Texas Children In Nature

What Texas Children In Nature does

Texas Children in Nature (TCiNN) is a Texas-based nonprofit founded in 2010 that operates as a grassroots network of over 900-1,000 partner organizations and individuals working to connect children and families with nature. The organization coordinates programmatic and community engagement through ten regional collaboratives covering Austin, Caprock, Coastal Bend, Heart of Texas, Hill Country, Houston, Paso Del Norte, Pineywoods, North Texas, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio, and runs signature initiatives including Nature Smart Libraries, Green Schoolyards, and Outdoor Learning Environments for Early Childhood Education (OLE! Texas). Core offerings consist of the annual three-day Summit (drawing 300+ cross-sector professionals), the four-tier Membership Program (Individual $50, Organization $150, Stewardship Circle $1,000, Corporate $5,000), Technical Assistance valued at $200/hour, and a webinar series.

Revenue is generated through annual memberships, summit sponsorships ranging from $1,500 to $25,000, technical assistance bundled into higher membership tiers, and one-time and recurring donations starting at $25/month. The organization employs 1-10 staff and operates with minimal proprietary technology beyond a network collaboration platform; there are no APIs, software products, or AI capabilities disclosed. Distribution is statewide across Texas via the no-fee partnership model, regional collaboratives, the annual summit, webinars, and digital communications (e-newsletter, social media, partner website spotlights). A 2025-2030 Strategic Plan sets measurable growth targets including 500+ active members, 12 operational regional collaboratives, and 150+ communities participating in signature initiatives, and the 2026 Summit will be hosted in San Antonio in partnership with San Antonio Parks and Recreation.

Name

Texas Children In Nature

Legal name

Texas Children in Nature

Website

https://texaschildreninnature.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Texas Children in Nature is a Texas nonprofit grassroots network of over 900 partner organizations that delivers nature-based programming, regional collaboratives, an annual summit, and a four-tier membership program to connect children and families with nature across the state.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Nature Education Network

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor/Nature/Forest Preschools (EDACABAJ), Environmental Interpretation & Ranger-Led Education Programs (Visitor Education) (THAAAOAJ)

Keywords

• Children nature programs
• Outdoor education network
• Nature based learning
• Community wellness programs
• Environmental education

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership program with four tiers: Individual ($50/year, students $40/year), Organization ($150/year), Stewardship Circle ($1,000/year), and Corporate ($5,000/year). Benefits include webinar access, summit discounts, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
2. Donations: One-time and monthly donation options. Monthly donations starting at $25/month support webinars, technical assistance, resource creation, and regional community building.
3. Summit Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages for annual summit ranging from $1,500 (Seed Planter) to $25,000 (Presenting Sponsor). Includes registrations, logo placement, and recognition benefits.
4. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance provided to members, valued at $200/hour. Organization and higher membership tiers include 5 hours of technical assistance as a benefit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Texas Children in Nature Network operates as a statewide grassroots network that connects partner organizations, professionals, and communities to provide nature-based programs, training, and resources for children and families across Texas. The organization delivers value through an annual Membership Program with four tiers, an Annual Summit for 300+ professionals, Regional Collaboratives in 10 regions, Technical Assistance services, Webinars, and signature initiatives including Nature Smart Libraries, Green Schoolyards, and Outdoor Learning Environments for Early Childhood Education.

Product overview

Texas Children in Nature Network is a nonprofit grassroots network (not a technology company) operating as a single unified offering focused on connecting children and families with nature across Texas. The organization functions as a membership-based network rather than a software product company, providing programs including an Annual Summit, Regional Collaboratives across 10 areas, a Membership Program with four tiers, Technical Assistance Services, Webinars, and signature initiatives such as Nature Smart Libraries, Green Schoolyards, and Outdoor Learning Environments for Early Childhood Education. The organization has no software products, APIs, or AI capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Texas Children in Nature Network Annual Summit An annual three-day statewide conference bringing together over 300 professionals from healthcare, education, parks and recreation, conservation, and government fields for networking, professional development, interactive sessions, field workshops, and recognition awards.
• Membership Program Annual membership with four tiers (Individual $50/year, Organization $150/year, Stewardship Circle $1,000/year, Corporate $5,000/year) providing access to webinars, summit discounts, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and member directory access for professionals and organizations in the children-and-nature space.
• Regional Collaboratives Ten regional networks across Texas (Austin, Caprock, Coastal Bend, Heart of Texas, Hill Country, Houston, Paso Del Norte, Pineywoods, North Texas, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio) that organize local community meetings, nature-based programming, and engagement in their respective regions.
• Technical Assistance Services Customized consultations, guidance on outdoor learning programs, resource development, and strategic support provided by expert staff, with 5 hours included in Organization, Stewardship Circle, and Corporate memberships, and priority access for Corporate members.
• Webinars and Educational Content Free access to TCiNN webinars for members (normally $10 per session for non-members), plus an exclusive e-newsletter with research, updates, and events, covering topics related to children and nature.
• Nature Smart Libraries A signature project partnering with public libraries to create nature-rich outdoor spaces and nature-based programming for children and families, part of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative between National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network.
• Green Schoolyards A signature project focused on transforming schoolyards into green outdoor learning environments to increase children's access to nature and support outdoor education across Texas schools.
• Outdoor Learning Environments for Early Childhood Education A signature project creating nature-rich outdoor learning spaces for Early Childhood Education centers across Texas, supporting early childhood nature-based learning and health.

Quantifiable outcome

• Strategic objective: By 2030, have 500+ active members and 12 operational regional collaboratives
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Compass Rose Journey Charter SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature and place-based learning programs operating in San Antonio, Austin, and expanding to other Texas cities. School leader Amanda McMickle works to improve schools' nature learning programs, serving all grades K-12.
• Camp AranzazucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusive and adaptive camp experience for youth with special needs. Partners include Driscoll Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Foundation, and Aspire Accessories. Provides residential and day camp opportunities.
• Austin Youth River WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental leadership program with hands-on and virtual programming, including college internship program for youth in Austin area.
• Bayou City PlayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdventure playground program at The Parish School in Houston. Founded by librarian and playworker, offers nature-based play spaces.
• OLE! TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative creating nature-rich outdoor spaces for Early Childhood Centers across Texas state. Recreation Therapist Cari Browning leads the program through Texas Department of State Health Services.
• City of San AntoniocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature Smart Libraries initiative as part of Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) partnership between National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network. San Antonio joined second cohort in 2018.
• EcoRisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerK-12 environmental literacy organization with Sustainable Intelligence program across seven themes. Also runs Mayor's Climate Youth Council in San Antonio.
• Environment TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit advocacy group working for clean air/water, parks, wildlife, and livable climate. Active in state park expansion efforts and Centennial Bill.
• Green Spaces Alliance South TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Land Trust founded 1998 serving San Antonio. Operates Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve and Picture Your World photography program for youth.
• Groundwork DallascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental nonprofit focused on youth education and development. Changes Dallas landscape through cleanup, beautification, and sustainable practices. Runs Summer Youth Conservation program with Trinity River Crew.
• HealthCodecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit empowering healthier lives through gamified activity events including April's Million Mile Month and October's Marathon in a Month. Partners with schools, employers, and municipalities.
• KABOOM!coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit ending playspace inequity. Built 378 playspaces in Texas since 1997, serving 650,000 kids. Committed to multi-year playspace equity initiatives in 7 Texas communities.
• Texas A&M Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency for forest conservation and protection. Coordinates Project Learning Tree and Nature Challenge program. Manages state forests open to public.
• Land Stewardship Ambassadors ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between Witte Museum and East Foundation. Ten-week program for high school students started 2019. Serves Brownsville, Laredo, and San Antonio areas.
• PEAS (Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool day programming in gardens and green spaces. Underwrites programming for 90-95% of schools. Works with 34 schools, has 13 full-time and 2 part-time staff. Also offers summer camps and community events.
• Roam WildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Texas nonprofit adventure travel for diverse youth. First season served 76 kids from 13 schools. Focus on building relationships across lines of difference and creating next generation of land stewards.
• Sammy's HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit serving children and young adults with disabilities in Austin. Operates child development center, respite care, work-readiness program, and adaptive summer camps. 60% enrollment from economically disadvantaged households.
• Texans for Clean WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization preventing litter and protecting waterways. Supports cleanup efforts and works with policymakers on recycling refund programs. Manages Texas Litter Database through Keep Texas Beautiful.
• University of Texas School Gardens ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram promoting school gardens for health and nutrition education. Funded by Sprouts grocery store. Targets high-need Title I schools in Austin area.
• Bienenstock Natural PlaygroundsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor providing natural playground design expertise.
• Shield RanchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor supporting Texas Children in Nature Network.
• Prosperity BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor.
• Center for Health & NatureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor bridging health and nature sectors.
• Blackland CollaborativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor.
• San Antonio Parks and RecreationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost partner for 2026 Summit. Joint initiatives on Nature Smart Libraries and playspace equity.
• MAKB FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummit sponsor.
• Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network. Texas Children in Nature Network participates as state coordinator for Texas cities including Austin and San Antonio.
• Texan By NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Nature Challenge program generating ways for families and groups to engage with nature across Texas.
• Keep Texas BeautifulcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages Texas Litter Database used by Texans for Clean Water and partner organizations for citizen science data collection.
• Buffalo Bayou PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterway cleanup organization removing 12-15 dump truck loads of trash weekly from Buffalo Bayou. Supported by Garver Black Hilliard Family Foundation.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE): Largest professional association for environmental educators in North America. Comparable in mission (nature education, networking, professional development) but operating nationally with broader educator scope.
• National League of Cities (Cities Connecting Children to Nature): Co-leads the CCCN initiative with Children & Nature Network and coordinates the cohort that includes San Antonio. TCiNN operates as the Texas bridge into this national municipal network, making NLC a closely aligned incumbent peer.

Direct peers

• KABOOM!: National nonprofit focused on playspace equity, a current TCiNN partner. Operates a multi-state partnership model with community-based playground builds, comparable mission overlap in nature/outdoor access for kids.
• Outdoors Alliance for Kids: National coalition working to increase equitable access to the outdoors for children. Operates as a network convening 100+ organizations, the closest structural analog to TCiNN at the national level.
• Groundwork USA: National network of independent Groundwork trusts (including TCiNN partner Groundwork Dallas) doing environmental justice work in local communities. Highly comparable grassroots-network-plus-local-affiliate model.
• EcoRise: K-12 environmental literacy nonprofit and current TCiNN partner running Sustainable Intelligence programs. Comparable mission and Texas presence, focused on school-based nature/environmental programming.
• Children & Nature Network: National umbrella organization co-creating Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) with the National League of Cities. TCiNN is the Texas state coordinator for CCCN, making Children & Nature Network the most direct peer — same mission, larger national scope.
• Texan by Nature: Texas-based conservation nonprofit partnering with TCiNN on the Nature Challenge program. Direct peer in the Texas children-and-nature space with a similar statewide coalition orientation.

Emerging players

• City Blossoms: Nonprofit creating child-driven, community-engaged green spaces in urban areas. Comparable niche (nature access for kids in underserved communities) but operates as direct program provider rather than a network convener.

Regional players

• Leave No Trace: National nonprofit teaching outdoor ethics and responsible recreation. Adjacent peer with overlapping Texas presence and child-outdoor programming focus (e.g., Project Learning Tree coordinated by Texas A&M Forest Service).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/texas-children-in-nature-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Texas Children In Nature