Mid City Times

A preserved prairieland brimming with wildlife and native foliage is now accessible for free with passes from the Fort Worth Public Library. Dr. Jared Wood, acting manager at the Nature Center, offers tips for first-time explorers.

“Take your time exploring! At over 3,600 acres, the Nature Center & Refuge is one of the largest municipally owned nature centers in the country,” Wood said. “With more than 21 miles of hiking trails and plenty of paddling opportunities, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in nature. I recommend starting your visit at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, where our knowledgeable naturalists can guide you to the best spots to explore, depending on the season.”

“I want new visitors to leave with a profound appreciation for the Nature Center & Refuge’s unique beauty and ecological and cultural significance,” Wood added. “It is rare to find such a vast, wild and biodiverse area in an urban environment. Protecting this natural gem requires the support and stewardship of our visitors and the community.”

During the past three summers, the Nature Center and Library partnered to offer free general admission to families with a library card to enjoy story times and nature walks.

“It’s extremely important. The Nature Center & Refuge is a living museum that preserves both our ecological and cultural history,” Wood said. “Its natural areas offer a window into what Fort Worth looked like before urban development, while our archaeological, homestead and Civilian Conservation Corps sites tell the story of human settlement in the region.”

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