As we wrap up 2024, we’re celebrating an extraordinary year of milestones, new projects, and record-breaking achievements at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Here are some of the highlights from the past year:
Highlights of 2024
- Alligator Research: This year, we launched a research project to study the American alligator population at the Refuge. This important initiative, which involves population counts, nest surveys, and mark-recapture, is helping us better understand and protect these fascinating reptiles within our ecosystem.
- Bringing Back Prairie Dogs: We reintroduced 90 prairie dogs rescued from the site of a housing development in West Texas. This project contributes to the conservation of their species while offering visitors a chance to observe these unique animals in nature.
- Record Year for Prescribed Burning: 2024 was a record year for the number of acres we burned, with the 250-acre Crosstimbers burn as the highlight. Our prescribed burn program, which began in the early 1980s, promotes biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystems we protect.
- Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk Expansion: The expansion of the Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk was completed this year, providing more access for wildlife observation and environmental learning in one of Fort Worth’s most beautiful natural settings.
- Celebrating our 1,000,000th Visitor: In an exciting milestone, we celebrated our one millionth visitor since the gate’s installation in 2006. This moment is a testament to our community’s support and passion for nature and conservation.
- Monster Bash Attendance Record: This year’s Monster Bash broke the all-time record for daily attendance set in 2020. Visitors and presenters from all over DFW joined us to make this memorable celebration of the Lake Worth Monster a success and increase awareness of the natural gem that is the Nature Center & Refuge.
- Record-Breaking Revenue: We closed the fiscal year with our highest revenue to date, reflecting the growing support for the Refuge’s mission and activities.
Staff Transitions
This year, we also saw some notable transitions in our team:
- Rob Denkhaus, who dedicated 27 years to the Nature Center as an educator, naturalist, conservationist, and director, transitioned to a new role as District Superintendent to lend his expertise to the development of an exciting new park for Fort Worth. Rob’s positive impact on the Refuge and significant contributions to conservation will reverberate across Texas for years to come, and we wish him the best in his new venture.
- Kelli Pickard, our cherished Assistant Director of Recreation and former manager of Log Cabin Village, retired this year. Her dedication and leadership have enriched the City’s cultural and recreation programs for 26 years. The Nature Center community will greatly miss her.
- Kenneth Nalley accepted an exciting new position as a Public Engagement Liaison with the City of Fort Worth Communications and Public Engagement Department. Over his 5.5 years with the Nature Center, Kenneth was a naturalist and volunteer program coordinator, inspiring countless visitors and strengthening our volunteer program. We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him well in his new role.
What’s Coming in 2025
- Bison Pasture Expansion and Prairie Restoration: A generous $100,000 donation from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation will allow us to expand the eastern bison pastures and advance prairie restoration, supporting the well-being of our bison herd and increasing their accessibility to the public.
- Pollinator Prairie Restoration: Thanks to a $126,000 donation from the William S. Davis Family Foundation, Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation, and North Texas Community Foundation, we will be restoring three dedicated pollinator prairie sites, creating essential habitat for a variety of grassland species, including butterflies, bees, and other critical pollinators.
We’re eager to see these projects come to life in the coming year. Thank you for being part of our journey at the Nature Center, where we’re building a brighter future for wildlife and our community alike.
