Welcome to our Resources & FAQs section! Here, we provide valuable information and answers to frequently asked questions to help you navigate Nature Challenge with ease. Whether you're looking for tips on how to get started, ways to engage with the community, or information on environmental conservation, this section is your go-to resource. Don't see your question listed? Reach out to us, and we'll be happy to assist you!
Nature Challenge accounts are free and easy to create, and they allow users to keep track of their completed and saved challenges, as well as virtual badges. You are not required to create an account to participate in most challenges, however you will need to create an account to earn virtual badges.
Click the “Start Challenge” button on a challenge details page to begin a challenge.
Note: Because challenges are created by approved service providers, some challenges may also carry require separate registration requirements, such as volunteer or service projects sign ups that occur outside of the Nature Challenge site. Those details can be found on the Challenge details page and may link to external resources. Be sure to carefully read the requirements of each challenge to ensure you’re able to participate as intended.
Provider Accounts
Providers must submit a provider account application to become a Nature Challenge Provider. That process can be found here.
Nature Challenge is a platform that connects everyday people with easy, and fun ways to explore, learn, and make a positive difference in the health and sustainability of our ecosystems. Challenges are created by approved providers that represent a wide variety of interests and needs in local communities. Challenges are organized by ecosystem types and environmental topics– There’s something for everyone, and it’s always growing!
View the Map to find challenges that are designed to be completed at a specific location, or view the List of Challenges to find things that can be done anywhere, such as at home, at school, or online.
Nature Challenge itself is free to use, including creating an account and tracking your progress. The challenges are created by a network of external service providers, such as zoos, state parks, or nature centers. Providers set their own fees, so participating in some challenges may not be free to access and could include fees like site entry or equipment rental costs. Paid challenges are clearly marked, and additional details about pricing can be found on the Challenge Information Page.
Explorers
Nature challenge users have the opportunity to upload photos to the galleries of challenges they complete, helping inspire others and highlight accomplishments. By completing these challenges users are making lasting positive impacts on the environment through learning, play, exploration, and developing deep connections with the natural world.
Providers
Nature Challenge allows a broad network of environmental and conservation service partners to generate opportunities and fun activities that can engage a wide variety of audiences, skill levels, and sustainability goals. Organizations must complete the application and verification process to become an approved Nature Challenge Provider that is able to create and post challenges. This helps ensuring the safety of all users on the site. Visit the Become a Provider page and Nature Challenge Provider today!
While users cannot currently create challenges on their own, they are encouraged to reach out to a local service provider, such as an established nature-based organization, parks department or nature center to collaborate and propose new challenges. Users can also submit ideas for challenges via the Contact Us page.
Challenge Audiences
There’s something for everyone!
Challenges are marked as “All Ages” or can be designed for specific audiences, such as:
The challenge detail page provides more specific information about intended audiences, and parents and guardians are encouraged to use their best judgement when participating in challenges.
Challenge Difficulty & Restrictions
Challenges are created and maintained by a network of approved service providers that decide both the audience and intended skill level for a challenge. Some Nature Challenges are more difficult than others and may be designed specifically for higher skill and experience levels. Intended audience, age-appropriateness and skill level information can be found on the challenge information page.
Difficult challenges are marked with a red circle [red circle icon] to indicate that they may not be suitable for all ages. Users are encouraged to carefully read the challenge details page and challenge requirements before participating.
Users must either partner with an existing organization or apply to become a Nature Challenge Service provider in order to create and post their own challenges. However, if you feel inspired to create an activity or service project that could help improve the ecosystems in your community, submit an inquiry on the Contact Us page. Nature Challenge may be able to partner or connect you with a local organization to help launch your challenge.
Nature Challenge is continuously improving the site and experience for our users and providers. If you encounter an issue while using the site, submit a request to the Contact Us page, and the Nature Challenge administrators will review the issue as quickly as possible.
Review the Nature Challenge Terms and Conditions to learn more.
The following describes important information regarding the rules of using the Nature Challenge website.
1. As a user of the Nature Challenge website, you can share comments or photos (Data) on the site. If you do not agree with these terms and conditions, do not submit Data on the website. When you share Data on the site, you grant Texas A&M Forest Service and cooperators collectively known as “Nature Challenge” the unrestricted, perpetual, worldwide, non-transferable, royalty-free right to display, exhibit, transmit, reproduce, record, digitize, modify, alter, adapt, create derivative works, and otherwise use the Data in any media for purposes of evaluation, training, research, promotion, marketing, fund raising, exhibits, or any other lawful purpose.
2. You verify that the following facts are true:
a. You are at least 18 years old, or, if younger than 18 years old, you have the permission of a parent to post the Data;
b. You own all rights in the Data or otherwise have the right to submit the Data;
c. The Data does not violate or infringe upon the copyright, trademark, publicity, privacy, or other rights of anyone;
d. Everyone identifiable in the Data has consented to the submission of the Data and use of the Data as permitted under these terms; and
e. Use of the Data by Texas A&M Forest Service or others working on behalf of Texas A&M Forest Service as permitted under these terms will not violate anyone’s rights or conflict with or violate any commitment made to anyone, and no one else’s consent is required to use the Data as permitted under these terms.
3. You will indemnify and defend Nature Challenge, Texas A&M Forest Service, The Texas A&M University System, its regents, officers, directors, volunteers, contractors, and representatives from any claims asserted because the verified facts are not true.
4. You waive, release, and forever discharge Nature Challenge, Texas A&M Forest Service, The Texas A&M University System, its regents, officers, directors, volunteers, contractors, and representatives from any rights, claims, and liability relating to the use of the Data as described above, including claims resulting from the negligence of releasees.
5. Nature Challenge does not actively monitor Data being posted. If you do not approve of Data that has been posted of or about you, please contact NatureChallenge to have it removed from the site.
Nature Challenge collect and monitors a variety of analytics that help us estimate environmental impacts, this includes collecting data on the types of challenges on the platform, number of acres improved through service projects, and much more. Nature Challenge providers are also able to collect data on use statistics as well as on the ground impacts within their profile and within in the Analytics Dashboard. Additionally, Nature Challenge tracks self-reported provider goals that are consistent with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals to help raise awareness and enhance progress toward meeting these global objectives.