Mission: Our mission is to share the message of habitat preservation and environmental stewardship through environmental education. Impacting children from Pre-K to 8th grade, first-hand experiences in nature teach students about protecting our habitats, watersheds and natural resources.
Results: Since it was built in 1996 in collaboration with the Arlington Parks Department, River Legacy Foundation’s Living Science Center has educated over 500,000 North Texas students through its environmental education programs.
Target demographics: inspire the next generation of environmental stewards
Direct beneficiaries per year: approximately 14,000 children attended our programs, 40,000 visitors to the Living Science Center total
Geographic areas served: Tarrant County
Programs: Field Investigations and other programs that teach environmental science to more than 14,000 urban K – 8th grade students annually. During their exploration of this gem of wilderness in the city, they’ll learn a bit about what the woods have to teach. They might see a bobcat family dash out of sight into the shadows of the cypress trees. They’ll watch great blue herons glide by in prehistoric splendor over the pond. They’ll sit in the shade of towering chinquapin oaks, hearing the chatter of chickadees, the tap tap tapping of yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and the rattle of belted kingfishers. The River Legacy Foundation continues its long-term partnership with the Arlington Independent School District by providing 2nd & 4th grade students fun hands-on activities and field experiences aligned with Texas science standards. A series of interactive learning experiences launch the concepts of problem solving, critical inquiry and the scientific method.
My son has attended the summer program for the last two summers and LOVES it. He will make connections all year long to things that he learned during the summer at camp. It's so fun to hear him recall a fun fact or activity he did. He also has some special food needs and the teachers and staff do a wonderful job helping us to meet this needs. I feel very comfortable leaving him in their care.
My two children have attended summer classes at River Legacy for five years. They love it! They have developed a great appreciation of nature and the environment. We also attend After Dark in the Park each year, which is a good balance of fun and learning.
The best kept secret in town is the pre-school Nature School. The wonderful staff make it so inviting to the kids. Kids look forward to the child centered activities and get to know so much about nature. I highly recommend this preschool for someone that is looking to expand their child's knowledge about nature and science before they enter kindergarten.
