Texas A&M Forest Service launches nature challenge

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Published: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 14:57

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Nature Challenge website launched recently, connecting Texans with fun, creative ways to explore the outdoors, learn new skills and get involved in their community. This statewide tool is the result of a shared vision between Texas Children in Nature Network, Texan by Nature and Texas A&M Forest Service.

The Nature Challenge desktop website encourages Texans to explore nature near and far by completing challenges and earning digital badges, allowing users to track their progress in a Challenge Progress Report.

“Often times, the hardest part about getting out into nature and improving the environment is simply knowing where to start,” said Jacey Tosh, Texas A&M Forest Service Conservation and Education Coordinator. “Nature Challenge makes it easier than ever by connecting Texans with opportunities to learn new skills, have some fun and make a difference at the same time.”

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Texas Quilt Museum exhibits explode with color

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Published: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 14:55

The Spring/Summer exhibits at the Texas Quilt Museum are all about colors: in solids, in nature, and in glorious blue and white. They will run March 25-September 18 and are partially sponsored by Reynolds & Associates. Check them out on your way back home.

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Take time to smell the roses

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Published: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 14:51

Just like many of you who are preparing to travel North for the summer, I have been studying the map and wondering why in the world when we get behind the wheel of a car most of us are just hell bent for leather to reach our destination. Why in the world do we not stop to explore along the way? We may never travel that way again. So, let' s take time to smell the roses and add to our knowledge of all the wonderful destinations and people we should meet along our way.

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March 24, 2021 - Rina's Ramblings

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Published: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 14:50

We have one more week in our Winter Texan season. In some ways I look at the season and feel it has passed by so fast, and in other ways, it seems like it just started. We have missed out on a lot of gatherings, but we have still been able to get out there and see you. We are already looking forward to next season and the hope that it brings of events, gatherings, expos, and other activities that we had to miss out on this year.

This year we missed seeing faces we have grown to love and have missed meeting new faces/people. I am thankful for the events that we were able to go out to and enjoy with our readers, Winter Texan visitors, and Wintertainers™.

While some events were put on hold, we were happy to see parks finding new ways to keep their residents busy and entertained. We saw new activities being planned and think some of them will become regular events/activities at the parks.

Outdoor activities were a huge hit this year including visiting local parks and birdwatching, and park activities such as outdoor concerts, drive-ins, golf cart bingo and so much more. Activity directors and parks rose to the task this season and we should all be thankful for their efforts and time.

We were also happy to see and hear that parks did not forget about others this year. Park groups were still donating to local organizations, making masks, making quilts, fundraising, collecting donations of food or school supplies, and more, to help their communities.

Despite the different type of year/season we had, the show went on. You found things to do, you found ways to spend your time, you found ways to still have fun.

Now we get to start planning for the next season. We have hope that it will be a better one. We have hope that we will be able to do more. We look forward to getting out into our community more next season and sharing your stories with our readers.

If you are closing your season with something big, let us know. Share some pictures with us. We have one issue left and we would love to be able to share what you have done this year with our readers. Send me information and photos to news@wintertexantimes.com.

‘Everybody Knows Your Name’ at Favorite Valley Golf Course

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Published: Tuesday, 23 March 2021 14:33

Golf is on the rise – and Texas leads the way.

Rounds of golf in Texas were up 39% during 2020 says golf.com, followed by a 37% increase in Florida and 31% in Arizona. Every state saw at least a 2% increase in rounds played.

Not only is there a common denominator in those three leading states – mainly warmer weather – but it is also the three largest states for Winter Texans, also known as snowbirds.

And the Valley’s “snowbirds” came out in droves, filling courses during the warmer weather and playing a sport that was safer, outdoors and kept people active.

Read more: ‘Everybody Knows Your Name’ at Favorite Valley Golf Course