assessment • (May be first step in developing a natural resource literacy plan) • Tools are available online PEECworks.org First step: Provide evaluation training for formal and informal educators so they can do a needs assessment, while setting up a framework for a responsible party such as TAEE to appoint a task force to create and maintain a NR literacy plan, review the NAAEE guidelines as a starting point. Task force will represent a diversity of interests.

Flip Chart Notes: Action Items • Pre-post tests – partnerships w/university • Students evaluation = questions to students (Explain… short term – then…long term as journals) • Provide evaluation training = what do evaluation models look like?

• Integrate other evaluations

Action 1: Assess changes in use of outdoor space for learning in formal and informal sites.

Action 2: Identify related State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAR) objectives and methods to measure and report progress of public school students toward becoming literate in natural resources.

•

Why are we doing evaluation = for whom?

Evidence of healthy, happy, smarter children

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Assess the effectiveness of the overall literacy strategy. (added: Development of a Natural Resource Literacy Plan)

Comments: • Review other state plans • Integration of TEKS into pre-k-12 guidelines • Task force include groups, industry • National certification for EE will be offered through TAEE • Look at health guidelines too

Action 1: Develop a process for revising or updating the natural resource literacy plan every five years or as needed.

Action 2: Convene a task force to examine the effectiveness of partnerships between the formal and informal education systems.

Workshop Host: Dr. Christine Moseley Facilitator: Janice Sturrock Scribe: Kiki Corry Liaison: Kiki Corry Coordinator: Nancy Herron

First step: Set up a framework for a responsible party such as TAEE to appoint a task force to create and maintain a Natural Resource literacy plan, review the NAAEE guidelines as a starting point. Task force will represent a diversity of interests

FLIP CHART NOTES: • Create taskforce to develop statewide natural resource literacy plan • Understand criteria for NCLI • Set up framework for responsible party to create & maintain plan (review guidelines as starting point) • Review other states’ in place plans

Health Goal 1: Workshop Report Utilize health-care and related professionals to educate families about the benefits of nature to children’s physical health, emotional well-being and cognitive functioning; the importance of nature and outdoor activities for healthy child development; and safety precautions.

First Steps: • •

Identify target audiences Prioritize target groups

• •

Create messages specific to the audience Leverage media

Recommended First Step: Identify target audiences TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Engage professional organizations to increase awareness and disseminate information about nature and health through professional development opportunities.

1. Define the “ask” – what do we want them to do?

2. Create opportunities to get word out to physicians a. Journals b. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits (educational hours that physicians are required to fulfill each year) are incentives to physicians. ex: grand rounds c. Local level: breakfasts/luncheons d. State level: Texas Pediatrics Assoc (TPS) meeting and others (look for proposals … timing is now) 3. Create targeted and prioritized list of target audiences, with what message and how to best reach them. a. Who, why, when and with what message to target? All levels (nurse practitioners, doctors, etc) b. Focus might be different per each group 4. Consider the existing data and relevant recommendations a. How find out which areas are most at risk medically i. Data exists – localized info in some cases/regional in others.

5. Research or develop staged “asks” based on data and audience a. Might there be smaller steps… how do we know what is relevant to each group?

Action 1: Hold presentations at professional conferences and seminars.

Action 2: Develop journal articles and other resources.

Action 3: Target organizations such as the Texas Pediatric Society; Texas Medical Association; local medical societies, Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians; Texas Psychological Association; Texas Counseling Association; Texas School Nurses Organization; Texas Parent Teachers Association; Texas Association for the Education of Young Children; and the Texas Association for Health, Physical

Education, Recreation and Dance

b. Do we need a focus group? How do we get the attention of busy people? c. What are the needs of each group and how do we know? d. Public health groups vs. physician groups are different and require two different strategies 6. Create baseline education materials for the targeted groups. Don’t assume they know what children-in-nature is about nor why they should care a. Foundational understanding such as “Anticipatory guidance” for well child checks b. CD of R. Lieu’s work c. Posters 7. Determine how to position natural resource sites/groups as a ready/easy resource for physicians and health care professionals a. Create opportunities for health care professionals to promote children’s environmental health such as Public Service Announcements (PSAs) b. Identify the people and media outlets for the PSAs i. Dr. Sanchez ii. Others 8. Leverage and expand idea of the “medical home”

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Work with existing statewide networks, universities and state governmental agencies to incorporate information about health and nature into existing curricula and resources for children, students, families and teachers.

1. Need to identify groups, specific messages and best timing to reach groups 2. Identify best practices across agencies; consider data, target recommendations 3. Develop message and promote early on in child’s development a.

Health and child services commission b.

Mental health 4. Identify the existing networks to leverage including their existing marketing or public relations strategies. Can these be prioritized?

Insurance Transportation agencies with health initiative Local school health advisory (SHAC)

Action 1: Work with state agencies such as the Texas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and Texas

AgriLife Extension Service to incorporate nature and wellness messages in their materials.

Action 2: Work with community organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, Head Start and Education Service Centers to incorporate nature and wellness messages in their materials.

Action 3: Work with day cares, schools and universities to encourage and educate students, parents and communities to enjoy the outdoors and nature.

TPCN Plan Objective 3: Work with academic institutions to incorporate training on nature and health into undergraduate and graduate coursework in education, child development, social work, counseling, kinesiology, health education, public health, medicine, nursing and other related fields.

Workshop Host: Dr. Kim Avila Edwards Facilitator: Rob Borowski Scribe: Martha Gimbut Liaison: Nancy Herron Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Texas Parent Teacher Assoc (PTA) Partnership for a Healthy Texas (advocate for obesity prevention) LiveSmart Texas (2007 Obesity Summit) Texans Care for Kids Primary Care Physicians – involved from birth to 18 and beyond SW Center for Pediatric Health (Tyler, TX) Head Start Growing Up Wild curriculum–holistic approach which is resonating CDC/EPA – Children’s’ Optimal Health for example Corporate sector (broad…)

Workshop Discussion More clearly define “who” Start with one as the pilot whether nursing program or medical institution to represent various fields of studies Engage students through scholarships, fellowships – to get work out in interdisciplinary focus Pursue state agency fellowships – TCEQ? Target groups and disciplines Early childhood development activities Nutrition 0 – 5 populations Relevant activities Mental Health

Health Goal 2: Workshop Report Encourage Texas-specific research to describe the causal relationship between nature and children’s health and development, including the therapeutic benefits of nature.

First Steps: • •

Identify gaps Identify funding streams from public and private sources that have an interest in being involved in nature or healthy lifestyles

Recommended First Step: Identify research gaps TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Work with the national children in nature initiative and academic community to identify research needs.

1. What are the benchmarks? What are the identified gaps – overall and Texas specific? a. Nationally: Overall and state by state i. Agenda and list of what is being done b. Nature specific vs. just being outdoors 2. Involve groups at large – not limited to medical and health care alone 3. Relate data/research findings to specific geographic locales – GIS related – to the extent possible a. Must deal with sporadic data i.e. Health data by county vs. zip code in many cases b. At risk groups c. Specific health issues i. Allows for legislative outreach, discrete building initiatives 4. How has this generation changed physiologically? Do we know?

5. Tap into National Children’s’ Study – include appropriate questions related to our needs in follow up study? a. Mother’s prenatal survey b. Lifestyle questions c. Etc. 6. EPA/CDC – tie into their work a. Air quality inside vs. outside b. Natural light

c. Other 7. Relevant food studies – sugar etc a. 2011 TX legislative session: sugary drinks and/or snacks potential bills i. Investigate monies for funding research 8. What are the inhibitors that we don’t fully understand as to why kids are not in nature even with access? What is the new norm and why? a. Identify available research b. What is the societal culture and how to change it? c. How will the research be received or accepted by the target audience? i. What /why? ii. How to counter the excuses 9. Identify which parks are NOT used and why or on the other view – what do we have and is being used? a. What is being used in parks and play areas – natural or man-made i. What are the benefits – research assoc with same 10. Target research such as parent or family model a. Activities b. Lifestyle c. Diet d. Other e. Target research on the negative outcomes of the family model in many facets (gaming, etc) 11. How to counter the rare ‘got lost in the park’ story with good news ground swell/media placements

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Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Promote research through academic and professional organizations.

1. Identify who benefits from this research – aka corporations and foundations who have the monies a. Check TX foundations using the Hogg foundation DB that have an interest – target them/talk to them b. What studies are underway? Livability studies etc.

2. Identify upcoming NSF/NIH, Arts, DOD, HUD etc

grants as to relevancy a. Sustainability planning grants b. Health c. Education d. Tech i. Work with higher ed/state/local orgs who are going after the grants – name by name ii. Create/ Identify list of groups pursuing such grants and solicit them e. Health and child services commission f. Mental health 3. Identify the existing networks to leverage including their existing marketing or public relations strategies. Can these be prioritized?

Insurance Transportation agencies with health initiative Local school health advisory (SHAC) Texas Parent Teacher Assoc (PTA) Partnership for a Healthy Texas (advocate for obesity prevention) LiveSmart Texas (2007 Obesity Summit) Texans Care for Kids Primary Care Physicians – involved from birth to 18 and beyond SW Center for Pediatric Health (Tyler, TX) Head Start Growing Up Wild curriculum–holistic approach which is resonating CDC/EPA – Children’s’ Optimal Health for example Corporate sector (broad…)

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Support increased funding for research.

1. Seek long-term or related funding – where are possible money sources 2. Funding by “mitigation” similar to that used to restore natural areas 3. Craft longitudinal study a) Control group – US at large; experimental group – those with access and associated impacts 4. Investigate a food product study or impact tie-in

a) Soda or snack tax relevancy b) Fund raisers aka PTAs or the like 5. Investigate funding from some aspect of a capital improvement tax or budget allocation 6. Create a specific groundswell to ask for monies for identified items at state and / or local levels (outside of legislative process) Workshop Host: Anita Wheeler Facilitator: Nancy Herron Scribe: Martha Gimbut Liaison: Nancy Herron Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Health Goal 3: Workshop Report As appropriate, encourage integration of nature opportunities into existing health and child-care guidelines as a strategy for improving children’s health.

First Steps: • • •

Prepare a unified message Identify groups and plans Start communication at State Level with Child Care Licensing then bring in community reps

Recommended First Step: TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 1: Work with TEA to identify strategies and opportunities to incorporate nature and health messages into coordinated school health programs.

1. Look to Coordinated School Health for opportunities to integrate 2. Integrate science and health 3. Will tie into Title I and other “buzz words” 4. Keep budget in mind, but include all ideas 5. Market as a portal for parental involvement 6. Bring Jamie Oliver!

7. School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) – persuade and engage this group (very powerful group) – over 50% of SHAC have to be parents of students in the district but not employees of the district (district level group) 8. Every Campus must do a campus improvement plan that includes Coordinated School health 9. Student feedback: Students are receptive to healthy foods but have no choice in what healthy foods are served at their school. With more input in what is served they might be more likely to eat the healthy options.

10. Creation of a student SHAC at each school.

11. Student Awareness of health issues and ramifications of what they are eating and level of physical activity.

12. Integrated pest management 13. Give students a voice and give them ideas on the place to have the voice (best place to speak from and get support from); where to take the message; processes of communications.

Actions: • Prepare unified message • Reach out to School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) and School groups directly • Move parent/community events outside • Create parent tips and “homework” to bring nature home and provide support • Encourage student voice/student-led awareness activities Question: How are we reaching out to also for Pre-K and very young ages prior to our in the first days of entering the school system (early intervention strategies)?

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 2: Incorporate the goals and objectives of the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature into state plans and advisory group recommendations such as the Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Obesity in Texas, Active Texas 2020 Plan, the Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Interagency Council and the Interagency Obesity Council.

Actions: 1. Identify groups and plans a. Examples: State Obesity Plan, SHAC, Texas MHMR, State Parks Advisory Board, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Dept of Ag Child Nutrition), Advisory Groups for Foster Care/Child Welfare Boards, Active 20/20, Faith Based Organizations, Head Start, HUD, Charitable Organizations, look to cultural and faith-based groups 2. Identify community leaders

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 3: Work with the Department of Family and Protective Services to incorporate “nature guidelines” into standards and regulations for daycare and residential childcare facilities.

1. Use the word “childcare” instead of “daycare” 2. Guidelines just revised 2010 (ever 7 years).

3. Identify who the licensing people are. Questions around requirements.

4. Determine avenues to inject information into Child Care Licensing 5. Child Care Licensing Conference in the fall 6. Make it much easier to make and see public comments on Child Care Licensing site 7. Start with student interest to communication with and interest them Actions: 1. Start communication at State Level with Child

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Care Licensing then bring in community reps Present at a CCL Conference Add info on online library and CHILD CARE quarterly - TIP sheet Create Green Ribbon Schools recognition/support for Childcare centers Provide kid-friendly resources (coloring book, etc) Improve process for communication and public comment

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

Objective 4: Add the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a member agency on the Interagency Obesity Council.

No discussion.

Overall Comments Aggressive media plan for messages and victories would be helpful Should develop a unified message and package to take to decision makers Need a communications hub between participating organizations Workshop Host: Kim Wilson Facilitator: Steve Amos Scribe: Will Lindow Liaison: Nancy Herron Coordinator: Nancy Herron

Policy Recommendation 6: Workshop Report Recognize and encourage model programs and initiatives. Counties, municipalities and school districts are in a position to develop model programs and initiatives. A state recognition program would bring outstanding examples to the attention of others in the state.

Community groups, non-profits, government departments and school districts have demonstrated some remarkable and replicable programs and initiatives. How can we recognize and network with model programs and initiatives?

First Steps: • • •

Start simple. Go to the steering committees and existing sites.

Set up application process, peer evaluated, tiered.

Set up nomination/applications system

Recommended First Step: TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

How can we identify model programs?

6months: Start simple. Go to the steering committees and existing sites.

18months: Sell the idea. What are the standards of a model program, agree, find and go sell.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

How can we publicize these model programs within our network?

6months: Set up application process, peer evaluated, tiered.

TPCN Plan

Workshop Discussion

18months: Recognition/Award on site. Media announcements. Legislature.

How can we recognize model programs and initiatives (i.e.

Design)?

6months: Set up nomination/applications system.

18months: Within the network celebrate and reward/award 24 months: Push chosen model programs out to media

COMMENTS: Real Food Nation Incentives to current land owners for use of the land, instead of purchase Incentives or requirements for corporations that move into communities to build natural environments within their store builds Workshop Host: Allen Cooper Facilitator: Koy Coffer Scribe: Will Lindow Liaison: Lacie Russell Coordinator: Nancy Herron