Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will be open on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Normal operating hours are from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. with no new admission after 4 p.m. Before you pop those fireworks and grill, come out and celebrate the 250th enjoying the trails.

Photo Courtesy: Matt Lantz

Join us at the Boardwalk as we look for a variety of herons and egrets. Pre-registration required. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $3. Meet in the Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk Parking Lot. Early Birds is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Click the link below to register.

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Wilska

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51491&viewMode=list

Photograph the Refuge moments before sunrise. Pre-registration required. FREE (with 10 high quality photos). Submit photos no later than 10 days after program to [email protected]. Sunrise Photography is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 6 a.m. Meet at the Front Gate.

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51757&viewMode=list

Turtles will be basking all along the river. Paddle with us to see how many you can find. All equipment is provided. Meet at the Canoe Launch. Pre-registration required. $25 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $20. The Canoe Tour is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 9 - 11 a.m. Click the link below to register.

Photo Courtesy: Kathy McFarlen

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51462&viewMode=list

Join Photographer Sylvia Elzafon for a 1.5 hour walk through on the Refuge where we will use our eyes to enjoy and observe, and our cameras to capture the interesting things we see along the way. No fancy camera needed, just a curiosity for nature and a desire to use your creativity in taking photos. Pre-registration required. $10 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $5. Photography Nature Walk is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. - Noon. Meet at Hardwicke Interpretive Center. Click the link below to register.

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Wilska

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51549&viewMode=list

Bring your 3 - 5 year old children for a lesson about our natural world through a story, lesson, hike, and craft. Join us in discovering turtles. Pre-registration required. $15 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $10. Pre-School Discovery Club - Alligators is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Click the link below to register.

Photo Courtesy: Tom & Lyle George Photography

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51536&viewMode=list

The bison are finally enjoying their new pasture!

Thanks to the Friends of the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center — and the generous support of Mercedes-Benz, the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation, and Menzies Aviation — the new Oak Motte Pasture addition now gives the bison herd access to a sixth pasture. This expansion enhances healthy rotational grazing, strengthens prairie restoration efforts, and creates even more opportunities for the public to experience these iconic animals up close.

Thank you for helping us protect the herd and the prairies that sustain them!

Explore lightning bug ecology on this night hike, with the chance to see their glowing flashes and other glowing critters. Meet at the Front Gate. Pre-registration required. $15 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $10. Refuge After Hours is scheduled for Thursday, June, from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Click the link below to register.

Photo Courtesy: Ryan Wiggins

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityoffortworth/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=51471&viewMode=list