Texas Nature Challenge 2012 kicks off this weekend

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — With the school year wrapping up and the dog days of summer fast approaching, what better time than now to get your family outside and reconnected with nature?

Don’t let your kids park themselves on the sofa. Turn off the TV and power down the laptop. It’s time for Texas Nature Challenge 2012.

Like a family nature hike with a little Amazing Race thrown in, the contest encourages families to spend their time together outside, active and learning about their local nature spots – completing challenges along the way.

“With the emphasis today on keeping kids and families on the go and outside, what better way to spend time together is there than to visit out local nature areas and learn about our natural resources in Texas,” said Texas Forest Service Conservation Education Coordinator Leslie Kessner.

“With the wide array of partners in the Texas Nature Challenge program, families can find places and challenges that fit their interests. Some may finish all the challenges in their region, but no matter how many they complete, we want them all to have a positive learning experience outside in our Texas ecosystems.”

Coordinated by Texas Forest Service and Texas AgriLife Extension, the contest calls for families to visit designated nature sites across the region in which they live, completing challenges at each site. Participating families are eligible to win prizes.

Competitions are held regionally in six different parts of the state. Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio will kick off over the Memorial Day weekend and run through the summer. Contests based in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend will kick off later this summer.

For more information about Texas Nature Challenge 2012 or details about specific, regional competitions, visit http://naturechallenge.tamu.edu.