Wimberley Outdoor Educators
A Project of Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist™
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Laura Steffy
Wimberley Outdoor Educators provides opportunities for Wimberley Independent School District (WISD) students to experience Naturalist concepts in unique outdoor settings that enhance learning about the natural world. Children of all grades can develop their understanding of the natural world, building on the fine science education they already receive in Wimberley (Texas) ISD.
Students in the Natural World
Our science programs complement and extend learning of the science curriculum for students in outdoor settings around Hays County. Paramount to the success of Wimberley Outdoor Educators is a high expectation for quality hands-on learning to support the curriculum, led by HCMN volunteers who meet to rehearse and improve activities that will accomplish this goal.
Wimberley Outdoor Educators is dedicated to helping children experience science with their heads, hands, and hearts. We work together to deliver programs that are designed to meet state essential knowledge and skills objectives (TEKS) in science with input from the teachers in WISD.
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
One such program is the Bird Workshop for third graders at Patsy Glenn Refuge. Experiences include outstanding hands-on activities, from using binoculars to games. Activities are designed to bring home concepts about adaptations, bird watching in a bird blind, observation of nesting behaviors, and nest building.
Photo: courtesy Hays Humm, May 2022
Photo: courtesy Hays Humm, May 2022
The birds themselves are the star of the show, often appearing in this unique natural area. Other groups, such as the Wimberley Birding Society, also join in the effort with Wimberley Outdoor Educators and share their expertise on birds, birding, and binocular use.
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Another outstanding program is the Water Fair, which is held for fifth graders at Jacob's Well Elementary. Kids can observe a working model of an aquifer and get their hands-on science via water cycle experiences, a watershed lesson, and games that provide fun and a high level of learning. With their expertise in the field, HCMN volunteers work together with groups of students on a rotating basis through many top-quality activities.
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Most recently, we developed a workshop on plants for fourth grade students using the outdoor learning center at Jacob's Well Elementary. Students learn about the structure, function, life cycle and adaptations of plants, and participate in a play about photosynthesis. Hands-on experiences help accomplish a high level learning experience that students will not forget.
Vision and Leadership
Jackie Mattice Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
None of these programs would be possible without the leadership Jackie Mattice has provided to the group over the past 14 years. She worked hard to invite and include Master Naturalist volunteers, always supporting them with expertise that offered background information and a chance to rehearse with adults before presenting the program to students. Jackie oversaw scheduling activities that would achieve our goals within the parameters of time and location that supported learning. She met with teachers to solicit their input and reviewed all activities to make sure they were based on the TEKS for the grade level they were presented to.
Jackie stepped down after the program concluded in March 2024. We hope to continue the program and traditions she started.
We will remember and continue to be inspired by her example — her warmth, knowledge of science, caring attitude, friendly disposition, and organizational savvy. Under her leadership, Wimberley Outdoor Educators has thrived, becoming a top-quality program. Thanks so much, Jackie!
Moving Forward
As Wimberley Outdoor Educators moves forward, we will continue to deliver the same hands-on learning experiences that complement and extend classroom instruction.
We look forward to continuing what Jackie started in supporting science for students. With Jackie's leadership example to follow and the work of the fine volunteers and the teachers of WISD, the future of science education for our children looks bright!
If you're interested in volunteering with Wimberley Outdoor Educators in the upcoming school year, contact Laura Steffy at laura.steffy@hcmn.org for more information. Program dates and details will be announced in the fall 2024 under project #809, Wimberley Outdoor Educators.
Slideshow Photos: courtesy Jane Dunham
