2nd Quarter 2025 | Volume 33, Issue 1

Photo by Robert Chura

Behind the Scenes at the Refuge

Refuge Report

Exciting things are happening at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge in 2025, and we’re thrilled to share a few highlights from recent operations and ongoing projects. It’s shaping up to be one of our most dynamic and impactful years yet!

Friends News

A New Way to Explore: Introducing Educational Backpacks for Friends Members

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a place of endless discovery, and the Friends are thrilled to announce a new way for our members to connect with the natural world around them. We invite Friends members to engage the destination, learn something new, and enhance your visit with our brand-new Educational Backpack Program.

Nature-Natured and Wild at Heart!

What began as a week of torrential downpours ended just in time for the sun to shine on Fort Worth WILD! 2025 — and more than 200 intrepid guests weren’t about to let a little mud stand in their way. Braving the soggy terrain, nature lovers came together to celebrate and support the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge at one of the city’s most unique fundraising events.

A Wild Success: Friends' Photography Workshop Hits the Mark

The "Focus on the Wild" photography workshop was a success, filled with superb instruction, great weather, and fantastic, yet predictably unpredictable, subject matter. Sponsored by the Friends, this exclusive event provided behind-the-scenes access to some of the Nature Center's most captivating and normally off-limits areas.

Wildlife on the Refuge

Meet the Texas Tortoise: The Slow and Steady Superstar of the Nature Center

For the past 25 years, the Hardwicke Interpretive Center has served as home to a diverse array of Texas wildlife. Just last year, we welcomed our first Texas tortoise, which has quickly become a beloved ambassador among school children and staff.

Wildlife Ambassador with a Big Job

In the outdoor enclosure of the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, surrounded by native plants and the sounds of local birds, resides our female Virginia opossum. She lives in the spotlight as a wildlife ambassador.

What's Blooming?

Fruiting Fort Worth: Mustang Grape

Hiking down the trail this summer, you may come across a curious sight: what appears to be a bunch of red grapes just hanging off a tree or fence post. Fort Worth is home to our very own native grape, Vitis mustangensis, the Mustang grape.

At the Nature Center

A New Era of Leadership

After being at the helm in an interim capacity, Dr. Jared Wood has been named manager of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Jared has more than 15 years of experience in natural resource management, conservation, and education, positioning him as an exceptional leader for one of the nation’s largest city-owned nature centers.

Turning Up the Heat on Habitat Restoration

We’re excited to welcome another Jared to our team! Jared Hall is joining Nature Center staff as the new Natural Resource Supervisor. Jared brings a wealth of experience in natural resource management, ecological restoration, and wildlife research to his new role — and he’s already hit the ground running.

Volunteer and Staff Spotlight

Blooming Opportunities

Warm weather is here, and while spring means a time of growth and renewal, summer brings a different kind of blooming of new activities across the Refuge. As the Nature Center evolves throughout the seasons, so does the need for our dedicated volunteers.

Upcoming Events

Let Us Hear From You!

Did you enjoy this issue of Bluestem News? Send your comments to info@naturecenterfriends.org!

Yes