Spring Break is just around the corner and for most students it’s much needed downtime from class and homework. If your kids are in your care while…
Citrus prints are a fun and easy project for all kiddos. Lemon, lime, oranges, or grapefruit, and a few sheets of paper are a fun and creative way to…, Venture out into the backyard or local park and go on a leaf hunt. Once you’ve collected your leaves, grab a few supplies and get to threading some…, If you’re wary of scissors, younger kids will love making colorful leaf art with crayons and paper. Collect leaves of various shapes and sizes, fresh…, You’re poking around the pantry and notice you’ve got just a shake of oatmeal or a fourth cup of peanut butter left. Don’t throw it out, how about…, Littles love playdough! Save on packaging and reduce waste by creating your own. Again, with simple ingredients you might find at home, this quick…, Put on your walking shoes and take it outside! Fresh air, vitamin D, and being outdoors work wonders for our mood and wellbeing. Outdoor…, Time in the garden allows for inspiration and promotes thinking skills. Planning a garden, planting the seeds, and watching them grow gives kids a…, Stargazing is fun for kids of all ages! This pleasant activity encourages kids to get outside at night and gaze at the sky. Make it extra fun by…, You won’t even have to fill up your gas tank or pack a suitcase for this trip! Virtual museum tours provide your kiddo with an immersive and…, Help fight Spring Break boredom by sharing these activities with your family! With minimal supplies needed, these activities are both eco-friendly…
Many of us know that we depend on bees for making honey and beeswax, but did you know that bees are also responsible for pollinating one-third of our…
Texas has between 1,100 and 1,500 different bee species including bumble bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees. These numerous bee…, According to experts, there are multiple reasons for the decline in bee populations nationwide. Recent droughts and harsh weather conditions are a…, Plant a bee-friendly gardenLack of shelter and food sources are some of the biggest threats to bees. Planting bee gardens with nectar- and pollen-…, Avoid using pesticides and herbicides Synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are wreaking havoc on our pollinator friends. While it’s…, Protect ground beesGround bees, including mason bees and bumble bees, make their nests underground and often beneath leaves. Save a sunny, mulch-free…, Bees are an essential part of our global food supply and environment. Without these impressive pollinators, we would have only a fraction of the…
Texas classrooms can learn about conservation, recycling, and reducing waste with new lesson plans and activities available in PBS LearningMedia.…
Explore a brand-new PBS LearningMedia collection featuring six lesson plan units, aligned with Texas teaching standards. Tailored for K-12 classrooms…, Ready to make a difference? Pledge to keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. To thank you for your pledge, we'll…
Feb. 20, 2024 - Congratulations are in order for the winners in the middle school and high school categories
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is proud to announce the 2024 Take Care of Texas video contest winners. Every year, students from…
Water is a precious resource that we all rely on, and it’s important to teach our students about its conservation. By educating and inspiring them,…
Encourage students to pay attention to their water usage by integrating water-saving practices into daily activities. Have discussions about how they…, Organize hands-on activities to help students understand the importance of water conservation. Set up a rainwater harvesting system in the school…, Tap into students’ creativity by incorporating art projects focused on water conservation. Students can design posters, murals, or informative…, Integrate water conservation topics into different subjects across the curriculum. In science class, students can learn about the water cycle and the…, Empower students to take leadership roles by forming a “Water Conservation Committee” or “Water Champion Group.” These student-led initiatives can…
Each spring, millions of migrating birds travel through Texas. Our state plays an important role in bird migration because of its key geographical…
Birds migrate during the following periods:
Spring Migration Dates*
• Full Spring Migration Period: March 1 – June 15• …, Many migrating birds travel at night, using the light of the moon and stars to travel. As they pass over cities, they can become disoriented by the…, Large windows or sliding doors can be hazardous for migrating birds, as birds can’t see glass. Place decals or other markers on windows to prevent…, Flying requires lots of energy, and providing high-quality food through feeders can help birds fuel up for their destination. If you can, try…, Creating shelter can be done in various ways. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide natural shelter and nesting spots. Install…, Keep your backyard tidy. Implement waste management practices to prevent litter and pollution including proper disposal of garbage and recycling.…, Minimize the use of pesticides in your garden and yard to maintain a bird-friendly environment. Find more information on managing lawn problems…, Understand the migratory patterns and specific needs of the bird species in your region to tailor your backyard preparations accordingly. You can…, By implementing these measures, you can help make the journey easier for migrating bird populations. For more resources on how to support bird…
Embark on a sustainable gardening journey by using recyclable materials as the building blocks for your next garden. Using things like plastic…
Newspaper makes an excellent material for biodegradable seedling cups. Simply roll a strip of newspaper around a cylindrical object like a cup or…, Don’t toss those empty toilet paper rolls just yet! Cut each roll in half, then make four evenly spaced cuts around one end to create flaps. Fold the…, Plastic bottles make great places for seeds to germinate. Cut the top off a plastic bottle, leaving a few inches of space from the bottom, punch…, Do you have empty egg cartons at home? Repurpose them as biodegradable seedling cups. Cut apart each individual carton cup, fill them with soil, and…, Those empty yogurt cups can serve as perfect seedling cups. Ensure they are clean, poke drainage holes in the bottom of each cup, fill them with soil…, Cardboard boxes can be easily repurposed to create seedling cups, providing an eco-friendly solution to waste reduction. An easy way to create…, By using recyclable materials to make seedling cups, we can actively participate in sustainable gardening practices while reducing waste. These six…
Help promote conservation in celebration of Earth Month by downloading Take Care of Texas' shareable Earth Day Cards!
Download and save the Take Care of Texas Earth Day Cards! Spread the word about sustainability and conservation this Earth Month. Save these Earth…
This ranges from conserving resources around your home to making proactive decisions when you’re out and about. You can find ways to take action in…
There are many ways to conserve in your daily life. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or out and about, you can make decisions that will protect…, Participate in community activities that help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. Check out the growing list…, Texas is a big and beautiful state and it’s important we protect and conserve its natural resources for future generations. Across the state, Texans…
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to help the environment and reduce your dependency on municipal water sources. Dry, hot summers and light winter…
As Texas’ population continues to grow, maintaining a stable water supply is crucial. Drought conditions and excessive pumping of groundwater are…, • Conserves water.• Can be used to water landscapes when outdoor watering restrictions are in place.•…, When planning to collect rainwater at home, consider these factors: 1. What is the average rainfall in your area? Use…, TCEQ recommends using collected rainwater for outdoor use only, such as:• Landscape irrigation, like lawns and ground cover.•…, Every year, Texas has a Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday during which you can purchase a rain barrel or alternative collection system…
"Empowering teachers to help Take Care of Texas!"
Our vision is to adequately equip educators with the knowledge and resources to spread…, K-12 Science educators who are:
Passionate about conserving Texas' resources
Enthusiastic about the Take Care of Texas program
Willing to provide…,
Share resources with colleagues and administrators
Teach lessons provided by Take Care of Texas
Distribute information about the program’s contests…,
A certificate to recognize participation
A small gift as a token of appreciation
The Take Care of Texas Ambassador Program logo to useon signatures…, To be a part of this exclusive group of environmental warriors, apply to become a Take Care of Texas Ambassador.
Current list of Ambassadors
As we journey toward a sustainable future, the spotlight shines brightly on solar power as a clean, renewable energy source. It’s important for…
Solar power is the cheapest source of renewable energy, since it is energy harnessed from the sun—if there is sunlight, there is power to be gathered…, Educating students about solar power is vital in nurturing environmentally conscious and technologically savvy future leaders. By introducing solar…, Students can build and test solar ovens using simple materials to harness the power of the sun for cooking small treats such as s’mores or melting…, Engage students in a hands-on activity where they observe the power the sun’s heat contains. Students only need three items to conduct this…, Students can conduct a solar energy experiment where they compare the difference in light absorption by melting ice in the sunlight. All students…, Encourage students to create an entire city using solar panels, combining creativity with renewable energy awareness, and showcasing the integration…, Students can analyze real-time or historical solar energy data from their location to understand patterns, trends, and potential for solar power…
Welcome to the season of sunshine! As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, summertime brings a cornucopia of fresh, vibrant produce…
Fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season offer an array of benefits that go beyond satisfying your palate. Eating seasonally offers various…, Buying local and seasonal food can have several positive impacts on the environment. Local food doesn’t have to go a long distance to get to your…, Locally grown food often retains more nutrients since it’s typically harvested at peak ripeness and doesn’t need to travel long distances, reducing…, Farmers markets make fun outings where you can find fresh farm produce while supporting local businesses. They provide an opportunity to socialize,…, Having a list is important, especially if you’re planning or meal prepping, but while you’re browsing the produce, keep an open mind while selecting…, From enhancing nutritional intake to reducing environmental impact and supporting local economies, seasonal produce can be key to better health and a…
About 25% of Texas’ water supply in urban areas is used for landscaping. Most of the water is used to maintain plants with high water demands, such…
Xeriscaping doesn’t have to mean a large rock garden with a few lonely cactuses, it can be a lush landscape full of drought-tolerant flowers,…, 1. Plan and DesignTo get the look and function you want, start by creating a landscape design. Analyze your site and note the…, 3. Select Appropriate PlantsChoose trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcover based on how adaptable they are to your region’s…, 6. Use MulchMulch is one of the best landscaping tools for growing healthy plants and conserving water. It aids root…, Texas also has an annual Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday during Memorial Day weekend. During this holiday, products like drip irrigation…
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and in Texas, we do things big! But that doesn't mean we can't do BIG things in a sustainable way. Texan…
Exchanging nuptials in the presence of family and friends is one of the most important rites of passage that we’ll experience in our lives.…,
Embrace Environmental Invitations: Invitations set the tone for your wedding, but they don’t have to come at the expense of the environment.…