What we’re about
What is a Nature Nerd anyway?
A Nature Nerd is someone who wants field based or hands-on experiences (e.g. hikes, citizen science, etc.), but is also interested in the current scientific research (i.e. astronomy, biology, ecology, physics, etc.). Anyone who wants to share what they know and what they are learning is included. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join regardless of skill level, ability, or location!
Our basic expectation of behavior from everyone is "Be Considerate!'
The outdoor activities we schedule range from the Austin area, across all of Texas, and to other states. Hikes, observational activities (e.g. birding or astronomy), service/restoration/remediation projects with other groups (e.g Sierra Club), kayaking, and climbing are some examples. This includes more challenging back-country excursions with increased costs and skill requirements. If you have an idea for an activity or would like to participate as an event leader please contact any of the organizers.
"Men and women wanted for hazardous journey. No wages, bitter cold and sweltering heat, long hours of bright darkness. Safety doubtful. Wonder certain. More of the same in the event of success." [1]
We do have a basic rule that governs all activities:
No police, other LEA, firemen, EMTs, tax men, or other authority figures in a bad mood. If your event or project requires insurance, licenses, or needs to meet other regulatory requirements it is not Nature Nerds responsibility to provide them.
We also pursue deeper and more technical understandings of our interests by keeping up with the current literature (e.g. paper or book reading/reviews), as well as lectures and classes . These activities can be in person, virtual, or hybrid (i.e. in person and virtual).
Past activities have included nature walks to identify plants and animals, going to presentations (e.g. birds, grasses, and bats), and other activities that increased our knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. We have taken trips to Commons Ford, St. Edwards Park, Breckenridge Lab, and Canyon of the Eagles.
Sharing your experiences with pictures, videos, papers, computer programs, and other media is highly encouraged and your effort is appreciated.
Here are some links to better help explain the scope of our activities:
Basic Research -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_research
Hard and Soft Science -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_and_soft_science
Exact Sciences -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exact_sciences
Citizen Science -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_science (This used to be called 'Amateur Science' and goes back to at least 1928)
The Amateur Scientist -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amateur_S...
Open Science -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_science
Backcountry vs. Frontcountry -- https://www.trailspace.com/blog/2010/07/06/backcountry-versus-frontcountry.html
Wilderness Medical Emergency -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilderness_medical_emergency (Please seriously consider taking the time and effort to get CPR and WFA training.)
Leave No Trace -- https://lnt.org/
The 10 Essentials -- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html (Be sure to select the Expert Advise menu page for more outdoor information!)
The Rule of Threes -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_threes_(survival)#:~:text=Normally%2C%20the%20rule%20of%20threes,(extreme%20heat%20or%20cold).
Lightning Safety - American Hiking Society -- https://americanhiking.org/resources/lightning-safety/
Crackpot Index -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crackpot_index
Discovery Hall -- https://txarchives.org/aushc/finding_aids/00673.xml (James Choate was a founding member)
The Exploratorium -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratorium
Here are some groups that we partner with:
Austin Sierra Club (Disclosure - James Choate is an Event Leader for the chapter) -- https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin
Austin Astronomical Society (Disclosure - James Choate is a member) -- https://austinastro.org/
Austin Physics for Fun (Disclosure - James Choate is an organizer) -- https://www.meetup.com/physics-1/
Capital Area Master Naturalist -- https://camn.org/
Balcones Canyonland Master Naturalist-- https://bctxmn.org/ (Stephanie Putnam is a member of this group, please contact her if you are interested in joining.)
ASMBLY Makerspace - Was ATX Hackerspace -- https://asmbly.org/
Diogenes Makerspace - Private - Our primary build site -- Contact James Choate for more info
South Austin Makerspace (In formation) -- https://www.meetup.com/southaustinmakerspace/
Texas Rock Climbing -- https://www.meetup.com/Texas-Rock-Climbing/
Asheville Science Tavern (Asheville, NC) - We cross-post activities with this group -- https://www.meetup.com/Asheville-Science-Tavern/
@Boslab Boston Open Science Laboratory - We cross-post activities with this group -- https://www.meetup.com/BosLab/
Counter Culture Labs -- https://www.meetup.com/Counter-Culture-Labs...
[1] Brotherton, Mike. "Spider Star" (ISBN 978-0-7653-1125-2).
This is a quote which is itself a play on Ernest Shackleton's supposed request for participants in his Antarctic Expedition:
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."
The irony is it appears that the quote was fabricated many years after the actual event and is nothing more than urban legend.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $$ FRIDAY NIGHT FEAR OF THE DARK? EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON LIKE NEVER BEFORE!Eternal Rock Church, Houston, TX
$$ FEAR OF THE DARK?
How is your night vision? Are you easy to get spooked in the dark?
This is the challenge we propose you: try a guided, night, kayak tour of downtown Houston. This is kayaking therapy!
$159 per person, all included (gear, instruction and guiding services).
Quality equipment. Certified guide. Rich historic tour. Fluid itinerary.
Small, private tour, advance prepaid registration is required.
Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to sign up.These are 5 reasons why you should sign up:
- Allow yourself the thrill of a midweek adventure!!
- Gift yourself with a unique experience! Spend quality ME TIME!
- Get out of your comfort zone, so you will grow more courageous!
- Explore and discover downtown Houston in a very unique way: glide quietly in the dark to view the city from the water level up!
- Be different! Lifelong Houstonians don't know what the city feels like at night; what it smells like, what it sounds like, and what wildlife is moving in the dark...
"I am a man who walks alone | And when I'm walking a dark road
At night or strolling through the park | When the light begins to change
I sometimes feel a little strange | A little anxious when it's dark
Fear of the dark, fear of the dark | I have a constant fear that something's always near
Fear of the dark, fear of the dark | I have a phobia that someone's always there" by Iron MaidenUrban streetlights, glassy skyscrapers, bridges and traffic shine lights that reflect off the water creating a magic display of colors and shapes and sounds. The whole event is going to be really fun!
Constantin will share historical, environmental, engineering, and politico-social-economic knowledge about Houston during this 2-3 hour guided kayak tour. All gear and instruction are provided, but please bring a headlamp if you've got one. We will provide instruction. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
Night paddling can be very intriguing and also very relaxing! This is such a stunning time of day to be on the water - hope you'll join us!
Sign up early! Limited seats. Event cross posted on several platforms.
We take appointments! This event can be rescheduled for an evening during the week that's convenient for your party of 4.
Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to confirm logistics, gear size, to answer your questions, and to process payment.
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WHAT TO BRING:
Bring a 33 oz. water bottle and snack to take with you in the boat. Your bottom will get wet: bring with you a towel to cover your car seats for a comfortable ride home.
We do not want and do not expect anyone to capsize and will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes. Dress for immersion by dressing only with synthetic clothing that dry up quickly.
Bring a headlamp if you have one, and water shoes (closed toed sandals, or old sneakers; no crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots or rain boots).
Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing. Wear paddling (cycling, workout) gloves to prevent blisters.
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UNDECIDED? Questioning if it's worthing? Check out our photos here:
2022 Downtown Houston Night Kayak Tour
2023 Downtown Houston Private Tour / Michelle
2023 Halloween Fear of the Dark
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I am happy to answer your questions - please call me at 832-686-3231.
I look forward to going kayaking together!Constantin
[Call/Text: 832 686 3231]PS: Constantin is a certified ACA L-3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor, ACA L-3 River Kayak Instructor and ACA L-3 River Canoe Instructor, and ACA L-3 Trip Leader, Sierra International and NOLS Wilderness First Aid, among other certifications.
Born to Paddle!
LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination? Let's chat!!
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, eco tours, overnight camping excursions down the river, across the lake and weekend long adventures at sea along the Texas Gulf Coast, and more advanced skills classes focused on sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking and flatwater and river canoeing solo and tandem. Let's chat!!