4th Quarter 2022 | Volume 30, Issue 4

Photo by K.P. Wilska

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

Dear Friends,

 

Fall finally arrived, and this year’s fall colors have been spectacular! I strongly recommend a trip to the Nature Center to see the amazing display of colors. You may also find deer eating acorns along the road. Please remember to drive the speed limit at the Nature Center. Deer are very active this time of year, and this week, a buck jumped in front of my car. He was beautiful! The slower you go, the more you see!

We hosted our final two 2022 members-only events, Breakfast with the Bison — featuring Lucille Contreras with the Texas Buffalo Project — and Stars & S’mores. You will find more details about the breakfast in this issue. Stars & S’mores was held on a chilly night that was perfect for a large campfire, s’mores, hot chocolate, and night hikes. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to join us! Stay tuned for upcoming spring events.

 

Another major project is underway at the Nature Center — the restoration of the Marty Leonard Boardwalk. See the article in this issue and a project update with progress photos. Thanks to your support, we can create new ways to experience the Nature Center.

 

I hope each one of you has a wonderful holiday season and can include nature in your celebrations. Nature brings peace and joy all year round.

 

Your friend in nature,

Haily Summerford, MBA

Executive Director

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

Dynamic Change on the Horizon


It is an axiom of the natural world that nature is dynamic. So, too, is the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. In nature, dynamic change is usually the result of adaptation or evolution in response to larger-scale changes, such as a warming and drying climate. For the Nature Center, dynamic change is seen as a response to visitor needs.

CONTINUE Reading

Friends News

Breakfast with the Bison Welcomes Very Special Guest


On a glorious morning in September, the Friends hosted our annual Breakfast with the Bison, featuring a very special guest, Lucille Contreras. Lucille is the CEO and founder of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project and is a member of the Lipan Apache Band of Texas. Her organization is a nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the traditional relationship between the Lipan Apache and their relatives the bison.

CONTINUE Reading

Conservation on the Refuge

Winter: A Hiker's Reprieve


The end of fall is bittersweet for those who enjoy observing the last of the season's invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. For these cold-blooded animals, winter’s low temperatures make it difficult to remain active. They will seek hideaways under stones, logs, leaf litter, or old burrows and wait out winter hidden away, ready to continue their life cycle when spring arrives. The beginning of the cold season also marks a reprieve from unwanted encounters with certain tiny immature mites: chiggers.

CONTINUE Reading

At the Nature Center

Making Progress on Boardwalk Reconstruction


You may have noticed the road to the boardwalk and pavilion is closed. While it may be frustrating that you cannot access it right now, you’ll be in for a nice surprise once it reopens. The area is getting a new parking lot, toilet, trail, AND boardwalk restoration.


Please abide by the posted area, road, and trail closures to ensure everyone's safety.

Volunteer and Staff Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Preston Nichols


Preston Nichols is one of the passionate future conservationists whom the Nature Center is so proud to mentor in its volunteer program. I met with Preston in March to discuss volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center. Preston showed plenty of enthusiasm during his interview and was excited to dive into the opportunities we have available for volunteers.

CONTINUE Reading

Welcome to Teil Anderson


My name is Teil Anderson, and I have recently joined the wonderful team at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. I have enjoyed hiking the trails here since I was about five years old, and the Nature Center has continued to provide me with a safe space to explore and truly heal by being in nature.

CONTINUE Reading

Did You See It?

Bison Viewing Decks Construction


Each issue, we highlight the most-popular post that was featured on social media the previous quarter. Enjoy this look back at what caught our followers' attention. Follow us if you haven't already! Links are below.


From July 25, 2022


On July 25, Anchor Construction began site preparation for the new Bison Viewing Decks at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The two decks will give visitors a great view of the bison. To learn more about this project, read here: naturecenterfriends.org/a-new-view-of-the-bison/

Upcoming Events

Let Us Hear From You!

Did you enjoy this issue of Bluestem News? Send your comments to info@naturecenterfriends.org!
Yes
No

Connect With Us


Facebook Logo - CC.png
Instagram Logo - CC.png
LinkedIn Logo - CC.png



Facebook Logo - CC.png


LinkedIn Share