Last Fall, hundreds of students from local area schools came to our Cibolo campuses to participate in our revamped outdoor classroom field trip programs.
In our outdoor classroom field trip program, students have a frontrow seat to nature with customized experiences on the Cibolo’s two campuses – Herff Farm and the Cibolo Nature Center. We provide opportunities for students to learn hands-on in nature while still covering key science, math and critical-thinking skills.
Students are interacting with wildlife with the help of our staff, and nature provides opportunities for students to learn about themselves through these experiences.
We seek to expand nature education to more students by offering our new program where our staff goes to Title 1 schools to provide outdoor learning on urban school campuses. We will offer community science projects fit for the outdoors at their schoolyard, home, local park, green space or should they choose to visit the Nature Center or Herff Farm on their own.
The Cibolo recently hired a children’s education manager to train teachers on these activities, leaving teachers more equipped to lead their students on nature adventures through the Cibolo’s campuses.
Stephanie Regets joined the Cibolo Center for Conservation in mid-October and hit the ground running. We caught up with Stephanie to find out more about her work at the Cibolo.
“There are so many things I enjoy about teaching, one of those is that I enjoy exposing them to new things outside,” Regets said
What do you enjoy about nature? What attracted you to come to the Cibolo Center for Conservation?
I think what I love most about nature is that it’s raw and full of history. Nature has been around forever and will be long after we are gone. If the hills and trees could only talk, we really need just to slow down and look around. I was attracted to the Cibolo Center for Conservation, first for conservation and land stewardship and second because of the long history of the land.
What can students gain from experiences in the outdoors?
Today’s students spend too much time behind a screen with the constant bombardment of information, technology and too many hours stuck in a classroom surrounded by walls. Getting them outdoors and exposing them to opportunities of exploring, touching and learning about nature will open their minds to endless possibilities.
What do you enjoy the most about being an educator?
I enjoy teaching so many things; one of those is that I enjoy exposing students to new things outside. As a child, I was taught to fear the outdoors. I want to make sure future generations learn to embrace and respect the outdoors, both wildlife and environment.
Why is it essential for students to volunteer and or do community service projects?
I think it’s essential for students to volunteer and do community service projects because they become better members of their community. It has a long-lasting, positive impact on society. Students learn to give back and protect the land.
What’s your favorite animal and why?
This is a hard one, my favorite animal has long been cats, but I have had a new love for my spoiled dog, Hazel, these past three years. Hazel taught me to stop and admire the flowers at a very young puppy age. I was always a hurrying person and rushed around from one point to another. When taking Hazel for walks, I learned I really must slow down and enjoy my environment.
You can catch Stephanie on any given morning during the school year, either working at the farm with teachers or leading a student group on a hike.
Cibolo Happenings
Farmers Market at Herff Farm: Winter Edition Saturday, January 8 – Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,
Saturday, January 8 – Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 33 Herff Road, Boerne. Join us for a limited winter edition of the Farmers Market at Herff Farm. We will feature our regular vendors during the winter months. Enjoy locally produced products and goods with cooler temperatures. Yoga is available. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
Yoga at Herff Farm
Saturday, January 8, 10-11 a.m., 33 Herff Road, Boerne. Join our community in a friendly and inclusive outdoor yoga class with a focus on mindfulness and awareness that allows you to explore what feels good in your body. We will play with mobility, balance, and strength in our practice as we move and breathe together in the glorious outdoor spaces at the Historic Herff Farm. Classes will move indoors on cold days. Bring your mats and water bottles. Props are provided. Register on www.cibolo.org.
Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshops Zoom Class 1 (3 sessions)
Saturday, January 8, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., virtual. This comprehensive program will guide landowners through the requirements for wildlife tax valuation with emphasis on promoting healthy habitats for songbirds. Attendees will complete the workshop ready to apply for a wildlife tax valuation. Registration for all three virtual sessions starts at $140 for nonmembers and $120 for members. Learn more at www.cibolo.org.
Movement Mondays-Yoga (at the Cibolo Nature Center)
Monday, January 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 140 City Park Road, Boerne. Join our community in a friendly and inclusive yoga class with a focus on mindfulness and awareness that allows you to explore what feels good in your body. Don’t forget your mat and a water bottle! Monday classes are held at the Cibolo Nature Center. On colder days, classes may move indoors. Register at www.cibolo.org.
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