SHARE:  

1st Quarter 2023 | Volume 31, Issue 1

Photo by K.P. Wilska

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

Dear Friends,

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family, friends, and nature. This is one of my favorite times of the year to be at the Nature Center. Beautiful prairie grasses swaying in the wind, leafless trees permitting a better view of the birds, and a peaceful quiet coming from the forest. If you haven’t visited in winter, I highly recommend it.

Soon, the Nature Center will be buzzing! Greening prairies, budding trees, and migrating birds flying over or stopping by the Nature Center. The sweet smell and sounds of spring are also one of my favorite times of the year.

 

I want to thank you again for supporting our mission. I can’t say enough how grateful we are for your membership and generosity. Because of you, we can support the Nature Center by providing veterinary care for the bison herd and other wildlife ambassador animals, capital projects, and protection of more acreage within and surrounding the Refuge.

 

I have met some of you, but I would like to meet as many of you as possible. I realize not everyone can make it to member events at the Nature Center, so I am planning some pop-up gatherings in the coming months. The first one will be “Coffee and Conservation.” We will send an email noting where I will be and what time, with the hope that some of you can join me. Keep an eye out for this email!

 

I have more pop-up ideas in the works; however, I welcome your ideas of where and when to do a pop-up. Please email me at info@naturecenterfriends.org.

 

Also, stay tuned for spring member events! We welcome your ideas for events as well.

 

I look forward to meeting some of you for the first time and reconnecting with those of you I see often.

 

Your friend in conservation,

Haily Summerford, MBA

Executive Director

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

Why is Fire Important?


Many things in this world can be tamed and controlled; others can be manipulated to do what we want. Fire falls into both categories, if applied correctly. Historically, fire used to sweep across our landscapes wild and out of control. It is said that native people learned how to manipulate fire in such a way as to become advantageous rather than detrimental. These efforts shaped our native landscapes and allowed our ecosystems to thrive with an abundance of game and beneficial plants.

CONTINUE Reading

Friends News

A Legend in Our Midst


George Bristol, Friends board member and development chair, has an incredible legacy regarding his love for parks. I have had the honor of working with George for the past few years and have been awed by his passion for the Nature Center. He not only is my mentor but also my champion. He often tells me to “keep swinging!” Well, George certainly has done that locally — and statewide.

CONTINUE Reading

What's Blooming?

Battling the Cold with Palms


We have experienced a couple of bouts of chilly weather so far this winter, and who knows when the next Arctic front will blast in from the north. Dealing with the cold can be a challenge. As a youngster growing up in the northern hinterlands, where winter weather lasted months rather than days, we learned to cozy up to the fire-warmed hearth while drinking hot chocolate and dreaming of relaxing amongst the palms on some far-off tropical isle. There’s just something about palms that seems warm and comfortable.

CONTINUE Reading

Volunteer and Staff Spotlight

Volunteer at the Nature Center


Now that the Nature Center is getting back to normal, we are seeing an influx of volunteers who are eager to help around the Refuge. We have many opportunities available for volunteers. Volunteering with the Natural Guard and greenhouse are great options if you’re interested in getting your hands dirty and working outside. 

CONTINUE Reading

Did You See It?

National Bison Day


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 November 5, 2022


On November 5, 2022, we celebrated National Bison Day with a post featuring one of the Nature Center's 2022 bison calves (photo by K.P. Wilska). The Nature Center's bison herd is the only exhibit herd located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

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