OUR MISSION To enhance the quality of life by enrolling and educating our community in the preservation and protection of natural areas while standing as an example of these same principles and values in North Central Texas. Phenology Programs & Events Calendar Harlequin flower beetles compete for nectar in a prickly pear cactus flower. Photo by Elizabeth Bittner A Feast of Flowers April - June 2016 Great purple hairstreak butterfly on elbow bush blossoms Photo by Judith Sikora Walk down any trail at the Nature Center during late spring and you will notice a buzz of activity. Butterflies, bees, wasps, beetles, and flies are all competing for a precious resource. Nectar produced by flowers gives adult insects energy to find a mate, build a nest, and lay their eggs. Some insects must also gather pollen to stock their nests so the developing larvae have a protein rich meal after hatching. Of course, the flower benefits as well when pollen grains hitch a ride on a hungry insect. When we use our human eyes to admire the beautiful wildflowers, we are only seeing half the story. Many flowers have extra patterns that are only visible in UV light a spectrum which is visible to insects and some birds. These patterns are thought to attract helpful pollinators. Some markings even point the way right to where the nectar is stored. So grab your insect and wildflower guides and visit the Nature Center to see how many of these partners in pollination you can find. On the Inside... Weekend naturalist-led hikes & programs Monthly Night Hikes Guided canoeing & kayaking Preschool Discovery Club - 4th Friday of every month Canoe Fest Test drive a canoe the 3rd Sunday of every month Buffalo Boogie - May 7 Snakes of Tarrant County - May 28-30 Summer Natural History Adventures begin June 10 Volunteer opportunities Phenology \fi-nol-uh-jee\n: the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. Follow us on Facebook! www.fwnaturecenter.org 817-392-7410
APRIL Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 For more information or to register for programs, call 817-392-7410 Volunteer activities are noted in bold italics Indicates reservations required Indicates wheelchair-accessible program Cancellation for fee programs subject to $5 processing fee per person, per program Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted in the description on the opposite page 3 4 5 6 7 2 Early Birds Nature Center Geology 8 9 Photographing Wildflowers 10 Quick Start Your Kayak 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday Quercus Trek 11 12 13 Wildflower Survey 2 & 3 p.m. 14 15 16 Spring Crafts 1-4 p.m. 17 18 19 20 Canoe Fest 21 22 Preschool Discovery Club Full Moon Paddle 7:30-10 p.m. 24 25 Monarchs & Milkweeds 26 27 28 Night Hike 8-9:30 p.m. 29 23 Nature En Español 1-2:30 p.m. 30 Kayak Tour Spring Bird Hike
Every Thursday & Every April 1 April 2 April 2 April 3 8:30-11:30 a.m. April 3 April 9 April 10 2 & 3 p.m. April 16 1-4 p.m. April 17 April 22 April 22 7:30-10 p.m. April 23 1-2:30 p.m. April 24 1:30 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28 8-9:30 p.m. April 30 April 30 : Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. Please call 817-392-7410 for information. FREE (No admission fee). : Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R. Hikes feature current natural history events such as blooming wildflowers, commonly seen insects, birds, other animals and current projects on the Refuge. Bring water and dress for the weather. MAXIMUM of 15 participants. Hikes not designed for organized groups. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Early Birds: Come and join a naturalist as we try to wake up with the birds. We will take a leisurely hike around the Nature Center to see if we can find birds beginning their day. This is the best time of the day to see our fine feathered friends. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us and your camera to enhance your experience. Pre-registration required. Canoe Tour: Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River to view ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather-appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience is recommended. Registration ends the preceding Thursday or when filled. MAXIMUM of 12 participants. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. Preregistration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Nature Center Geology: Learn about the geology of the Nature Center. Explore the Walnut Shell limestone formations, Paluxy sandstone and walk by the river and look at alluvial deposits and other formations. We will see how the weather and environment have affected these. Discover fossils as you hike along the trails. Wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather. Quick Start Your Kayak: Come explore the fascinating world of kayaking. With instruction from an ACA Certified Instructor you will learn the basics you will need to paddle your own kayak safely and confidently. Kayaks, paddles, and PFD's are provided. Wear clothes/shoes that can get wet and are quick drying because you will get wet during this class. Class size is limited to 8 individuals and each person will paddle their own solo kayak. Pre-registration required. $55 (with paid admission)/members $50. Photographing Wildflowers: Come learn the tricks of photographing flowering plants (and grasses) for later identification. Class teaches techniques for photographing the flower, stem, leaf arrangement, basal rosette, entire plant. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear good shoes, bring a camera. Bring your field guide and we will stop and ID a few. Quercus Trek: Enter the world of the majestic and massive Quercus family (oaks). Come along as we hike and learn about the diversity of the oak family, their recognizable fruits and remarkable uniqueness. We will look at fallen leaves and new leaf buds, twigs, trunks, bark and shape. Wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather. Wildflower Survey: Wildflowers are carpeting green spaces with a splash of color and distinct diversity. From Crow Poison to Wine Cups, discover interesting facts of some of nature s beauties. Take a leisurely hike in search of the latest flowers in bloom at the Nature Center. Each day brings new blossoms for our viewing pleasure. Spring Crafts: Bring the whole family and make a craft to remember your visit to the Nature Center and the plants and animals that come out in spring. This program is come & go and all materials are provided. Canoe Fest: Have you ever wanted to try canoeing but did not have the equipment or place to try it out? Join us the 3rd Sunday of the month and get on the water. We provide the canoes, paddles and PFDs. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, FIRST COME- FIRST SERVED. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. $5 (with paid admission)/members $3. Preschool Discovery Club: We invite preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their adult companions to join us in discovering the exciting world of nature. In April we ll explore the prairie and discover what animals and plants live there. Pre-registration required. $8 PER CHILD (with paid admission)/members $5. Full Moon Paddle: Come and join us for a different type of canoe tour in the evening hours. This program will present new opportunities, like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing deer and raccoons. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Dress for the weather. Wear shoes that can get wet. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Minimum - 5 / Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at the Back Gate. Preregistration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Nature En Español: Enjoy the beauty of the Nature Center as you learn new words in Spanish. Join a bilingual naturalist on the Refuge trails and acquire new nature-related words to add to your repertoire. Monarchs & Milkweeds: Seek the different varieties of milkweeds seen on the Refuge. Learn the importance that milkweeds have in the invertebrate community, specifically with Monarch Butterflies. We ll go in search of milkweed patches and view the natural community that thrives in them. Night Hike: Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center s trails as we explore nature at nighthtfall. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center their home. Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Meet at Front Gate. Pre-registration required. $10 (with paid admission)/members $5. Kayak Tour: Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River with kayaks. View ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Kayakers must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by their guardian; otherwise at least 18 years old. Some previous experience recommended. Maximum - 8 participants. Meet at Little River Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Spring Bird Hike: Spring is in the air and the birds are taking advantage of the food available for their migratory trip. Join us as we hike around the Refuge in search of avian visitors and those early birds sticking around for summer. Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted
MAY Sunday 1 Monday Tuesday 2 3 Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Friday 6 Saturday 7 Buffalo Boogie Quick Start Your Kayak 8:30-11:30 a.m. Mini Bioblitz Nature Center Bison 1-2 p.m. 8 9 10 11 12 Summer Hours (May 1 - Sept 30, 2016) Broadview Park History Tour Refuge (Mon - Fri) 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Refuge (Weekend) 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. 13 Early Birds May 30, July 4, Sept 5 Refuge 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. 16 17 18 Canoe Fest Hardwicke (Daily) 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 15 14 Dragons in the Skies 19 20 Full Moon Paddle 8-10:30 p.m. 21 Composting 101 1-2:30 p.m. 22 23 24 25 Arthropods Among Us 26 Night Hike 8-9:30 p.m. 29 30 Snakes of Tarrant County 9:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. Snakes of Tarrant County 9:15 a.m. - 3 p.m. 31 27 Preschool Discovery Club 28 Snakes of Tarrant County 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information or to register for programs, call 817-392-7410 Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted in the description on the opposite page Volunteer activities are noted in bold italics Indicates reservations required Indicates wheelchair-accessible program Cancellation for fee programs subject to $5 processing fee per person, per program
Every Thursday & Every May 1 8:30-11:30 a.m. May 1 May 7 May 7 1-2 p.m. May 8 May 13 May 14 May 14 May 15 May 20 8-10:30 p.m. May 21 1-2:30 p.m. May 22 Thursday, May 26 8-9:30 p.m. May 27 Saturday - Monday, May 28 - May 30 See calendar for times : Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. Please call 817-392-7410 for information. FREE (No admission fee). May 7, 2016, come and help out with Buffalo Boogie. : Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R. Hikes feature current natural history events such as blooming wildflowers, commonly seen insects, birds, other animals and current projects on the Refuge. Bring water and dress for the weather. MAXIMUM of 15 participants. Hikes not designed for organized groups. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. No hike on May 7, 2016. Quick Start Your Kayak: Come explore the fascinating world of kayaking. With instruction from an ACA Certified Instructor you will learn the basics you will need to paddle your own kayak safely and confidently. Kayaks, paddles, and PFD's are provided. Wear clothes/shoes that can get wet and are quick drying because you will get wet during this class. Class size is limited to 8 individuals and each person will paddle their own solo kayak. Pre-registration required. $55 (with paid admission)/ MEMBERS $50. Mini Bioblitz: Join us as we list as much flora and fauna as we can find and try to identify them all. It will be fun to see how much we know and can learn about nature. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your camera. Buffalo Boogie: Visit the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature website for more information on how to register and get involved with Buffalo Boogie 2016. http://www.naturecenterfriends.org/buffalo.php. Nature Center Bison: Our bison herd plays an important role in our land management practices and educational purposes. Join a naturalist as we discuss our herd, how we utilize them for management and their historical and ecological importance for settlers and for us. Broadview Park History Tour: The Refuge includes several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Join a naturalist on a special tour of one of these hidden gems which also includes one of the best views of the lake. This area is off-trail so please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Insect repellant highly recommended. Bring water and dress for the weather. Meet at Hardwicke Interpretive Center. Early Birds: Come and join a naturalist as we try to wake up with the birds. We will take a leisurely hike around the Nature Center to see if we can find birds beginning their day. This is the best time of the day to see our fine feathered friends. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us and your camera to enhance your experience. Pre-registration required. Canoe Tour: Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River to view ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather-appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience is recommended. Registration ends the preceding Thursday or when filled. MAXIMUM of 12 participants. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Dragons in the Skies: As we approach summer, the skies will once again be filled with dragonflies as they dart across the prairie and wetlands in search of food. Come and learn about their natural history and walk with us as we help you identify the many species that call the Nature Center home. Canoe Fest: Have you ever wanted to try canoeing but did not have the equipment or place to try it out? Join us the 3rd Sunday of the month and get on the water. We provide the canoes, paddles and PFDs. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. $5 (with paid admission)/members $3. Full Moon Paddle: Come and join us for a different type of canoe tour in the evening hours. This program will present new opportunities, like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing deer and raccoons. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Dress for the weather. Wear shoes that can get wet. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Minimum - 5 / Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at the Back Gate. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Composting 101: Discover the latest practices of composting organic materials by a Master Composter and Compost Specialist. Making compost is easier than most folks think and we will take our tips from the best teacher of all, Mother Nature. The wonderful smelling fresh soil from the forest floor will be similar to the black gold you will create. Best of all, it is a free and healthy soil amendment. Pre-registration is required. Arthropods Among Us: Join us as we hike to explore the incredible diversity of sometimes unseen and forgotten arthropods. We ll take a close look at the unique, unusual and most often beneficial insects that we have around us. Be prepared for some close-up explorations. Night Hike: Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center s trails as we explore nature at night. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center their home. Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Meet at Front Gate. Pre-registration required. $10 (with paid admission)/members $5. Preschool Discovery Club: We invite preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their adult companions to join us in discovering the exciting world of nature. In May we ll explore the world of butterflies and see how many we can spot around the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. $8 PER CHILD (with paid admission)/members $5. Snakes of Tarrant County: Do you ever wonder what kinds of snakes we have throughout Tarrant County? Now is your chance to find out. Join members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society as they answer your questions and allow you to view these snakes in a safe manner. It is a great opportunity to learn about one of the most misunderstood groups of animals living in our area. Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted
JUNE Sunday Monday Tuesday For more information or to register for programs, call 817-392-7410 Volunteer activities are noted in bold italics Wednesday 1 Thursday Friday 3 2 Saturday 4 Indicates wheelchair-accessible program Paddling the Trail on National Trails Day 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cancellation for fee programs subject to $5 processing fee per person, per program Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted in the description on the opposite page Early Birds Indicates reservations required 5 6 7 8 10 9 Daisy - A Life Cycle Series 1:30-2:30 p.m. Summer Natural History Adventures Begin June 10 12 13 14 15 Intro to Kayaking 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 16 11 17 Native Snakes 1 & 2 p.m. 18 Kayak Tour 8:30-11 a. m. Wild Ambassadors Meet and Greet 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. Turtle Watch 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fold a Frog 1 & 3 p.m. 19 Canoe Fest 20 21 22 Full Moon Paddle 8-10:30 p.m. Night Hike 8:30-10 p.m. Build an Owl Box 26 Fish of the Trinity s West Fork 3-4:30 p.m. 23 27 28 29 30 Invertebrate Walk 7-10 p.m. 24 Preschool Discovery Club 25 Backyard Bee Sanctuaries
Every Thursday & Every June 3 June 4 8:30-12:30 p.m. June 5 1:30-2:30 p.m. June 11 1 & 2 p.m. June 12 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. June 12 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. June 18 June 18 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 18 1 & 3 p.m. June 19 Noon- 4 p.m. June 19 Monday, June 20 8-10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23 8:30-10 p.m. June 24 June 25 June 26 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30 7-10 p.m. : Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. Please call 817-392-7410 for information. FREE (No admission fee). : Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R. Hikes feature current natural history events such as blooming wildflowers, commonly seen insects, birds, other animals and current projects on the Refuge. Bring water and dress for the weather. MAXIMUM of 15 participants. Hikes not designed for organized groups. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Early Birds: Come and join a naturalist as we try to wake up with the birds. We will take a leisurely hike around the Nature Center to see if we can find birds beginning their day. This is the best time of the day to see our fine feathered friends. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us and your camera to enhance your experience. Pre-registration required. Paddling the Trail (National Trails Day): Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River to view ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather-appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience is recommended. Registration ends the preceding Thursday or when filled. MAXIMUM of 12 participants. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Daisy - A Life Cycle Series: Stop by and listen to local award winning author Laura Eckroat read her new book, Daisy-A Life Cycle Series. Children will take a short nature hike, plant Daisy seeds, and make a craft! Visit Laura's website to learn more about her and her books www.lauraeckroat.blogspot.com Native Snakes: Non-venomous and venomous native snakes play an integral part in the regions ecosystem. Join us as a guest herpetologist discusses general ID s of local venomous snakes, preferred habitats, and natural histories. Learning to recognize and understand venomous snakes may help us appreciate their place in the big scheme of things. Intro To Kayaking: Spend the day learning the basics of how to safely operate your kayak with an ACA Certified instructor. This longer, more in depth class will teach you how to safely paddle your kayak. Instruction will include basic paddle strokes, safety gear, wet exit and re-entry of capsized kayak (assisted and unassisted), on water hazards, planning, and transport of your boat. Wear clothes that can get wet. Bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and hat. Pre-registration required. $70 (with paid admission)/members $65. Wild Ambassadors Meet and Greet: In addition to human staff and volunteers, the Nature Center employs Animal Ambassadors to help us educate young and old about native Texas wildlife. Our animals are on display at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, but they also travel to schools, community centers, and special events. Come learn about our scaly, finned, and shelled coworkers. Kayak Tour: Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River with kayaks. View ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Kayakers must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by their guardian; otherwise at least 18 years old. Some previous experience recommended. Maximum - 8 participants. Meet at Little River Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Turtle Watch: Texas Turtle Watch is a citizen science program training the public on how to collect data on three native turtle species where population numbers are not understood. Be trained in how to identify the turtles, how to collect data and how to submit data. You are encouraged to bring a camera, binoculars, clipboard and pencil. Training will start indoors and finish outdoors using your new skills. Hours have been approved for Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training. MAXIMUM 25. Pre-registration required. Call (817) 392-7410 to register. Fold a Frog: Frogs chirp, squeak, quack, or croak depending on the species. Can you tell the difference? Learn a few different frog calls and then fold a paper origami jumping frog with the help of a naturalist. Canoe Fest: Have you every wanted to try canoeing but did not have the equipment or place to try it out. Join us the 3rd Sunday of the month and get on the water. We provide the canoes, paddles and PFDs. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. $5 (with paid admission)/members $3. Build an Owl Box: Take an in-depth look at what it takes to provide urban habitat for birds including overlooked ones like screech owls. We ll take a tour of the bird-feeding courtyard, examine housing options for different species, and learn about different food options. Participants will make a screech owl nest box to take home. This class is approved for Master Naturalist Advanced Training hours. Maximum 20 participants. Pre-registration required. FREE (with paid admission) for program. $25 per person for owl box/members $15. Full Moon Paddle: Come and join us for a different type of canoe tour in the evening hours. This program will present new opportunities, like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing deer and raccoons. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Dress for the weather. Wear shoes that can get wet. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Minimum - 5 / Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at the Back Gate. Pre-registration required. $20 (with paid admission)/members $15. Night Hike: Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center s trails as we explore nature at night. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center their home. Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Pre-registration required. Meet at Front Gate. $10 (with paid admission)/members $5. Preschool Discovery Club: We invite preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their adult companions to join us in discovering the exciting world of nature. In June we ll learn about our local hummingbirds and see if we can spot any at the Nature Center s feeders. Pre-registration required. $8 PER CHILD (with paid admission)/members $5 Backyard Bee Sanctuaries: Explore the amazing diversity of native bees in our region and how we can provide backyard sanctuaries for these beneficial insects. Participants will have the option after the presentation to make a Mason nest box to take home. This class is approved for Master Naturalist Advanced Training hours. Maximum 20 participants. Pre-registration is required. FREE (with paid admission) for program. $15 per person for nest box/members $10. Fish of the Trinity s West Fork: Come join us and learn about the fish you might find on a visit to the West Fork of the Trinity River. See which of our native fish hang out near the surface and which lurk in deeper places. This presentation will feature interesting facts about fish and tips on how to identify them. Invertebrate Walk: Most of us would consider viewing invertebrates, such as insects, during the day and leave the nights for owls and other nocturnal critters. Join us for this walk and you will be surprised at the number and variety that are active during the evening hours. Programs are FREE with paid admission unless otherwise noted
Wild Ambassador Spotlight While most wildlife roam freely through the 3,621 acres that make up the Refuge, some animals are non-releasable due to injuries or loss of wild behaviors (imprinting). These animals become the Nature Center s Wild Ambassadors and are on exhibit at the Hardwicke interpretive Center. Three-Toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) The Nature Center has three of these shy land turtles, all of which have suffered some amount of shell damage, probably due to car strikes. Even though it may be tempting to take box turtles into captivity when they are seen crossing the road, a better solution is to safely help the turtle across in the same direction it is traveling, then leave it alone. Several box turtle species are thought to be declining in the wild due to capture for the pet trade. This photo shows a male box turtle. Males are easily distinguished from females by the reddish-orange markings on their heads. Photo by park staff. What your donation helps to purchase: $25 feeds the box turtles for one month Box Turtle shopping list: Fresh fruits and veggies, proteins including chicken, eggs, and crickets How You Can Help Sponsor a Wild Ambassador You will receive a personalized sponsorship certificate plus a fact sheet and photograph of the wild ambassador of your choice. Find an adoption application online at www.fwnaturecenter.org or ask for one at the front desk. Join the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge The Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Nature Center. Funds raised by the Friends support the care of the bison herd as well as our wild ambassadors. Members receive free entry to the park, program fee discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more. For more information please visit their website at www.naturecenterfriends.org Plan Your Visit Hours Hardwicke Interpretive Center: 9am - 4:30pm 7 days a week Refuge Winter (Oct. - April): 8am - 5pm 7 days a week Refuge Summer (May - Sept.): 7am - 5pm Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm Saturday-Sunday Admission Adults (13-64) $5.00 Children (3-12) $2.00 Children under 3 Free Seniors (65+) $3.00 $1 discount with Military ID (active/retired)