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2nd Quarter 2024 | Volume 32, Issue 2

Photo by K.P. Wilska

A Quarterly Newsletter of the Friends and the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Dear Friends,

 

Hot weather has arrived. With the advent of warmer temperatures, a variety of summer plants and wildlife will now make an appearance at the Nature Center. As of May 1, the Nature Center began its summer operating hours, opening an hour earlier in the morning at 7 a.m. Beat the heat this summer and enjoy the outdoors at the Nature Center during the early cooler hours.


The Friends had the honor of hosting Fort Worth Wild 2024 on April 25 at the Nature Center. This annual dinner and gala turned out to be an extraordinary evening in front of the bison herd at the Bison Viewing Deck. With nearly 200 guests in attendance, the event featured delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Reata; a special video and presentation in recognition of our 2024 honoree, Bob O’Kennon; our first-ever auction; and lots of camaraderie as we kicked off our celebration of our 50th anniversary year. We offer a sincere thank you to our sponsors in the article below. In the article, you can also view the video we prepared for Bob.

 

Change has come to the Nature Center. After 26 years of dedication, Nature Center Manager Rob Denkhaus is moving on to an exciting new role with the City of Fort Worth’s Park and Recreation Department. We want to thank Rob for his more than two decades of service to a place that is so special to us all. Read more about Rob’s departure in the article below.

 

2024 will bring change to the Friends as well as we continue the search for our new Executive Director. We anticipate an announcement in the near future.

 

Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful place.


Sincerely,

Linda Christie

President

Friends Board of Directors

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

9,800 Days Ago


I reported to work for the first time 9,800 days ago (as of this writing) at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 1997. On Monday, May 6, 2024, after 26.85 years, I reported to work at another City of Fort Worth Park and Recreation Department site for the first time.

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Friends News

Thank You to Our Sponsors


We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Fort Worth Wild 2024 sponsors who helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary and honor someone near and dear to the Friends, our very own Bob O’Kennon. To learn more about Bob and the fascinating life that led him to conservation, here is the video we prepared in recognition of his many achievements.

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Wildlife on the Refuge

A New Visitor


It happens often. You’re driving and get distracted. As a result, you miss a turn or an exit and find yourself somewhere other than your destination. This happens to wildlife as well. When this occurs at the Nature Center, we can reap the rewards of seeing an animal not from around here. This winter, many visitors noticed a bird they could not find in the field guides of wildlife belonging in this area.

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What's Blooming?

Protective Mechanism with an Itchy Outcome


Have you ever considered the practical ways plants protect themselves from being eaten or harmed? Some have developed various self-defense mechanisms that are easily noticeable by hikers, including the sharp spines on a prickly pear cactus or the long thorns on a honey locust tree. However, some defenses, such as chemical defenses, aren't as noticeable but can be felt after contact.

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At the Nature Center

Prescribed Burn Marks Milestone in Conservation Efforts


In a historic moment for the City of Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge recently conducted its largest prescribed burn to date. Spanning 246 acres within the area of the Refuge known as “Cross Timbers,” this prescribed burn not only sets a record for the City but also marks the first time Nature Center staff have burned the Refuge’s old-growth forest.

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Volunteer and Staff Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Isaiah Kuhns


For this volunteer spotlight, I want to shine a light on someone truly exceptional: Isaiah Kuhns. Isaiah has been a dedicated volunteer, pouring his time and passion into making a positive impact in our Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge community.

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Introducing the Refuge’s New Natural Resource Technicians


We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new Natural Resource Technicians, David Reasoner and Taylor Phillips, to our Refuge team. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in parks and natural resource management make them valuable assets to the Nature Center.

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Upcoming Events

Let Us Hear From You!

Did you enjoy this issue of Bluestem News? Send your comments to info@naturecenterfriends.org!
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