ONE YEAR LATER Texas Master Naturalist ‘Nature Reflections’ video diary project

One year ago this month as our state and the world progressed into the full realization of the global pandemic and following lockdowns, the Texas Master Naturalist Program took a moment to ask you, our naturalists, to reflect on the benefits of nature in your lives. The Nature Reflections video diary project took life from an idea of a fellow master naturalist program in Oregon and we received an incredible variety of submissions from videos to poems and even an original song! If you haven’t checked these out, please watch these shared videos. They truly are inspiring! https://txmn.tamu.edu/about-the-texas-master-naturalist-program/nature-reflections/

2020 became the year that no one expected. Society entered lockdown, programs were cancelled, gatherings suspended and we were all forced into isolation in quarantine. In true persevering & innovator fashion however, our Texas Master Naturalists adapted and overcame. Meetings and trainings moved to virtual platforms. New communication tools were engaged. And we all still found our moments in nature.

Pausing again in reflection this year, we’re re-launching the Nature Reflections Video Project In celebration of you and your true perseverance, innovation and grit throughout the past year’s trials and tribulations.  We invite you to contribute to our One Year Later Nature Reflections Video Project and contribute your naturalist stories and testimonials about the restorative power of Nature and being a Texas Master Naturalist. 

As you consider your video contribution please reflect on the following question:

“Reflect upon how nature and specifically, the Texas Master Naturalist Program, has given you refuge or provided benefits in this past year.”

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Here are the logistics:

• Record your thoughts in a video on your phone or tablet, laptop or computer webcam. This is a video diary project that will be shared on the Texas Master Naturalist website for people to see, enjoy, relate to, and maybe even take comfort in.
• On the video, please tell us your name, chapter and what city you live in. If you don’t feel comfortable including your name, chapter and/or city, you do not have to.
• Please wear your TMN name badge, shirt or swag!
• Please keep your recordings to no longer than up 1 minute if at all possible. Generally, I won’t be editing your video for content, and short videos are viewed much more than long videos.
• If you’d rather write your thoughts and reflections rather than recording a video, feel free to share those words with us below.
• Follow all locally mandated health requirements and recommendations. Your backyard, kitchen table or living room is just fine. While it might be tempting to take your thoughts to your favorite trail or natural area, please stay safe and abide by these health and safety restrictions.
• Please record and upload your video by Monday June 15th using the form below.
• Please remember: This doesn’t have to be a polished video – no one expects you to produce a professional-quality video. You don’t need a script, unless you want to write your thoughts down. Just speak from your heart.
• And you can earn a little bit of Volunteer Service Hour credit logged under Chapter Admin – limit up to .5 hours please at maximum.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. While this is a video exercise, if you would rather share your written thoughts, a meaningful poem or quote relevant to this task, and/or a nature photo you took, please share those as well!
• Again, stay safe and healthy, and thank you for your participation in this exercise!
• NOTE – If you have any issues with uploading your submission or want to submit in a different avenue (i.e Google Drive or Drop Box), please send Mary Pearl an email – mpmeuth@tamu.edu

Click Here to Submit your Video Submission