Nature Con Event Locations
Hardwicke Interpretive Center
The Hardwicke Interpretive Center (Visitors’ Center) will be the location for Animal Ambassador presentations, Plant Sale, and Trailhead Gift Shop. Outside the building, a Roving Naturalist will be set up to answer your questions about all things Nature Center. Another Roving Naturalist will be set up at the new Viewing Deck.
Canoe Launch
Canoe Fest will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The last canoe will go out at 1:30 p.m. This is a first come, first served event. Paddlers are out on the water for :30 – :45 depending on availability. If you paddle past the dock where you loaded and there are canoes still available, feel free to continue. If you have paddled for :30-:45 and no canoes are available, we kindly ask you to come in and let someone else paddle. Tickets will be sold at the Festival Area.
Festival Area
The Festival Area is where tickets for Canoe Fest and Hayrides is located. This is also where the Conservation Hayrides will originate. Food trucks will be located here as well as some restroom. In the Festival Area, local conservation-minded organizations and City of Fort Worth groups will be on hand to share with you their conservation story. They will have activities and maybe some freebies on hand. Please stop by and visit with them. There is a Passport at the entrance to the Festival Area that you can pick up to get some discounts to the Plant Sale. Guided Hikes will start from the Entrance of the Festival Area too. There will be bird walks, iNaturalist walks, wildflower walks, and mindfulness walks starting from here. These are Free.
Parking
Parking is behind the Refuge Service Center. Please park in the back and follow suit with all the cars already parked to save space for others that will come and visit throughout the day.