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Fairgoers converge on the exhibits during the Champions for Nature event. -
‘Bigfoot Returns’ in an artistic creation crafted from recycled materials
The Sabine-Neches Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist will present Champions for Nature at the South Texas State Fair on Saturday-Sunday, March 23 – 24, from noon-6 p.m. Located in the Ford Exhibit Hall, this special exhibition will be comprised of local groups whose sole purpose is to promote awareness, education about and love for nature.
The 2024 event will feature the Return of Bigfoot, an artistic creation crafted from recycled materials, and a new exhibit, the USDA NRCS Soil Tunnel display, as well as “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil,” sponsored by the Jefferson, Hardin and Orange County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. These features are promoted as exciting and informative for the entire family.
This year’s exhibiting partners, along with the Sabine-Neches Chapter, are Native Plant Society of Texas-Beaumont Chapter, the Longleaf Ridge ChapterTexas Master Naturalist, city of Beaumont Cattail Marsh and Tyrrell Park Nature Center, Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Village Creek State Park, Sea Rim State Park, Big Thicket Association, Big Thicket Biosphere Reserve, Golden Triangle Sierra Club Group, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, National Parks Conservation Association, and the Nature Conservancy-Roy Larson Sandyland Sanctuary – among others.
“We keep building upon the success of the event each year, reaching over 2000 adult and youth interactions in 2023,” said Nancy Angell, Public Outreach director for the Sabine-Neches Chapter and event organizer. “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.”
“In October,” Angell added, “we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Big Thicket National Preserve, so it is vital that we continue to stress the importance of 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 at the fair presentation.
“From interactive games to educational videos to impromptu presentations, there is something for everyone,” she said, pointing to added potential in limitless selfie opportunities for all. Also, “The event is free with admission to the fair, so bring the whole family.”
The stated mission of the Texas Master Naturalist Program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. For information about becoming a Texas Master Naturalist, visit www. txmn.tamu.edu.
For more information about the Sabine-Neches Chapter and/or the fair exhibit, email sabinenechestxmn@gmail.com.