Our History
In the early 2000’s research was emerging that showed that children were spending less time in the outdoors and more time with media; while at the same time childhood obesity rates were increasing at an alarming rate. Within just a matter of one generation, our society was radically changing to an increasingly indoor focused world for our children. Author Richard Louv published his watershed book, Last Child in The Woods; Saving Children from Nature Deficit Disorder in 2005 that gave a voice to the issue and launched a grassroots movement to address it.
Our History
In fall 2009, a bipartisan group of Texas legislators requested that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, along with the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Agriculture form a public-private partnership to develop a strategic plan. Over 80 professionals including representatives from state and federal agencies, NGOs, health, education, natural resources, community organizations, and businesses answered the call and formed the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature.
Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, chaired the effort. In January 2010, a 17-member Texas Steering Committee representing four state agencies, NGOs, health, education, and business convened to establish a work plan and stakeholder teams. The focus areas were Education, Health, Access and Community, and later, Marketing and Policy/Legislative.
The strategic plan was released in 2010 at the Children in Nature Summit held in Austin, TX. At that time the Action Committees decided to focus on forming regional collaboratives that would work locally with their communities to further the goals laid out in the strategic plan. Regional collaboratives were formed in Austin, Caprock, Coastal Bend, Houston, North Texas, Pineywoods, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.
Today
We are a grassroots network of over 900 partner organizations and individuals who are working together to connect children and families with nature in Texas. Each partner brings their unique perspective and solutions to the network. The website www.naturerockstexas.org was created by TCiNN to connect families with partner’s programs, events and nature spaces, and to support the regional collaboratives.
Get Involved
You can get involved with a regional collaborative or at the state level by contacting the state coordinator at scoles@texaschildreninnature.org.
Our Team
Executive Director - Sarah Coles
Education Director - Alice Jansen
Early Childhood Education Outdoor Learning - Beth Edwards
Health and Nature Liaison - Marisa Oliva
Health and Nature Liaison - Jenny Larios
Health and Nature Liaison - Alicia Fontenot
Development - Natasha Sembay
Texas Children in Nature Network Board
The TCiNN Non-profit board is made up of volunteers passionate about children spending time in nature. They meet monthly to guide the organization. If you are interested in joining our board please contact Sarah Coles scoles@texaschildreninnature.org.
Board Chair - Dr. Demekia Biscoe
Past Chair - Dr. April Torres Conkey
Vice Chair - Marsha Towns
Secretary - Jimena Vivanco
Treasurer - Keiji Asakura
At-Large - Alfred Molina
At-Large - Britney Huynh
At-Large - Dr. Courtney Crim
At-Large - David Buggs
At-Large - Dr. Jay Maddock
At-Large - Dr. Kelly Albus
At-Large - Melissa Mullins
At-Large - Dr. Rene Bartos
Ex-Officio - Richard Heilbrun
Letter from Board Chair Dr. Demekia Biscoe
Dear Members and Partners of the Texas Children in Nature Network,
As the Board Chair of the Texas Children in Nature Network (TCiNN), I am honored to welcome you to our vibrant community dedicated to connecting children and families with nature across Texas. With over 900 partner organizations and individuals, TCiNN is a grassroots network committed to fostering healthier, happier, and smarter communities through nature engagement.
Growing up in rural East Texas, I had the privilege of immersing myself in nature—playing with crayfish in creeks, building forts, crafting mud pies, and savoring wild dewberries and plums every summer. These experiences were foundational, shaping my learning and problem-solving skills. As a former public school educator and informal educator for environmental conservationism, I recognize that not all children have such opportunities today.
Our mission-to ensure equitable access to nature for all Texas children and their families, is close to my heart. I have seen firsthand nature enhances physical activity, focus in school, creativity, cooperation, and stress resilience. Moreover, these experiences cultivate future conservationists and deeper appreciation of natural resources.
We invite you to join us in this vital work:
- Become a Partner: Sign up to collaborate with us in creating nature-rich experiences for children.
- Explore Our Resources: Access and share our webinars and materials designed to support nature engagement.
- Participate in Regional Collaboratives: Attend local meetings to connect with community leaders and advance our mission.
- Join Our Annual Summit: Engage with over 300 community leaders from health, education, conservation, and other sectors to shape a brighter future for Texas children.
- Volunteer: Contribute your time and expertise by serving on a committee, collaborative, or our Board of Directors.
- Support Our Mission: Make a tax-deductible donation to help us provide nature opportunities for all children.
Together, we can make Texas a better place for kids to play, learn, and grow in our shared natural spaces.
Thank you for your commitment to this cause. I look forward to the impactful work we will accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Demekia Biscoe
Board Chair- Texas Children in Nature Network
Partners
Texas Children in Nature Network is a collaborative of over 900 partner organizations that are dedicated to connecting children and families with nature to be healthier, happier and smarter.
