4th Quarter 2018 * Volume 26, Issue 5

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

At more than 3,600 acres, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is one of the largest urban nature parks in the country (in comparison, New York City’s Central Park is 840 acres). The Friends not only want the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge to remain one of the largest urban nature parks in the country but also become one of the BEST in the country. We need our members more than ever as we embark on this path to greatness. In March, we asked our members for their feedback on our membership program. Overwhelmingly, participating members expressed interest in member events. Our membership committee took this to heart and developed several FREE member-only events this fall and spring. These events will be in lieu of an annual meeting. We hope you will encourage your friends to join you at an event and become a member. Why become a member? Membership dollars help the Friends support the Nature Center with feed and care for the bison herd, critical staff for conservation education, feed and care for all education ambassador animals, and funding for capital improvements and repairs. As a member, you receive several benefits, including free unlimited admission to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge for one year, invitations to member-only events, 10% discount in the gift shop, discounts on Nature Center programs, and our quarterly Bluestem News email newsletter. We hope to see you at the upcoming member-only events and hope you will encourage others to join. Mark your calendars! October 10 – S'mores by Starlight ~ 5:30-8:00 pm February 16 – Sweetheart Sunset on the Boardwalk ~ 6:00 pm More events planned for April and June! Thank you for joining us on this trail to greatness, Haily

Haily Summerford, MBA

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

Summer Interns Tackle Refuge Projects The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is an ever-evolving vision, and within every vision lies a project. In fact, multiple projects—including new infrastructure—that were tackled by our summer interns throughout the hot summer months. READ More

Conservation on the Refuge

Ready, Set, Bird! Fall is a great time to take up a new hobby—specifically birding. North Texas is perfectly situated along the central flyway, an annual migration path frequented by a variety of different bird species. Many of these birds are large and easily observed, even with the naked eye. READ More

Volunteer Spotlights

Becoming a Nature Mentor Autumn is the season in which we notice changes in temperature, fall foliage, and length of day, providing cues for the Nature Center to prepare for school-age students to once more visit our park. Their exploration of nature’s treasures along a trail is made possible, in part, from our enthusiastic, informed, and gracious group of volunteer nature interpreters known as docents. READ More

Nature Center Cabinet of Curiosities

Hitting a Milestone Since its earliest beginnings in 1964 when the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge—then known as the Greer Island Nature Center—consisted of only a few hundred acres and the trail system was a meager few miles, the staff has relied on the local community of naturalists to help document the flora and fauna that call the area home.  READ More

Bluestem Broadcasts

LISTEN Here

Camp Paddle & Cast and the Joys of Nature Partnering with the city's community centers, the Nature Center introduces urban kids from Fort Worth's neighborhoods to the joys of nature during the Camp Paddle & Cast summer program. The kids are able to canoe along the West Fork of the Trinity River, camp under the stars, and learn to fish. For many of these kids, a visit to the Nature Center marks their first encounter with the natural world. By getting to know and appreciate nature, kids acquire new confidence and a stronger sense of place. The program is available at no cost to families. In this month's Bluestem Broadcasts, watch the video and listen in to hear more about this popular program and how it helps inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Upcoming Events

What Can I Do During Fall and Winter at the Nature Center? School has barely started, but many of us are already looking forward to the holidays and visits from family and friends. The Nature Center offers many opportunities to engage with the outdoors, including different types of experiences tailored toward adults, families, and children. LEARN More

Let Us Hear from You!

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