The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library in Mercedes has added an outdoor learning space to go with its books of knowledge and the many events it houses indoors.

On July 31^st, the library and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the new Hands In Nature learning space. Its purpose is to inspire outdoor learning, family time, and spark environmental curiosity through interactive exhibits, sensory plants, and herbs. The innovative outdoor space is open to residents of all ages with an emphasis on children.

Marisol Vidales, the city’s library director and historic preservation officer, notes that many children can readily say what their favorite restaurant or television show is, but “when asked to identify their favorite bird or plant, they have no idea.”

The different outdoor stations featuring hands-on experiences with nature and plants are designed to give children a new outlook while getting them to venture more often outside the walls of a building.

“We really need to get people outside to learn about that, (outdoor life), and having an appreciation of things beyond looking at a computer or screen,” Vidales said. “Research shows that going outdoors helps children with mental health issues and stress. It just relaxes you.”

Learning Outdoors

The smiles on the faces of youngsters as they explored the new learning new spaces support what Vidales stated in how being outdoors boosts the spirits of children.

Buckets of dirt in bright orange buckets with mini shovels of all colors awaited children after the grand opening. Many dug in right away under a shaded area. Groups of children began scooping dirt into plastic pots to prepare them for planting. Adults looked on and provided assistance when needed. The Hands In Nature space is well designed with bright colors, big green chalkboards, and decorative fencing.

A short walking trail leads out from the learning space and curls along the library’s east side in offering a bit more outdoor time after the planting activities. Sensory play stations are found along the trail in giving children another outdoor activity option.

“Being outside gives you a new world when you’re a child, and it helps to develop imagination and creativity,” Vidales said.

Filling A Void

The outdoor space addition was largely funded by a grant given by the Knapp Community Care Foundation along with other city and grant funding sources.

The Knapp grant was recognized by Vidales and other city leaders at the grand opening ceremony. Many nature-oriented organizations were on hand as well, including representatives from state parks and national wildlife refuge areas. The impetus was to inform and educate while encouraging families and their children to learn more about the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Mercedes library was already a Nature Smart Library in partnership with state parks as part of a Texas program that seeks to create outdoor play and exploration spaces in their communities. Opening the Hands In Nature space is a significant step in making that more of a viable option in Mercedes.

“Too many people miss out on that and we wanted to bring something like that here,” Vidales said of the new outdoor space. “Get your hands dirty with outdoor learning.”

- Ric Cavazos

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