The Sabine-Neches Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist™ will present Champions for Nature at the South Texas State Fair, Saturday-Sunday, April 5 and 6, from noon-6pm. Located in the Ford Exhibit Hall, this special exhibition will be made up of local groups whose sole purpose is to promote awareness, education about and love for nature.
This year’s exhibiting partners, along with the Sabine-Neches Chapter, are Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Jefferson County, Native Plant Society of Texas-Beaumont Chapter, The Longleaf Ridge Chapter-Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Bluebird Society, Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas A&M Forest Service, Big Thicket Association, Big Thicket Biosphere Reserve, Golden Triangle Sierra Club Group, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, Wildlife Habitat Federation, Black Bear Alliance, Texas General Land Office, and the Nature Conservancy-Roy Larson Sandyland Sanctuary among others that may make an appearance.
“This is our fourth year here at the fair and we keep building upon the success of the event each year, reaching nearly 10,000 adult and youth interactions since 2022. The Champions from Nature event is our Chapter’s largest outreach event and we are excited to share the tremendous exposure this event provides with these organizations under one roof to show the public just how much we have to offer in Southeast Texas,” said Nancy Angell, Co-Public Outreach Director for the Sabine-Neches Chapter and event organizer. “Over the past year, our chapter conducted over 40 public outreach events throughout our service area. With this single event, we are able to reach out to over 10 times as many people, so it is vital that we continue to stress the importance of promoting and protecting our natural resources in all possible ways. We do that through volunteer service, education and public outreach.”
Angell said there will be something for all ages. “From interactive games to educational videos to impromptu presentations, there is something for everyone. We will also have Bigfoot, an eight-foot-tall creature made entirely of recycled bags and other post-consumer waste, returning again which provides excellent selfie opportunities for all. The event is free with admission to the fair, so bring the whole family.”