Bluestem News * 1st Quarter 2019

1st Quarter 2019 * Volume 27, Issue 1

A Quarterly Newsletter Sponsored by the Friends in Support of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! 2018 was an exciting year for the Friends. We received a $200,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to improve the visitor experience at the Greer Island Trail. The grant was announced at a Friends reception honoring new Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Ralph Duggins and was made by TPWD's Executive Director, Carter Smith.

The Friends also hosted its first members-only event, S'mores by Starlight, in November. More than 60 people attended the event and enjoyed stargazing, exploring owl pellets, building a candy campfire, and night hiking. Our next members-only event, Sweetheart Sunset on the Boardwalk, will be held on February 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. All members may bring a guest to enjoy small bites, sips, and the gorgeous sunset over the Boardwalk. Stay tuned for more details on our April event—Bagels & Botany with Bob (O'Kennon). If you are not a member, we hope you will join the Friends and enjoy these events and all the Nature Center has to offer.

Here's to a great 2019!

Haily

Haily Summerford, MBA

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

Look How We Have Grown!

Elsewhere in this newsletter, you can read about two new part-time naturalists who have joined the Nature Center’s team. When I first came to the Refuge in 1997, seven full-time staff members and three part-timers worked here. Looking back on those times, it is hard to believe we were able to accomplish so much.

Conservation on the Refuge

Deer of the Refuge

Throughout our work week, not a day goes by where we don’t see a car full of visitors enjoying the sight of deer alongside our roadsides. We have many attractions here at the Refuge, but deer are easily one of the most popular. Although deer are plentiful now, there was a time when finding them on the Refuge was a rare occurrence.

Staff and Volunteer Spotlights

Welcome Aboard

We are happy to introduce two new staff members at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Angelica Herrera and Avery Pesek began work in November. These two part-time staff members have hit the ground running, assisting staff with visiting school groups, working on projects across the Refuge, and developing programs for the public.

Calling All "Volunteens"!

Inspiring a love of nature in a generation engrossed in gaming devices is a challenge. As parents, mentors, and family members, it is essential to offer various types of opportunities to foster an appreciation of our natural resources. The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge offers three volunteer opportunities in which youth can participate to create memorable nature experiences.

Friends News

Friends Receive $200,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Grant

The Friends have received a recreational trails grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The $200,000 grant will fund improvements to the southern portion of the Nature Center's Greer Island Trail area.

"Trails to Nature" Benefits Fort Worth School Children

The Friends recently received a $10,000 grant from the Alcon Foundation that is funding a new education program at the Nature Center. The new program is called “Trails to Nature,” and fifth-grade students from W.J. Turner Elementary made the program’s inaugural field trip on December 5.

I n the News

The Friends have been in the news! Click the links below to see where we have recently been featured.

NBC 5

WBAP

E nd of an Era

No matter how much we enjoy a nature hike, it’s understandable to be a little sad at the end of the trail. Those are the feelings we have as we share the news that the Friends will not be hosting the Buffalo Boogie run this year.

If you’ve been a part of the annual Buffalo Boogie, you know how much that event has meant to all of us. It wasn’t an easy decision after 26 years, but participant numbers and sponsorships have declined in the last few years, so continuing the event this year is not a viable option.

Even though we will not be hosting Buffalo Boogie, plenty of other opportunities are available to start new traditions (or find a new trail to explore, so to speak!). Please join us for other events and consider becoming a member so you will be notified of all our special upcoming events.

We will be taking down our Buffalo Boogie Facebook page. Please follow us on our organizational page to learn about future events.

Thank you again for your participation and support,

Friends Board of Directors

Bluestem Broadcasts

First Friends Members-Only Event a Hit

One of the benefits of joining the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center is access to special members-only events and activities. In November, a special “S’mores by Starlight” event proved very popular, and it filled up fast. Listen in on our latest podcast to find out more.