Celebration of Children in Nature Event

On September 19, 2011 Westcave Preserve hosted the fourth annual Celebration of Children in Nature Awards Dinner in recognition of all those in the community who are focused on getting our local children out into nature. 

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez M.D., M.P.H., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas provided the keynote address and Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune served as master of ceremonies.   Dr. Sanchez talked about the current disconnect between children and nature and the urgency in finding regular opportunities for kids to actively explore the natural world.  

2011 Award Winners

The annual Children in Nature awards highlight individuals or organizations doing exceptional things that support the Children in Nature Collaborative mission and vision.  This year’s award winners were announced in four categories recognizing excellence in connecting children to nature:

E. Lee Walker Award for Community Collaboration - El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission

The staff and volunteers of El Buen Samaritano have provided leadership to the regional Children and Nature movement from its inception – partnering with the Shield Ranch to create El Ranchito Nature Discovery Camp and Conservation Corp, an Outdoor Kids program on their campus, and supporting programs for kids and families that focus on healthier, happier and smarter kids. 

John Covert Watson Award for Vision - Dr. Kimberly Avila Edwards, M.D., F.A.A.P. - Medical Director of Happy Living Healthy Living Program at Dell Children's Medical Center

Dr. Edwards has recognized the value in getting kids out into nature where they can have fun and adventure while moving their bodies and developing lifelong habits of healthy living in the sunshine and fresh air. She has also helped frame the “case” for getting kids outside from the pediatric practitioner’s perspective – adding relevance and urgency to this important issue.

John F. Ahrns Award for Environmental Education - William Early, 5th Grade Teacher, Laurel Mountain Elementary, Round Rock ISD

William Early, has mobilized an army of parents, students and fellow teachers to transform a former dump, adjacent to the Laurel Mountain Elementary School in the Round Rock ISD, into a spectacular nature preserve. He then created curricula in multiple areas of study (natural science, math, language arts and more) so that all 5th grade students spend regular time outside in the preserve, learning first -hand about the natural world. 

Westcave Preserve Award for Enduring Dedication - Art Pasley, C.A.S.T National Program Director

For most of the children who participate in the C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing program, this is their very first time to experience the excitement of getting out onto the water, feeling the tug on the line, and catching a fish. Art Pasley began as the Southern Director of C.A.S.T and became the National Program Director in 2008. Art lives here in Texas where he oversees several “Fishing Kids” programs in Central Texas and beyond. 

Sponsors

Many thanks to our 2011 Event Sponsors: 

Pam & Mike Reese
Max Scoular
Peggy & Matt Winkler
The William & Salomé Scanlan Foundation
Roxanne & Ira Yates

Zebra Butterfly Sponsors:

Holly & Jim Bohart
Community Investment Corporation
H-E-B
The Tapestry Foundation
Wells Fargo Private Bank

Wild Orchid Sponsors:

Shelly & David Bain
Linda & Nick van Bavel
Braun & Gresham, PLLC
Nourah & Bobby Caskey
The Cooper Free Group at RBC Wealth Management
Dell Children's Medical Center
El Ranchito
Henna Chevrolet and the Central Texas Chevy Dealers
Lock Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
Bettye & Bill Nowlin
Nancy Scanlan / Margot & Grant Thomas
St. David's Foundation
Thundercloud Subs
Jan & Neile Wolfe

2012 Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Celebration of Children in Nature Awards Event.  Open the attached 2012 Nomination Form to nominate a person or organization for next year's event.