A Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting Fundraising Event!
In years past, the Silent Auction at the Annual TMN State meeting was our annual fundraiser. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, and the virtual nature of our Annual Meeting, we are not able to have a live event this year. For the first time, we are asking our community to come together and participate in a VIRTUAL NATURE VENTURE! that will take place in the weeks just prior to our Annual Meeting. “Venture” is defined as a “risky or daring journey or undertaking” – pioneering ventures into little known waters . . . . A perfect synopsis of what 2020 has been!
As has been the case previously, all funds raised by the annual fundraiser will be used to offset registration costs for next year’s Annual Meeting. While we won’t be able to gather in person and enjoy our nature experiences together this year, we hope you will register and complete your Nature Venture knowing that you are sharing your celebration and love of nature and your Texas Master Naturalist community with many others; together virtually, but safely separate.
Registration
$35.00 — Participants will receive event swag including a custom medal, and more! The first 300 to register will receive their swag prior to the event.
Register early – the first 300 participants will receive their event swag prior to the event start. Registration is open to all at this link!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-nature-venture-registration-118511640507
Event Details
For our VIRTUAL NATURE VENTURE, what makes our event a “virtual” one is that it allows you to walk, run, stroll, paddle, swim or sit – on your own time, wherever you choose — a neighborhood route, a nature trail, a park, or your backyard! You choose your place and your activity and complete it between October 3-17, 2020. Then share your completion pictures, wearing your Virtual Nature Venture swag, for all to see!
As you participate with the event through your own personal Virtual Nature Venture, challenge yourself to one (or all) of our three optional challenges –
- Post a picture participating in your event, and you will entered in a drawing to win a prize. Post these pictures to our Facebook Event Page and/or instagram – use the hashtag – #TexasNatureVenture.
- iNaturalist! Participate in an iNaturalist Collection challenge – More details to be announced soon. Those who participate in the iNat project will be entered into a drawing for a prize
- Challenge yourself to Run or Walk a 5K – post your pic and time to complete on our Virtual Nature Venture Facebook event page and all times submitted will be entered into a drawing for a prize. No age groups or categories – all runners and walkers for fun!
Thank you for supporting the Texas Master Naturalist Virtual Nature Venture!
Frequently Asked Questions
1 – Why a Virtual Nature event? As with other non-profits and charities that are unable to host fundraising events in person this year, we wanted to find something that spoke to our community and created a feeling of shared enthusiasm through time outdoors connecting with nature. In addition, we are leaving event participation open through as wide a range of activities as possible to include all of our various members and their families, friends and our program supporters. Many organizations are doing Virtual Fun Runs, 5K’s, Bike rides, Hikes, etc. We wanted to be inclusive and offer many choices.
2 – Why would I pay to walk outside and do something I do anyway? Your registration for the event is a fun way to support the Texas Master Naturalist program while participating with a community that loves the same things you do!
3 – What do you mean by Challenges? These challenges are not required to participate! You do not need to complete a challenge at all. If you choose to do so, you can participate in the additional challenges for an extra chance for a prize.
4 – What are the Prizes for the optional challenges?
- Duck Box
- Bluebird Box
- Bat Box
5 — What if I do not want to post pictures or do not use Facebook? No pictures necessary – but it is nice to see your face! If you don’t use social media or would prefer to email your participation pictures with us, please upload them via the form at www.txmn.org/gulfcoast/virtualnatureventure or email them to texasmasternaturalist@gmail.com . You can also send a quote or a description of your event through either of those links above.
6 – What kind of things will people do? Pretty much anything! But here’s some ideas we’ve already heard:
“I’ll be doing an urban hike at the new Eastern Glades in Houston and uploading iNaturalist observations.”
“My group does a bike ride on the bayou every Sunday. We’re going to register, wear our matching swag, have our ride and a socially distanced lunch in the park after.”
“My boyfriend and I are going to hike Inks Lake and take lots of pictures.”
“My favorite thing is to sit in my backyard before sundown and listen to the birds. I think I’ll do this while wearing my swag, take some pictures, and support my fellow Texas Master Naturalists at the same time!”
7 – Who can participate? Everyone! There is no age limit or restrictions on participation.