FOTHNA pays for the buses to transport students from school to Tandy Hills. 
We recruit the creme de la creme of Master Naturalists to guide the students. 
The students are divided into small groups of about 10 students to one Master Naturalist and a school chaperone. 
They hike down the hills... 
... and up the hills... 
... investigating and exploring along the way. 
A bit of reflection and a snack at the Outdoor Classroom. 
After 3 hours of field immersion we provide a healthy lunch from Whole Foods Market and instruct how to recycle the leftovers. 
A group photograph tops off the day... 
...at one of the most beautiful settings in all of Texas.
Our signature outdoor education program
Beginning in 2010, FOTHNA teamed up with Fort Worth ISD, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department and Cross Timbers Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists program for field investigation trips at one of the few remaining native prairie habitats in Fort Worth.
2017 Dates have not yet been determined.
Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area (FOTHNA) proudly announce this year's edition of our signature outdoor education program, Kids On the Prairie (KOP).
Beginning in 2010, FOTHNA teamed up with Fort Worth ISD, City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department and Cross Timbers Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists program for field investigation trips at one of the few remaining native prairie habitats in Fort Worth.
The 160-acre Tandy Hills Natural Area, located in the heart of Fort Worth is primarily managed to preserve a rare, tall grass prairie remnant and is easily accessible for many schools.
In both Spring and Fall programs, FOTHNA pays for bus transport, field journals, a healthy picnic lunch and other costs for hundreds of FWISD students to learn about their native habitat. They even get an FSC-certified pencil. KOP helps schools stretch their dwindling funds for off-campus enrichment and education. FOTHNA also supports and facilitates any school visiting the park independently.
Students spend the day enjoying outdoor exercise while immersed in science, math and writing disciplines. An outdoor classroom aids the larger community by helping teach students how to become better stewards of the Earth, which includes their homes, schools and the neighborhood prairie.
designer: tiNG tiNG design
printer: Precision Press
The Kids on the Prairie program is aligned with the National Science Foundation, Next Generation of Science Standards, STEAM standards (science, technology, engineerings, arts & math) and Texas State Standards.
Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD)
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
City of Fort Worth, Parks & Community Service (PACS)
Cross Timbers Master Naturalists
Special thanks to, the FASH Foundation and the Fort Worth Audubon Society, for their generous support.
In 2015, Bethy Young, organized a local group of home-school parents focused on holistic education ideas.
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area, celebrates 5 years of helping connect north Texas school children to the natural world via their award-winning outdoor education program, Kids on the Prairie.
June 9, 2015 was Kids on the Prairie - Awards Day at Morningside Elementary School. The award winners did an exceptional job of essay writing, poetry and art after their field investigation at Tandy Hills in May. Debora & Don Young judged the entries and selected winners in each category.
