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The Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is proud to celebrate its five-year membership anniversary with the Fort Worth Chamber. Over the past five years, this partnership has strengthened the connection between Fort Worth's thriving business community and one of the city's most significant natural assets, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.
By engaging with Chamber members and business leaders across the region, Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge continues to build awareness and support for preservation, ensuring future generations can experience and enjoy this remarkable urban wilderness.
Founded in 1974, the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and financially supporting the Nature Center. While the nature center itself was established in 1964 and designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1980, the Friends organization has spent more than five decades helping safeguard this community treasure.
Covering 3,700 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands, the Refuge is one of the largest urban nature parks in the United States. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, it offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails and serves as critical habitat for a diverse array of native plants and wildlife.
The Friends organization's mission is to ensure the long-term success of the Nature Center and help establish it as one of the nation's premier urban wildlife refuges. Through memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events, the organization provides essential resources that support conservation efforts, educational programming, and visitor experiences.
Key areas of impact include:
Wildlife Conservation and Research
Funding supports the care of the Refuge's iconic Texas bison herd and other wildlife ambassadors while advancing research initiatives focused on important species such as alligators, prairie dogs, and bison.
Habitat Preservation and Restoration
The organization invests in protecting and restoring native ecosystems throughout the refuge, including the Fort Worth Prairie, Trinity River wetlands, and Cross Timbers habitats. These efforts help sustain biodiversity while providing critical habitat for monarch butterflies, migratory birds, and countless native species.
Capital Improvements and Infrastructure
Support from the Friends helps fund facility upgrades, conservation equipment, and infrastructure improvements that enhance both environmental stewardship and visitor experiences.
Environmental Education
The organization works alongside Nature Center staff to expand educational opportunities that connect students and community members with hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors.
The impact of donor and partner support can be seen throughout the Refuge.
Oak Motte Overlook
Funding provided by the Friends helped create a scenic viewing deck overlooking the historic bison herd and the Oak Motte prairie ecosystem, giving visitors a unique perspective on one of the refuge's most iconic landscapes.
Lotus Marsh Boardwalk Restoration
The organization played a key role in facilitating a public-private partnership that leveraged a major Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant, City of Fort Worth funding, and significant donor support to restore the Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk.
Limestone Ledge Storybook Trail
Funding transformed the Limestone Ledge Trail into an ADA-accessible storybook trail, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation, literacy engagement, and inclusive access to nature.
Lotus Marsh Pavilion
Generous donor support made possible the construction of a new pavilion that replaced an outdated amphitheater originally built in 1973, expanding the Refuge's capacity for educational programs and community events.
Greer Island Trail Improvements
Through a combination of grant funding and matching contributions, the Friends helped restore and improve trail infrastructure throughout the Greer Island area.
Smart Conservation Technology
New trail-counting technology now provides valuable data on visitor usage patterns, helping staff balance public access with habitat conservation and long-term sustainability.
As the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge continues to grow, so does the organization's vision for the future. The Friends are working to position the Refuge as a national model for urban conservation, environmental education, and community engagement.
Future priorities include:
As Fort Worth continues to grow, protecting and investing in its natural spaces becomes increasingly important. Through strong partnerships, community support, and a shared commitment to conservation, the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge remains dedicated to ensuring that one of the city's greatest natural treasures thrives for generations to come.
To learn more about membership opportunities, corporate sponsorships, or ways to support the organization, visit naturecenterfriends.org.
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