Fort Worth WILD! 2026
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs by Robert Chura
Annual Gala
Become a Champion for Urban Conservation
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the Texas sky as Fort Worth WILD! returns in a breathtaking new location — historic Broadview Park — to celebrate the power of urban conservation and the leaders shaping our city’s natural future.
Fort Worth WILD! supports the stewardship of the 3,700-acre Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge — one of the largest urban nature preserves in the country. From keystone species like bison and prairie dogs to critical stopover habitat for monarchs and migratory birds, the Refuge’s diverse Fort Worth Prairie, Trinity River wetlands, and Cross Timbers ecosystems represent one of the most ecologically rich landscapes in North Texas. Private funding is essential to protect and steward this natural heritage for future generations.
Your sponsorship will directly support:
- Preservation of critical wildlife habitat across the Refuge’s diverse and expansive acreage
- Restoration of native ecosystems, including prairies, forests, and wetlands
- Environmental education for thousands of students and families each year
- Advancement of wildlife research and stewardship, including care for our iconic Texas bison herd and studies of keystone species
Sweeping views and panoramic vistas will be our backdrop for cocktails, dinner, and fireside gatherings — bringing together business leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, and conservation advocates.
We invite you to join us as a Keystone Conservation Sponsor. Fort Worth is growing rapidly. Protecting the wild spaces that define our city requires leadership. We hope you will stand with us.
A Conservation Vision
This year, we are proud to honor Merrill Gregg for her leadership in advancing urban conservation across the great state of Texas and Fort Worth. Her work reflects a powerful truth: conservation is not just rural — it lives within our city limits.
Merrill is the Director of Land and Conservation Finance at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, where she has worked for the past ten years. In this role, Merrill focuses on land protection, develops innovative conservation finance models, and oversees the Foundation’s investment portfolio. Merrill also consults private foundations on conservation initiatives and is an active volunteer with park-focused organizations. A resident of Fort Worth, Merrill serves on the board of Streams & Valleys and is a community advisor for Good Natured, Mayor Mattie Parker’s initiative to invest in parks and open space.
Merrill has also served on the board of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, a joint Canada-US nonprofit organization focused on connectivity in the last intact mountain ecosystem left on Earth. Before her career in the nonprofit sector, Merrill worked in the banking industry in New York City and Hong Kong. She holds an AB in History and American Studies from Princeton University. In her free time, Merrill is happiest traveling internationally or spending time outdoors skiing and hiking with her husband, Josh, three young daughters, and beloved black lab, McAllister.
We are also honored to welcome Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker as our special guest as we celebrate Fort Worth’s ongoing commitment to protecting its natural spaces.
- DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- TIME: 6:30 PM
- LOCATION: Broadview Park
- COST: See Involvement Opportunities
WILD! Raffle
We’ve got some exciting experiences for this year’s raffle! You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be drawn at the event on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
01
Lifetime Nature Center Membership
Enjoy a lifetime of nature with this rare membership opportunity. This membership includes free admission in perpetuity for you and your family (up to 6 people), gift shop discounts, invitations to members-only events, and more!
02
Backcountry Mud Boat Expedition
Take a guided ride on the Refuge’s custom dual-engine mud boat, built by industry leader Gator-Tail. Designed to navigate shallow wetlands and backwater areas, this powerful vessel allows you to explore parts of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge rarely seen by visitors. Enjoy an exciting backcountry ride while learning about the Refuge’s wetlands, wildlife, and conservation work from Refuge staff. Good for up to five people. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Must coordinate scheduling with Refuge staff and redeem by April 2027.
03
Nocturnal Alligator Experience
Fascinated by alligators? This is your chance to join Refuge staff for a nighttime tour of the Refuge’s wetlands and observe American alligators in their natural habitat. Learn about our ongoing alligator population study, see how researchers monitor these remarkable reptiles, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at alligator conservation efforts. This experience is limited to four people. Must coordinate scheduling with Refuge staff and redeem by April 2027.
04
Bison & Prairie Dog Encounter
Love bison and prairie dogs? Bid on this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the bison and prairie dog pastures, led by Refuge staff. Get up close for a meet-and-greet with these incredible animals, learn about their history and management, and even help feed them. This experience is perfect for families, friends, or wildlife enthusiasts and is valid for up to four people. Must coordinate scheduling with Refuge staff and redeem by April 2027.
05
Birding Cruise on the Trifecta Tritoon
Enjoy a guided birding cruise aboard the Refuge’s Trifecta Tritoon as you explore the wetlands and shoreline habitats of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Led by Nature Center naturalists, this relaxing boat ride offers a unique vantage point to spot a variety of birds that call the Refuge home year-round. Learn about bird identification, migration patterns, and the importance of wetland habitats while experiencing the beauty of the Refuge from the water. Good for up to eight people. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Must coordinate scheduling with naturalist staff and redeem by April 2027.
06
Fireline Experience: Inside a Prescribed Burn
Experience land management in action by joining the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge fire team during a prescribed burn. You’ll receive a personal escort to safely participate in firing operations and learn how fire is used as a powerful tool to manage habitats and improve ecosystem health. Learn directly from the professionals about the science, planning, and coordination behind every burn, and experience the real deal that most people only see on TV. Good for 2 people. Participants must be 16 or older. Because burns depend on weather and field conditions, participants must be available on short notice when a burn window opens. Must coordinate scheduling with Refuge staff and redeem by April 2027.
07
A Day with the Refuge Manager
Join Dr. Jared Wood, Refuge Manager of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest urban nature preserves in the country. Spend the day riding along by UTV and boat as Dr. Wood shares his perspective on the Refuge’s wildlife, restoration efforts, and the challenges of managing a large public nature center. You’ll also go behind the scenes with both the Refuge and Education teams to learn what it takes to build a career in conservation and connect people with nature. This unique experience offers an insider’s view of how conservation, research, and public engagement come together at the Refuge. Good for two people. Participants must be at least 16 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Must coordinate scheduling with Dr. Wood and redeem by April 2027.
08
Wildlife Biologist for
a Day
Ever wondered what it’s like to work as a wildlife biologist at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge? Join one of our Refuge staff members for a day in the field and experience real conservation work in action. Depending on the season, you may assist with bison care, help with alligator monitoring, work with prairie dogs, or participate in other natural resource management projects. In short, you’ll get your hands dirty and learn what it takes to be part of the team. Good for two people. Participants must be at least 16 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Must coordinate scheduling with Refuge staff and redeem by April 2027.
09
Fluorescent Night Hike
This exclusive after-hours adventure promises an unforgettable journey into the hidden glow of the wild. Step into the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge after dark for a night hike like no other. Discover the magic of nature’s glow as we search for fluorescent organisms that light up under ultraviolet (UV) light. From radiant lichens to neon-bright millipedes, witness the breathtaking spectacle of creatures that shine in the night. Led by naturalists, this immersive adventure reveals the fascinating science behind fluorescence while you enjoy the serene, starlit trails of the Nature Center. Good for up to six people. Must coordinate scheduling with Naturalist staff and redeem by April 2027.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Guardians of the Prairie: Bison
Marty Leonard
Bob O’Kennon
Abby & Will Rodgers
Architects of the Prairie: Prairie Dogs
Merrill & Joshua Gregg
The Ryan Foundation
Wardens of the Wetlands: American Alligators
Megan & Ryan McConnell
Pati & Bill Meadows
Mary Martha Richter
Hannah & Jarratt Watkins
Carpenters of the Forest: Woodpeckers
Elisa Knott
Melissa Mitchell & Michael Bennett
Molly Van Amburgh
Protectors of Biodiversity: Hummingbirds
Brian Crumley
Dora Escamilla
Laura & Fred Harrison
Elizebeth Prim
Ana Shiverick
Kelly Thompson
