Exciting things are happening at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge in 2025, and we’re thrilled to share a few highlights from recent operations and ongoing projects.
Invasive Species Removal
In partnership with Stewart Ranch Services, we recently completed a major habitat restoration project, using a forestry mulcher to remove invasive Chinese privet from 110 acres of former savanna. This vital work supports our land management goals and will improve grazing conditions for our growing bison herd.
Bison Herd Expands
Speaking of bison, we are growing in more ways than one! We welcomed four new calves this spring. In addition, we’re developing a new 30-acre pasture in the Oak Motte area, adjacent to the Viewing Deck. This expansion provides more space for the herd and better viewing and accessibility for visitors.
Reclamation Prairies are Getting a Boost
We’ve also begun intensive work to restore 10 acres of prairie habitat along Shoreline Drive — an area previously used as quarry pits. This challenging but exciting effort will help reclaim a disturbed area of the Refuge and provide habitat for pollinators.
Prescribed Fire Milestones
We’re setting fire to the future — in the best way. So far in 2025, we’ve completed prescribed burns on 333 acres, already setting a new annual record. Most notably, this includes the first-ever recorded prescribed burn in the 200-acre Mesa area, an important milestone in restoring this unique ecosystem.
Prairie Dog Translocation Continues
Our prairie dog program is expanding, too! A second group of prairie dogs was successfully translocated from West Texas and released near the original prairie dog town by the Viewing Deck. They’ve already begun digging in and making themselves at home. Last year’s colonies are also thriving, with baby prairie dog pups popping up throughout the colonies.
American Alligator Research in Full Swing
Our American alligator research project is making significant progress. So far in 2025, we’ve captured, tagged, weighed, measured, and sexed 11 individual alligators. Our annual spotlight surveys are scheduled for the first week of July, and we’re exploring new academic, nonprofit, and agency partnerships to help expand this exciting work.
Engaging the Public Through Events & Citizen Science
In April, we hosted a record-breaking Nature Con, bringing together nature lovers, families, experts, and community partners for a full day of hands-on activities, live animal encounters, and immersive experiences. It was our biggest Nature Con to date — and we’re already looking forward to topping it next year.
We also held a spring BioBlitz, where citizen scientists documented 480 unique species across 2,016 observations, bringing our total species count on iNaturalist to 3,032. This data is crucial for tracking biodiversity trends over time, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed.
In addition, we proudly participated in the Trash Free Gulf initiative, joining forces with other organizations to remove debris from waterways.
Improving Access & Education
We’re transforming the Limestone Ledge Trail into an ADA-compliant Storybook Walk, enhancing access for guests with disabilities while promoting literacy and outdoor education for young visitors. No matter your age, mobility, or ability, you can get something out of this trail.
A Group Effort
None of this would be possible without our incredible partners and generous donors. Your support is making a real impact. But we’re not slowing down. We need your help to continue expanding our conservation, research, education, and recreation initiatives. If you’ve been on the fence about getting involved, this is your moment. The energy and momentum are high, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
And this is just the beginning. There’s so much happening that we can’t fit it all in one update. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work to protect, restore, and share the natural treasures of your Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.
