Download January 2021 Phenology
The official program calendar of Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Education is an important part of our mission at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R). It is our goal to educate our community about the importance of preserving our natural resources. Individuals are unique and have different learning styles; for this reason, we provide a variety of options.
Field Experiences
Nothing can replace learning about our natural world by being immersed in its beauty. Our staff can supplement classroom curriculum with real examples in the wild. Groups that visit for a field experience include public schools, private schools, home school groups, scouting groups, civic groups and more.
Outreach
If you cannot make a trip to the FWNC&R, one of our naturalists can visit your school or group. We can bring some of our animal ambassadors and artifacts to enhance your educational experience.
Community Wide Events
We are often invited by groups throughout the Greater Fort Worth area to share information about the FWNC&R. We are happy to come out to your event to share our Mission with your participants and promote outdoor learning experiences.
Holiday and Summer Programs
In a typical school year schedule, students have breaks for the holidays and the summer. During these times we provide programs the entire family can come out and enjoy. Some of our programs during the holidays can include specialty hikes, canoeing and our famous Bison Feeding Hayrides. During the summer, when children are out of school, we offer summer camps for students to experience the outdoor world and learn about the many facets that makes nature so special and important.
If you are interested in scheduling for any of the above experiences, please contact the Hardwicke Interpretive Center at (817) 392-7410.
The official program calendar of Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The official program calendar of Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
They are colorful, small, and travel thousands of miles each fall and spring. Delve into a Monarch butterfly life’s journey by exploring their life cycles, adaptations, and migration. In addition, find out ways to help them though their life’s journey.
Whether you are in the city of the country, birds are all around. Learn some tips to bird watching in your backyard and beyond. We will learn common backyard birds in your area, how to attract them, bird watching ethics, how to select and use binoculars, and tips on how to identify your avian friend.
Bison were the largest plant eating animals on the North American prairie. Why did they almost disappear and what is being done to preserve them? Almost gone, today they are making a great comeback. Learn how we manage our bison herd.
An education naturalist will join your event and discuss everything that it takes to get a career in the conservation field.
Have you ever heard the following: “I used to play with Horned Lizards when I was a kid” or “I remember seeing Horned Lizards when I was a kid?” In this class, we will discuss some Endangered Texans. This class will focus on reasons for animals designated as Endangered or Threatened, difference between Endangered and Threatened, the difference between State and Federal guidelines, and end on a high note as we talk about some success stores of animals that were on the brink, but now are thriving.
Many perceptions exist regarding the American Alligator. To some, it is feared. To others, it is revered. Regardless of where you fall, join us and we will discuss the life history of the American Alligator, what led it to become endangered, how it has bounced back, and see some live specimens. Join us as we discuss this amazing reptile.
Bats are more than just a unique flying mammal. They play an important role as pollinators, pest controllers, and fertilizers. Join the Nature Center as we learn more about the common bats that live in our area, their plight, and how important they are for our own survival here on earth.
Did you know that there are over 5,000 species of mammals on the planet? Mammals come in all different shapes and sizes and are found on every continent in the world! Join us as we discuss the unique biology of mammals and explore our local mammal species!
Explore the lives of North America’s pollinators. From bees to hummingbirds, to those that are often never seen and often forgotten. Learn of their equal importance to the reproduction of many fruits and vegetables, as well as to the biodiversity of plants. Get a closer look at their daily lives and their job as nature’s pollinators.
Discover where and how animals live in our urban environment. Students will learn about the behaviors, adaptations, habitat requirements, and characteristics of urban wildlife.
Reptiles are ancient creatures that have been around since the dinosaurs! Their special adaptations have allowed them to thrive for millions of years! From alligators, to geckos, to snakes we will learn about everything that makes a reptile unique!
Tracks, scats, and other animal signs are left daily by Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge wildlife. Detect, interpret, and identify the possible clues to reveal the creatures that left them behind by learning to read the wild.
Explore the amazing world of animal skulls through a close up examination of a variety of different skulls. Learn how to identify predators and prey and look for various adaptations that make each animal unique.
From bugs to birds, join us in investigating the lives of Texas’ most common scavengers. Learn more about who they are, their unique eating behaviors, and their special adaptations. Become aware of the benefits and impacts these organic collectors bring to their ecosystems.
Texas is home to tens of thousands plant and animal species, and has some of the most diverse species of animals in the country. Join us as we venture into the wild west and learn all about the wildlife that call Texas home too.
Turtles are one of the most recognized groups of animals living on this planet. Why has this ancient group of animals been so successful? During this program we will learn about where they live, what they eat and how they are surviving in the modern world.