We’ve hosted nature days, BioBlitz events, and creek adventures over the years, and with the opening of Waterloo Park in 2021, we’re ready to take our educational programming to the next level.
This year, our Amplify Austin campaign will support three new educational initiatives: a creative writing contest to engage and support local schools, a Waterloo Greenway children’s book celebrating the natural and social history of Austin, and outdoor educational programming in the soon to be opened Waterloo Park.
With your support, we hope to raise $25,000 by March 5 to amplify our educational initiatives! All gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by the Tapestry Foundation, a generous supporter of literacy-based programs in Austin.
Make a gift today to help us raise $25,000 by March 5!
Creek Monster Writing Contest
Our first initiative is a creative writing contest done in partnership with local schools. Have you met the Creek Monster? Likely you have seen him at our annual Creek Show. We adore Creek Monster but we long to know more!
This spring, we’re inviting students at AISD elementary schools and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create an origin story for our beloved and mysterious Creek Monster. Contest winners will have their stories featured during the next Creek Show and will receive cash prizes and gift cards for their classrooms and schools.
As students write their Creek Monster stories and learn about their new park system, they might also explore their own origin and family history. Perhaps they’ll learn about creeks, environmental issues, or biology — the possibilities are endless!
Stay tuned to learn more about the Waterloo Greenway children’s book and other educational initiatives!
Waterloo Greenway Children’s Book
With generous support from the Tapestry Foundation, Waterloo Greenway is working in partnership with local urban designer and advocate Heyden Walker and her colleagues at Black + Vernooy to create an illustrated children’s book to tell the story behind the development of Austin and the Waterloo Greenway project.
Starting in prehistoric times and continuing the story through present day, the book will cover diverse communities that have lived along Waller Creek over many centuries as well as the path forged toward sustainability and inclusivity during recent decades.
The Waterloo Greenway children’s book will weave a story that is simple enough for young children and incorporates detailed, researched historical information for older readers. Illustrations will vividly highlight the transformation of Waller Creek, culminating with the creation of Waterloo Park!