Kari Warden is currently the Early Childhood Education Coordinator for I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center. This spring, Kari launched a new program that focuses on real world science and outdoor education for the preschool learner. Kari believes outdoor education begins close to home and starts at an early age. Using her passion for the outdoors and teaching background, Kari hopes to encourage young children to be aware of their immediate surroundings and the natural environment. Kari has a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education from Texas State University. She also has ten+ years of teaching experience with a range from pre-school to fourth grade. In addition, (More Importantly) she is a mother and home-school teacher to her own two nature loving children ages 7 & 5. Her husband and herself are outdoor enthusiast and take their children on adventures from mountains, down rivers, and on coastal shores. Kari hopes to find a community of like minded teachers wiling to help our preschool children get more time outside. Lets set our children up with the confidence they need to be successful in kindergarten. Studies show that kids who play and learn outside are Healthier, Happier, & Smarter.