Week 4: Nature as a Universal Classroom
This week at the Cibolo Center for Conservation was all about learning, engaging with the environment, and fostering community through nature. From lesson planning to field trips, what stood out most was how nature truly is a universal language—accessible, meaningful, and welcoming to all.
On Monday, I worked from home, continuing development on my lesson plan. I was preparing to present a brand-new camp activity, something original that didn’t yet exist at Cibolo, unlike the “Skull Hike” or “Magnifying Nature.” I wanted to design something just as creative and educational but with a unique focus.
Tuesday was a big day. In the morning, I helped lead a field trip for a school from San Antonio’s Northside, guiding students through engaging stations like skull identification, birding, and animal habitats. Afterward, I presented my new activity to my on-site advisor, Noah Lawrence.
My activity is called “Wild Artist: Nature’s Paint & Press.” As I brainstormed ideas over the weekend and on Monday, I realized we had a wealth of art supplies, and I remembered how much I loved leaf pressing as a kid with my mom. That memory inspired me to create an art-based activity that still ties into nature education. While “Skull Hike” teaches about adaptations and “Magnifying Nature” dives into biology and cells, my goal was to invite kids to explore natural materials—leaves, flowers, sticks—as tools for creative expression.
To build the lesson, I started with the objective: What should kids walk away understanding? I then worked backward, connecting the lesson to TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and outlining a clear, step-by-step process that any instructor could follow. The activity even incorporates learning about petroglyphs and Native American cave art, showing how people have used nature in storytelling for thousands of years.
Noah really liked the proposal! He highlighted the value of building depth into activities, especially for older or faster learners. With just a few small edits to clarify the instructions, he said it could be used this summer for both camp and field trips. He even suggested a future variation: using art to tell a story through the lens of Cibolo—a reflection on their camp journey. That feedback felt like a major milestone in my project, and it deepened my understanding of how to design effective, flexible, and meaningful lessons.
Wednesday brought back one of our homeschool groups. This time, we focused on invasive species control—specifically removing vinca, a fast-growing vine overtaking the creek’s edge. At first, the kids weren’t sure why pulling weeds mattered. But once they learned how their work helped preserve the ecosystem, they were eager to pitch in. Some even said they wanted to come back and help again. It was a great example of how community science not only educates but empowers young people to make a difference.
On Thursday, I helped out again with birding during a field trip. We were lucky to spot several species, including cardinals—a real highlight for one student group whose school mascot is the cardinal! Even more special, we opened a nest box and discovered Eastern bluebird eggs inside. Each student took a respectful peek, their faces lighting up with awe. This group was especially meaningful. Many of the students were refugees from Afghanistan, whose families had come to the U.S. after assisting American forces. Some students didn’t speak English fluently, so their peers helped translate. Despite language barriers, every student connected with the birding activity. That moment showed me something powerful: nature doesn’t need translation. Wonder, curiosity, and respect for the natural world are feelings everyone can share.
Finally, on Friday, I worked remotely again—refining my blog post and activity proposal. It was a quiet day of reflection, thinking about how far my project has come and all the ways I’ve grown too!
This week was full of presenting, teaching, and learning. But more than anything, it reaffirmed a truth that continues to shine through every part of my time at Cibolo: nature is for everyone. It welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and languages. Whether you’re spotting birds, pulling vines, or creating art from natural materials, nature is a place where we can all learn and grow together.
Thanks for reading everyone, and I’ll see you next week!