The Schertz Parks & Recreation Dept. entered Guadalupe Master Naturalists’ Nature Discovery Series into a state-wide competition for the Best Educational Program in Texas – and won. The Schertz City Council recognized the honor from the Texas Festival & Event Association (TFEA) at their Feb. 24, 2021 meeting.
The Nature Discovery Series, a partnership between Schertz Parks & Recreation and Guadalupe Master Naturalists, was created to help grow the next generation of conservationists. With a theme of discovery, the Master Naturalists’ monthly nature programs help kids and parents learn basic observation skills for enjoying the outdoors. The free program is aimed at families of elementary age children, but is open to all ages and abilities. Volunteer naturalists lead participants through a themed program, from ‘Discover What’s Flying’ to ‘Discover the Forest’. Saturday morning sessions are at Crescent Bend Nature Park, a 180-acre park nestled along the banks of Cibolo Creek. On average, 30-40 participants join the volunteers. A typical session will include an overview of the day’s program, an activity, and a walk to ‘discover’.
The programs in Schertz began in 2017 with two sessions on the calendar. The calendar grew to four sessions in 2018; eight sessions in 2019. The program has received positive feedback each year. In 2020 naturalists planned ten sessions and, due to COVID-19, held four. In 2021, all programs are revised to be small-group, no-touch, guided walks.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is a natural resource-based volunteer training sponsored by Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. TFEA is a trade association for Texas-based festival and event planners. The group represents hundreds of festivals that celebrate the history, legends, culture, art, folklore and natural resources of Texas.
For information, call the Schertz Parks Dept. at 210-619-1850.
For immediate release: Feb. 28, 2021. For information contact: Marilyn Anderson; 830-379-5755 [h] 830-660-8906 [c]. Learn more about the Guadalupe Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists here.