Mayor Mattie Parker, City of Fort Worth | City of Fort Worth website
Mayor Mattie Parker, City of Fort Worth | City of Fort Worth website
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas Inc. (BRIT) is considering a partnership with the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, as discussed during a City of Fort Worth Council work session on October 8, 2024. BRIT has managed the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) since October 2020 under an agreement with the city.
In its FY2023 annual report, BRIT highlighted increased attendance at FWBG, with over 418,000 visitors in 2023 compared to 132,000 in 2020. The report also noted growth in educational programs, primarily involving elementary school-aged children. The City of Fort Worth supports FWBG through management fee funding while BRIT retains all revenue generated at the garden.
As part of a Capital Improvement Program funded by the city, BRIT has undertaken renovations at FWBG and plans further improvements in the coming years. Additionally, BRIT is exploring a similar management arrangement for the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.
Patrick Newsman, BRIT president and CEO, stated: “As we have looked at the last three years in our partnership with the City, it has been a tremendous partnership. It’s been incredible, and that makes us look to the Nature Center. They’re doing amazing things and we want to be able to be a part of it.”
Newsman emphasized that addressing biodiversity is crucial for BRIT: “The biodiversity crisis is affecting plants that are our food and possible cures for diseases. As we try to identify these plants, we want to link arms with the Nature Center and continue their great work as we move towards and create this possible partnership."
The city and BRIT are assessing public-private nonprofit management benefits for the Nature Center. Their goals include increasing attendance and use of the center along with boosting membership, educational programs, research support, conservation efforts, and investment.
By year-end 2024, both parties aim to complete an initial review started in July 2024. This includes communicating findings to stakeholders and establishing recommendations for future steps in 2025.
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