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Registration for our free Family Nature Walk program on Eventbrite

Coloring Sheets & Activities Photos from The I-20 Wildlife Preserve Resources

Photo Credit: Kirkland, K. (2025) [Photo shows an Agarita tree at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve.] 

Registro para nuestro programa gratuito "Paseo Familiar por la Naturaleza con la Biblioteca" en Eventbrite

Páginas para Colorear y Actividades

Fotos del I-20 Wildlife Preserve

Recursos

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Imagining a True Community Partnership: Taking the Lead on the "Family Nature Walk with The Library" Program

As a collaboration between the Midland County Public Library and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, our "Family Nature Walk with the Library" program presents an exciting opportunity for us to be more than just information providers or facilitators. We envision ourselves as active community partners who can contribute meaningfully to this project, taking on leadership roles that go beyond traditional boundaries. Through this partnership, we can provide an engaging, educational, and inclusive experience for families in Midland, Texas, while promoting the values of nature conservation, healthy living, and creative expression.

At Midland County Public Library, our mission is to “efficiently provide citizens excellent and innovative services with integrity, respect, compassion, diligence, accountability, and trust” (Midland County Public Library, n.d.). This mission drives our work, and as an organization, we are committed to fostering a sense of community through programs that align with our vision: “a center of learning and literacy, empowering the community to explore, connect, and create” (Midland County Public Library, n.d.). The "Family Nature Walk with the Library" is the perfect reflection of these core values, as it not only educates but also encourages families to connect with nature, engage in creative activities, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Additionally, the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, with its 100-acre riparian forest campus, serves as a remarkable natural resource for the community. As the Preserve states, it is a “wild space – not a park – managed by a nonprofit organization” and plays a key role in the region’s ecology and science education (I-20 Wildlife Preserve, n.d.). With a focus on conservation and environmental education, the Preserve provides a unique setting for families to explore the natural world, making it the ideal partner for our program.

Leading the Creative Development of the Nature Walk Experience

One of the key ways in which we, as an organization, can contribute to the success of this program is by taking the lead in curating the narrative and creative experience of the nature walk. The book “If You Find a Leaf” by Aimee Sicuro offers an ideal starting point, allowing young children to explore the beauty and diversity of nature. We will collaborate closely with the library’s early childhood team and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve to design an interactive experience along the trail that complements the themes of the book.

Our team will be responsible for creating engaging signs along the nature trail, each featuring a page from the book and offering thought-provoking prompts for the children. These signs won’t just present information but will encourage the children to explore their surroundings and ask questions, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. Additionally, to ensure accessibility for the diverse community in Midland, we will ensure that promotional materials and activity sheets are available in both English and Spanish. This bilingual approach will allow all families to feel included, enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved.

Encouraging Family Engagement and Healthy Lifestyles

Our program is designed not only to educate but also to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage family engagement. To achieve this, we will take an active role in facilitating the entire experience for families. Before the walk, we will host a brief introduction session for parents and caregivers, offering tips on how to maximize the experience and engage children in the nature walk. We will provide suggestions on how to encourage children to use their senses to observe the natural world and how to ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking.

We also recognize that not all families will be able to attend the event in person, so we will make sure to provide a digital extension of the program. By creating an online portal with downloadable resources, nature-based activities, and curated book lists on our digital platforms, families can still participate and explore nature from home. This ensures that the program reaches a wider audience, giving every family the chance to engage with nature and the library's resources, regardless of location.

Fostering Creativity and Emotional Wellbeing

In addition to promoting physical exercise, our program emphasizes the importance of creativity, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive development. After completing the nature walk, families will participate in a creative art activity using the leaves that are handed out to them. Our team will facilitate this open-ended art project, encouraging children to express themselves freely through their artwork without the pressure of a specific goal or outcome.

This aspect of the program allows children to engage their imagination, build problem-solving skills, and develop self-confidence. By providing a variety of art supplies, from crayons and construction paper to watercolors, we will encourage children to explore different forms of artistic expression. This process not only enhances creativity, but also fosters emotional development as children have the opportunity to process their experiences and express their feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

Engaging the Broader Community and Strengthening Partnerships

In addition to our direct involvement in the event itself, we will actively work to engage the broader community and build lasting partnerships. By reaching out to local businesses, schools, and other community organizations, we can expand the program's reach and generate more excitement around it. Our team will also collaborate with local media outlets, influencers, and community leaders to spread the word and ensure that the event is well-attended and supported.

We will promote the program through a variety of channels, including social media campaigns, posters at the library and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, and word-of-mouth announcements at storytime events. By strengthening our relationships with community partners and amplifying the program’s message, we can ensure that this event has a lasting impact and becomes a model for future collaborations.

At the Midland County Public Library, we believe that our role in the "Family Nature Walk with the Library" program goes beyond simply providing resources or facilitating an event. We are proud to be an equal community partner, taking on leadership roles that allow us to make a meaningful impact on the families of Midland, Texas. Through creative development, family engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering emotional and cognitive growth, we aim to create an experience that not only educates, but also strengthens our community.

This program is in perfect alignment with our vision of being “a center of learning and literacy, empowering the community to explore, connect, and create” (Midland County Public Library, n.d.). By partnering with the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, a “treasured ecotourism destination of regional significance” (I-20 Wildlife Preserve, n.d.), we can inspire young children to appreciate nature, embrace creativity, and learn about the importance of conservation. Through collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our community, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience that will benefit children and families for years to come.

References

I-20 Wildlife Preserve. (n.d.) I-20 Wildlife Preserve. https://www.i20wp.org Midland County Public Library. (n.d.) About the library.

https://www.co.midland.tx.us/151/About-the-Library

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Kirkland, K. (2025) [Photo shows a Northern Cardinal at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve.] 

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Community Profile- Demographics and Statistics 

The “Family Nature Walk with the Library” program seeks to serve the community based on age, racial, economic, and conservation statistics in Midland, Texas. Our aim for the Midland County Public Library system in partnering with the I-20 Wildlife Preserve to create a program is twofold. Our first goal is to educate kids and their caregivers on the importance of preserving nature and protecting the environment. Our second goal is to promote exercise and wellbeing by creating an engaging nature story walk for kids. Our program will also have some additional benefits such as encourage families to spend time together and promote creative thinking.

Demographics 

Based on statistics from Data USA (n.d.), as of 2022, Midland, Texas is home to a population of 132,490 people. The two biggest ethnic groups that make up the population are White (non-Hispanic) at 42.3% and Hispanic (White and multiracial) at 46.2%. Due to Midland, Texas having such a high population of Hispanic people, the “Family Nature Walk with the Library” program will aim to be accessible for both English and Spanish speaking families. Activity sheets and promotional materials will be available in both English and Spanish. 

The “Family Nature Walk with the Library” program is also targeting children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. According to the United States Census Bureau (2024), the population of kids under the age of 5 in Midland, Texas is 8.8%. Since that is a sizeable population of kids in Midland, we are confident that our program will be serving many families in the community. Additionally, the United States Census Bureau (2024) notes that Midland, Texas has a poverty rate of 11.7%. Thus, all families will be able to register for the program for free. Activities are also included at no cost to attendants.

Exercise and Wellbeing 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (n.d.) lists several benefits of exercise in children such as: 

Reducing chronic diseases 

Improving attention                                                                      

Improving overall wellbeing  

The Child Mind Institute (n.d.) lists various benefits of spending time in nature for kids such as: 

Reducing stress and fatigue 

Building confidence  

Providing healthy stimulation 

By creating an interactive story walk at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, we hope to provide kids with an opportunity to get exercise and spend time in nature. Since the story walk will consist of kids walking from one part of the story to the next, they will have plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and interact with their peers in nature.  

Conservation in Texas 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2016), Texas is currently facing major conservation challenges due to climate change and its many consequences such as rising sea levels and temperatures, pollution, changing landscapes, and flooding. In fact, in the past century, the overall temperature in Texas has increased by one and a half degrees. Hence, it is important to educate the public in conservation efforts happening in Texas.  

It is crucial for the “Family Nature Walk with the Library” program to accomplish this in an engaging and age-appropriate way for kids. Therefore, we have decided to partner with the I-20 Wildlife Preserve in Midland, Texas. Partnering with the preserve will allow us to show families the benefits of nature conservation while providing an interactive experience for kids. To do this, we have picked the book “If You Find a Leaf” by Aimee Sicuro to help us create an interactive story walk in the preserve for kids. Our hope is to create a positive and engaging experience for young kids and show them that nature is fun! 

References

CDC. (n.d.) Health benefits of physical activity for children. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/children.html#:~:text=Physical%20activity%20is%20good%20for,measures%20of%20a%20healthy%20weight.  

Cohen, D. (n.d.) Why kids need to spend time in nature. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/  

Data USA. (n.d.) Midland, TX. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/midland-tx/ 

EPA. (2016) What climate change means for Texas.  https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-tx.pdf 

United States Census Bureau. (2024). Quick facts Midland City, Texas. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/midlandcitytexas/PST045224  

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Kirkland, K. (2025) [Photo shows a brush rabbit at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve.] 

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Program Logistics

Our “Nature Walk with the Library” will be a partnership between the Midland County Public Library and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve. The program will promote healthy lifestyle habits like engaging in nature and exercising while also encouraging creativity and cognitive thinking.  According to a 2021 Durham University report, “Creative opportunities stimulate young children’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination, and support the development of communication skills; being creative helps children to cope with their feelings and fears and to manage their emotional states and develop positive dispositions towards challenge, change and self-initiated learning.” All these benefits complement our goal of fostering healthy movement and cognitive skills.  

To participate, registration on the program’s Eventbrite is required. This will let the librarians know how many patrons to prepare for while ensuring that the preserve does not get overrun. The program will first see the parents and children go through a self-led walk on the preserve trail, discovering signs along the way. Each sign will contain a page of Aimee Sicurio’s “If I Find a Leaf” and by completing the walk, the patrons will complete the book. Tying the title “If You Find a Leaf” provides an example of how the young reader can begin to think of a leaf in the abstract. The pages feature a variety of ways that a leaf can visually or conceptually represent another image or item. Additionally, pairing language skills with the nature walk brings up a new way the young patron can engage in complex thinking. “Complex concepts afford authentic questions”, which our early-childhood demographic can “answer by exploring (with their senses) the real tangible world” (Prins et al., 2025).  

Once our patrons finish the trail, they will come to the activity pavilion where tables and supplies provided by the library are set up. This is where our Nature Preserve partners will take over and discuss our local habitat, the cycle of leaves, and plant identification. After explaining the different leaves to the group, the librarians and nature preserve docents will encourage patrons to take a leaf and make their own image like what was shown in the book. Without providing a specific goal for the art project, the librarians are encouraging a special kind of open-ended play. By allowing the child to take control and truly express themselves freely in the project, their creativity, socio-emotional, and problem-solving skills are strengthened (Yildrim &Yilmaz, 18). As the families leave, our librarians will provide them with an activity bag with a QR code for the library's curated nature collection on Libby. These bags also contain nature coloring and activity sheets so that the children can continue their nature walk experience at home. Holistically, this program seeks to embolden the young reader to engage in their world with authenticity.  

Goals: Promote healthy lifestyle habits, appreciation for nature, and creative thinking 

Funding Source: Allocated programming funds set by the library director and commissioner’s court. It’s important to note that this program can be repeated with new books or until supplies last, making it a cost-efficient choice.  

Promotion: Three social media posts (a month before the event, the week of the event, and the day of the event), posters at the library and nature preserve, and word-of-mouth announcements at storytime.  

Target Audience: Children ages 2-5 and their families or guardians. This demographic is best suited for the walk and open-ended art project due to the “flexible cognitive skills” of our early childhood patrons (Yildrim & Yilmaz, 17). 

Supplies required for an estimated 30 participants:  

Construction paper: $4.35

Crayons - 4 packs of 96: $9.45 X 4 = 37.80

Glue Sticks: $23.49

Watercolor paints: $199.00

Pedestal Poster Frame Signs: $229.00 X 5 

Leaves – Note: leaves are gathered beforehand by librarians with the Preserve staff’s permission  

Total: $1,409.64 

References

Durham University. (2021). Durham Commission on Creativity and Education - Second Report 2021 https://www.creativityexchange.org.uk/asset/296/download

Prins, J., Gaikhorst, L., & Hovinga, D. (2025). Nature as a co-teacher in early childhood language education. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-01854-6 

Yildirim, Y., & Yilmaz, Y. (2023). Promoting creativity in early childhood education. PloS One, 18(12), e0294915–e0294915. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294915  

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Preparing for Nature Walks

Be sure to drink plenty of water

Check the weather and be prepared for changes in the weather

If you're hiking alone, let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back

For more, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/safety

Family Resources

PBS Parent Activities https://www.pbs.org/parents/

First 5 Permian Basin - Early Childhood Training https://www.utpb.edu/academics/colleges/cohshp/departments/community-family-health/first-five

For more educational programs at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve https://www.i20wp.org/education/

Digital Resources

Other Ways to Explore Nature from Home!

National Park Service - Maps and Trails https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/maps.htm

National Park Service Nature Audio Library https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/gallery.htm

I-20 Wildlife Preserve YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@thei20wildlifepreserve/

Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard! https://youtu.be/0Y_s_uWtSTI?si=7yVioEzhiwopozer

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Preparándose Para Paseos por la Naturaleza Asegúrese de tomar mucha agua

Consulta el clima y esté preparado para cambios en el clima Si camina solo, informa a alguien adonde irás y cuando vas a regresar

Para más, visita https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/safety

Recursos Familiares

PBS Actividades para Padres https://www.pbs.org/parents/

First 5 Permian Basin - Entrenamiento de la Primera Infancia https://www.utpb.edu/academics/colleges/cohshp/departments/community-family-health/first-five

Para Más Programas Educativos en el I-20 Wildlife Preserve https://www.i20wp.org/education/

Recursos Digitales

Otras Formas de Explorar la Naturaleza desde Casa! El Servicio de Parques Nacionales - Mapas y Senderos https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/maps.htm

El Servicio de Parques Nacionales Biblioteca de Audio de la Naturaleza https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/gallery.htm

I-20 Wildlife Preserve Canal de Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@thei20wildlifepreserve/

Explora la Naturaleza en tú Propio Patio! https://youtu.be/0Y_s_uWtSTI?si=7yVioEzhiwopozer

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Click here for more coloring sheets