Reflections on 50 Wild Years - Friends of Fort Worth Nature Center

Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
I
Jan.—March 2014
Reflections on 50 Wild Years
n 1964, the City of Fort Worth officially set aside
parkland on the north end of Lake Worth as a wildlife refuge, and the Fort Worth Nature Center & Ref- 
uge (FWNC&R) was born. As we begin our 50th anniversary year, I’ve been reflecting on our early history, and
reflections of gratitude seem appropriate in light of the enduring gift the Nature Center has given the citizens of Fort
Worth:


cation. For you, this isn’t simply a job; it’s a vocation
and a lifestyle.
Thank you to the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature
Center & Refuge, formed in 1974, and to the Nature
Center Conservancy, formed in 2004 and merged with
the Friends in 2011, for your unwavering devotion to
the preservation and advancement of the FWNC&R.
Your support and advocacy through the years have
made an incredible difference.
Thank you to our Volunteer Corps for giving so generously of your time and talents. You make it possible for
our message to reach a much wider audience and bring
us closer to achieving the goals of our mission.
Thank you to our current City leaders for your continuing recognition and understanding of the importance of
the FWNC&R. You affirm that a great city like Fort
Worth appreciates its heritage and embraces its sense of
place.
Founders Jessie Maye Smith and Margaret Parker in 1972 with the
Nature Center’s first professional naturalist, Harold Arnold, and Ted
Hofsiss from the FWISD Outdoor Learning Center
Photo Credit: Nature Center Archive


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Thank you to the City leaders who had the foresight in
the early 1900s to purchase and set aside the land
around the new Lake Worth to protect the watershed.
You gave a gift to the future that would be very difficult to replicate today.
Thank you to our founders who recognized the importance of wild spaces close to home and who worked
hard in the early 1960s to achieve the official declaration of a wildlife refuge. You set the example we are
proud to follow.
Thank you to current and past staff members for your
vision, your profound professionalism, and your dedi-
The Nature Center conserves historic Fort Worth landscapes like this
view from the Hardwicke Interpretive Center sidewalk.
Photo Credit: Suzanne Tuttle
Continued on page 5
~ FONC MISSION STATEMENT ~
“To preserve, protect, and conserve in perpetuity the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.”
FRIENDS OF THE FORT WORTH
NATURE CENTER & REFUGE
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76135
817-392-7410
www.naturecenterfriends.org
LOCATION:
Four miles west of loop I-820 on Jacksboro Highway
(Texas 199).
HOURS:
HARDWICKE INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
Daily: 9 AM—4:30 PM
REFUGE:
Refuge hours Oct. 1st—April 30th.
Daily: 8:00 AM—5:00 PM
Please call 817-392-7410 with any additional
questions.
BLUESTEM NEWS:
Sharon McKone
Rosemarie Hayward
GATE FEES:
Non-members:
Adults (13-64) - $5
Seniors (65+) - $3
Children (3-12 yrs) - $2
Under 3 years—Free
Active/retired military with valid ID and their
families—$1 discount per person.
Editor-in-Chief
Layout & Graphics
FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER & REFUGE
STAFF:
Suzanne Tuttle
FWNC&R Manager
HARDWICKE INTERPRETIVE CENTER STAFF
Laura Veloz
Naturalist/Volunteer Coord.
Michael Perez
Naturalist/Outreach Coord.
Chad Etheridge
Water Programs Coordinator
Troy Mullens
Weekend Naturalist
Sheila Johnson
Education Naturalist
Tiffany Gorrell
Education Intern
FONC BOARD Of DIRECTORS:
Rick Shepherd, President
Marty Leonard, VP, President—Elect
Pat Hyer, Recording Secretary
Dagmar Higgins, Corresponding Secretary
Laura Harrison, Treasurer
REFUGE/NATURAL RESOURCE STAFF
Rob Denkhaus
Natural Resource Manager
Michelle Villafranca Natural Resource Specialist
Russell Lasiter
Natural Resource Technician
Nic Martinez
Natural Resource Technician
Directors:
Rusty Branch
Sandy Brunello
Hon Lon Burnam
Michelle Clark
Sue Harvison
Mickey Hooper
Murray James
Kari Landry
Bob O’Kennon
Elaine Petrus
William R. Richerson
Dale Roberts
Chris Smith
Timothy Thomas
CUSTOMER SERVICE/GATE STAFF
Anne Hamman
Office Manager
Cathy Elizondo
Customer Service Rep.
Evelyn Calvert
Nina Francis
Customer Service
Susie Harrison
Assistants
Jeanette Pine
FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER:
www.fwnaturecenter.org
PACSD Advisory Board Rep.:
Bernie Scheffler, ex officio
~2~
From the Board
By Rick Shepherd
T
~HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY~
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
his coming year, 2014, will be filled
with celebratory activities in and
around the Fort Worth Nature
Center & Refuge as it celebrates its
th
50 anniversary. Little could Margaret Parker
and her Audubon Society member friends
have begun to imagine what would ultimately
evolve from their activist response to reduction of bird habitat at what then was one of
their favorite birding spots in the southern
area of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. They
realized then that a dedicated nature refuge
was needed for birding enthusiasts and all
other nature-loving residents of Fort Worth
to be able to appreciate and learn the lessons
the natural world had to teach them. Fort
Worth Audubon Society President John Wilson and Field Trip Chair Margaret Parker
brought their concerns initially to the park
board in the spring of 1963. At a repeat presentation on January 8, 1964, to the ParkRecreation Department’s Board and Director
Charles B. Campbell, Jr., the meeting being
attended by many equally concerned Fort
Worth residents representing a broad spectrum of organizations, Audubon Conservation Committee Co-Chair Mrs. Robert E.
Hardwicke re-expressed concerns and made a
request for “assistance of the park board in
locating”…. “a plot of undeveloped land –
say a minimum of 50 acres” to establish a
“Community Nature Center.”
In one of her last letters prior to her passing
in November 2009, Margaret Parker wrote to
Nature Center Manager Suzanne Tuttle the
following:
Continued on page 7
Early maps of Greer Island depict trails drawn by the late Warren Pulich (dated
March 10, 1964) after Greer Island was set aside .
Photo Credit: Margaret Parker Historical File Documents /
Newspaper map courtesy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
November 19, 1965
~3~
Nature Center Solidly Represented at Recent State Conference
T
he Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) was represented at the Texas Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration conference in Junction, Texas, in November 2013. Nature Center
Manager Suzanne Tuttle attended and helped organize the conference. She is one of the founding
members of the state chapter and has been active in helping the organization accomplish its mission of
restoring the links between land, wildlife, and people by connecting those who repair the diverse ecosystems of
Texas and fostering opportunities for sharing and learning.
The annual conference offers attendees the opportunity to share restoration experience and scientific findings. This year’s conference had ample representation by FWNC&R
staff, past interns, and researchers
who have gained considerable
knowledge from working at our
park. Blake Alldredge, a former intern who now works for Texas
AgriLife, presented on hydrology in
the Upper Trinity River watershed.
Justin Fischer, also a former intern
and current senior at the University
of North Texas, presented on grassSuzanne Tuttle with other founding members of the Texas Chapter of Society for Ecoland conservation efforts in both
logical Restoration. Left to Right: David Mahler (Environmental Survey Consulting),
urban and landscape-scale environSuzanne Tuttle (Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge), Jan Neiman (Native American
Seed), Ken Steigman (Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area), and Bill Neiman ments. Shannon Jones, who earned
(Native American Seed)
her master’s degree from Texas
Photo Credit: Gwen Thomas
Christian University, presented her
thesis on the unique hydrology of
the Fort Worth Prairie. Shannon won an award in the ‘Best Student Presentation’ category. I helped organize the
conference and also presented on the recent and evolving collaborative pilot project between the FWNC&R,
Stormwater Management Division, and other organizations. This project introduces native prairie vegetation in
select drainages following reconstructive maintenance with the goal of reducing future maintenance needs while
providing environmental and aesthetic benefits to the community.
The conference was a success and provided a good opportunity to exchange ideas and methods of land management as well as boost the reputation of the Nature Center as an organization that trains future natural resource
managers.
Michelle Villafranca
Natural Resource Specialist
The FONC Board wishes to express its appreciation to Councilmember Dennis Shingleton, Parks & Community
Services Department Director Richard Zavala, and the City Council for their respective work resulting in the sale
of Certificates of Obligation for a variety of funding necessities, including the reconstruction of the Lotus Marsh
Boardwalk at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, which is in need of urgent attention. Likewise, the Board
greatly appreciates the Parks & Community Services Advisory Board's adoption on November 20th of and recommendation to the City Council on December 3, 2013, that funding for reconstruction of the Nature Center's
Cross Timbers levee receive high priority for addition to the list of Projects Proposed for Funding in the 2014
Bond Election.
Rick Shepherd
President
~4~
50th Anniversary
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
2014 Events Calendar
Reflections on 50 Wild Years
continued from page 1
March 22
Greer Island
Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge
Founders Plaque Dedication
Morning Anniversary Bird Watching
Hike
Volunteers Sue Bonham and Kathryn Schubert (with umbrella)
help out with the Venus Transit viewing in 2012.
Photo Credit: Nature Center Archive Photo
March 29
CCC Legacy Chapter

81st Anniversary
Civilian Conservation Corps
April 26
50th
Fort Worth Wild
Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Nature Center’s Broadview Park
And finally, thank you to all of our residents,
visitors, and supporters from all over the world
who have ever been touched by the magic that is
the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. We are
eager to move forward with you into the next 50
wild years!
Suzanne Tuttle,
Nature Center Manager
May 10
Buffalo Boogie
September 20
Lake Worth Centennial
Celebration Participation
Casino Beach
October 4
Lake Worth Monster Bash
&
FONC Chili Cook-Off
2013 5th and 6th grade summer class participants took on the
task of catching grasshoppers with enthusiasm.
Photo Credit: Troy Mullens
November 6 thru 23
Broadview: A Spectrum of Nature
Art Exhibition and Sale
Fort Worth Community Arts Center
~5~
S
Survey Says
urveying describes many activities around the deer population is doing just fine.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
(FWNC&R). We survey various animal and
Nature Center staff also conducts trail camera surveys
plant species to monitor their population
to monitor our wild pig population. Our surveys show
status. We survey to determine property lines, drainage
routes, and new facility locations. Visitors and program
participants are surveyed to assess how we are doing
our jobs, and every once in a while, we stop at one of
the trail overlooks and simply survey our surroundings.
Regardless of its form, surveying provides useful information for managing the Nature Center.
In October, Nature Center management staff completed our annual white-tailed deer survey. This survey
is conducted each fall before the rut to monitor trends
of our deer population. According to the survey, we
A Nature Center bobcat on the prowl.
have an estimated 536 deer in the Nature Center. HowPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Mills
ever, this number is relatively meaningless because it is
derived from a sample of 144 acres (4%) of the Nature that we have not had significant pig activity in the NaCenter’s 3,621 acres.
ture Center since January 2013 when we removed three
sounders (family groups of pigs) from the Alice Ashley
The real value of the estimated number is in compari- area.
son with past years. This comparison indicates that the
deer population has dropped over the past few years,
Texas Christian University graduate student Melissa
which makes sense given the drought conditions we
Mills is conducting trail camera surveys throughout the
have been experiencing. Last year, our fawn crop bot- Nature Center as a part of her master’s thesis. Melissa
is using the trail cameras to monitor bobcat populations in two areas of Tarrant County. The FWNC&R
forms a large portion of her western study area and has
already shown the presence of a number of bobcats as
well as coyotes, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, deer,
and fox squirrels. Because bobcats have individual
markings, Melissa hopes to be able to provide an accurate bobcat population estimate for the Nature Center
using this noninvasive surveying technique.
Rob Denkhaus
Natural Resource Manager
The future of the Nature Center’s deer herd.
Photo Credit: Nature Center Staff
tomed out, which led to a decrease in the number of
breeding does this year. Fawn production rebounded
this year, compensating for last year’s decline. This correlates with other informal surveys we perform to
check the use of preferred deer food plants such as
rough-leaved dogwood. All in all, the survey says our
~6~
From The Board…...continued from page 3
“August 21, 2009
teach us by visiting our Nature Center, we prepare to
Dear Suzanne,
celebrate the golden anniverAfter we, Hallie Read & I especially had complained sary of what is arguably one
to Charles Campbell about the tree trimming so severe of the best, earliest, and larg& to [sic] far up (Doves like to nest lower than most est urban nature centers in
birds) Charles had said ‘you (speaking to several of us) the United States. Much of
can go out to Lake Worth & pick out what could be what makes the Fort Worth
used as a N.C.’ We did that & Lo & behold Charles Nature Center & Refuge
special is its serendipitous
came to the same spot where we were – he said about
geographic relationship to upper Lake Worth, which is
50 ac – a lot of it water & swampy.
nearly completely contained within the Nature Center.
Later I with husband Bill invited about 30 active
members of Audubon to my home to discuss the area
Therefore, in 2014, we celebrate not only the 50th anni& what steps we should take next.
versary of the Fort Worth Nature Center but also the
This is almost the same as I had given you before except 40th anniversary of the Friends of the Fort Worth NaBetty Crabtree should be in the car instead of ….
ture Center & Refuge, Inc. during the centennial year
of the impoundment of Lake Worth.
Hallie Read Hardwick (sic)
Jessie Maye Smith
SPECIAL 2014 EVENTS
Margaret Parker
Evelyn Edens
March 22 – Founders Plaque Dedication at Greer
Betty Crabtree
Island
Love and Best Wishes, Margaret”
April 26 – Fort Worth Wild
The geographic area for the Fort Worth Nature Center Evening 50th Anniversary Dinner Celebration
& Refuge’s ancestral entity, the Greer Island Nature
Broadview Park-Fort Worth Nature Center
Center and Wildlife Refuge, was designated by resolution of the park board on February 17, 1964, as “a
November 6-23 – Broadview:
wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve.” The area conA Spectrum of Nature Art Show & Sale
sisted of “Greer Island, some 55 acres plus the surrounding water and shoreline, making about 380 acres (See complete listing for FONC and FWNC&R activities
in all,” as reflected by Mrs. Parker in 1994.
during 2014 on page 5)
A great Fort Worth fire, albeit so very important to the
life cycle of prairies, was one of the driving forces
which resulted in the impoundment of Lake Worth in
1914. Designed not only to serve as a source of drinking water to the thirsty town, it was also to be a resource for better control of potentially devastating fires
in a town whose buildings were then constructed
largely of combustible wood. Who then would have
guessed that 50 years later the high ground which became closely related sister islands as the new Lake
Worth filled to its capacity would become the Greer
Island Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge, Fort
Worth’s “Community Nature Center.” Now nearly another 50 years later, after many thousands of excited,
bright-eyed school children and their equally enthralled
parents have learned many of the lessons nature has to
Thank you Fort Worth Audubon Society, the ParkRecreation Board [now the Parks & Community Services Department Advisory Board], the Children’s Museum [now the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History], the Junior League of Fort Worth, the Fort Worth
City Council, the Fort Worth Nature Center Staff now
and then, and the many dedicated people and other
farsighted organizations not mentioned which have
been so instrumental in the founding and early development of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.
~7~
Kindest regards,
Rick Shepherd
SAVE THE DATE
22ND ANNUAL
Saturday, May 10, 2014
We need VOLUNTEERS to HELP plan this annual event!!!
What can you do to help?
• Design advertising brochure and t-shirt logo
• Contact entertainers and logistics
• Mailings to sponsors and previous attendees
• Assist Vendor/Exhibitor chair
• Pass out flyers at other events
• Place brochures at stores, etc.
• Set up and maintain registrant database
• Work registration May 8 & 9
• Work setup Friday, May 9
• Help onsite Saturday, May 10
• Many more short-term commitments
For more info: 817-392-7410 / 817-320-6383
~8~
Miller-Coors Corporate Volunteers Donate Time and Funds for
Annual Water Stewardship Program
E
mployees of Miller-Coors have
generously volunteered at the
Nature Center for the past three
years. As part of the company’s
Water Stewardship community volunteer
program, volunteers seek projects that have
a direct impact on improving water quality.
On Saturday, September 21, employees
braved the mud after a day of rain to slog
through the creek in the south pasture of
the bison range. They scoured from bank to
bank picking up trash and heavy tires that
have floated into the creek from elsewhere.
They also cleaned up an old building site
and separated recyclable metal from refuse.
By the end of the day, volunteers had collected and hauled a full-size dumpster full
of trash as well as two large piles of recyclable metal. The company also donated
$4,000 to the Friends of the Fort Worth
Nature Center & Refuge. Thank you employees of Miller-Coors for your corporate
A Miller-Coors volunteer team works at an old building site to recover metal,
which was loaded into a dump bed to be hauled out of the pasture.
Photo Credit: Michelle Villafranca
stewardship!
We would also like to thank our Natural
Guard volunteers (Lani Aker, Carla Cassanova, Greg Hudgins, Manuela Villareal,
and Jonathan Winnett) for assisting us as
crew leaders on the project. Staff leaders
included Randi Baldwin, Russell Lasiter,
and Michelle Villafranca.
Michelle Villafranca
Natural Resource Specialist
Some of the material that will be recycled.
Photo Credit: Michelle Villafranca
~9~
Y
Making Hay!
ou may have noticed that portions of the Demonstration Prairie were mowed during the fall. Since
the Friends of the Nature Center donated a hay
baler and related equipment in 2011, Nature Center
management
staff has
been
making
hay off
of select
prairie
sites to
feed the
bison
herd. So
far this
fall, we
have
taken 58 Natural Guard volunteers (from left) Dan Nation, Carla Cassabales
nova, and Wayne Duke push a hay bale out to feed the hungry
bison.
from a
Photo
Credit:
Michelle Villafranca
small
portion of the prairies available to us. This should feed the bison
well
through
the winter.
Prior to
being able
to cut our
own hay, I
searched
far and
wide (all
the way to
Nebraska!)
to find
quality
A load of hay bales heading to storage at the hay barn.
prairie hay
Photo Credit: Michelle Villafranca
to feed the
bison. The drought has made hay a highly valuable commodity
in this area, and gas prices raise the overall price even more if it
must be shipped from any distance. Having our own equipment
saves the Nature Center money and guarantees quality hay for
our animals.
Rob Denkhaus
Natural Resource Manager
~ 10 ~
Members Warm Up at the
9th Annual Chili Cook-Off
A
lthough the sun was shining,
attendees of the Friends’ 9th
Annual Chili Cook-Off were
lucky enough to have had a
light cold front move through the area just
in time to enjoy delicious hot chili.
The tradition was kept alive with various
forms of crock-pot and homemade chili,
side snacks, and desserts. Members voted
for their favorite chili, and first prize this
year went to Dale Roberts, who also held
a fun, money-raising raffle with handmade
nature items.
One of the event highlights was guest
speaker Ann Mayo, a UTA doctoral candidate who made the subject of ants absolutely fascinating. Her research focuses on
the Comanche Harvester Ant that lives in
abundance – more than 900 colonies – at
the Nature Center.
Why study ants? Because, according to
Mayo, ants are ecologically important
since they affect ecosystems according to
where they nest and how they forage. Examples she gave in support included seed
dispersion and ground aeration. As well,
ants can be good bio-indicators of how
healthy an ecosystem is.
Mayo indicated that one of the “pitfalls”
of setting up “pitfall” traps to study ants is
that raccoons like to destroy them at
night. Other interesting facts:
 More than 30 species of ants can
be found at the Nature Center
 Ants can dig deeper than earth
worms
 Most ants are girls
 Ants are wingless, unless they
are alates, destined to reproduce
 Predators include the eastern
black widow spider, bee assassin,
ant lions, and funnel web spider.
Chris Smith
Board Member
Spring Break Reminder…
S
ince it’s only January, it seems odd to
talk about spring. However, a change of
seasons is just around the corner, so
now is a good time to be proactive and
plan ahead for spring, particularly Spring Break
(March 10 -14). The Nature Center will have
plenty of choices for those who want to provide
outdoor family activities for their children. Our
offerings will include bison feeding hayrides,
canoeing, guided hikes, and interactive encounters with our Wild Ambassadors. Please go
online to www.fwnaturecenter.org to view our
week of special programming or pick up the
January – March edition of the Phenology to see
how we can meet your outdoor needs during
Spring Break. See you in March!
Michael Perez
Natural Scientist
Natural Scientist Michael Perez hosts a
Spring Break Bison Feeding Hayride in March 2012.
Photo Credit: Judy Keown
Facebook for Nature Nerds
H
ave you ever visited the Nature Center and seen a cool bird or flower but
didn’t know who to tell about it? Now
you can report your observations on
the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge project
page on iNaturalist, a website that has been described as Facebook for nature nerds. Refuge staff
members are collecting observations of all kinds –
plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates – to help
monitor populations and guide land management
activities.
To participate, simply visit www.inaturalist.org and
follow the instructions to sign up. Then join the
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge project. Any
observation that you report that occurred within
the bounds of the Nature Center will then automatically be added to the project. Observations can
include photos and recordings, so you don’t have
to know what you saw or heard. Other iNaturalist
members can provide identifications. So far, we
have 15 members who have reported observing 73
different species in the Nature Center.
Rob Denkhaus
Natural Resource Manager
A screenshot of the Nature Center Project page.
Photo Credit: Rob Denkhaus
~ 11 ~
Congratulations Cross Timbers Master Naturalist Class of 2013!
A
nother successful Cross Timbers Master Naturalist class
has been completed at the
Fort Worth Nature Center &
Refuge. Beginning in late August, adults
from many varied professional backgrounds assembled on NINE consecutive Tuesday evenings to participate in
the classes as well as take four Saturday
field trips to obtain a better understanding of our native ecosystems. With their
Texas Master Naturalist certification,
these volunteers will help create awareness and offer know-how to citizens who
will then become better nature stewards
in their communities. Congratulations to
the 2013 CTMN Class!
Laura Veloz
Natural Scientist/Volunteer Coordinator
W
Members of the Cross Timbers Master Naturalist Class of 2013.
Photo Credit: Phyl Baloga
2014 Hands & Hearts on the Move
e are moving…the Volunteer Recognition Banquet
Hands & Hearts is changing months. Over the past
decade, the celebration honoring volunteers who
have graciously donated thousands of hours to the
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge has been taking place in the
month of April. We will continue this annual festivity, but it will be
moved to the month of February beginning in 2014.
Hands & Hearts was originally held in the month of February to
coincide with the theme of love and friendship celebrated on Valentine’s Day…hence its name, Hands and Hearts, to signify the
many dedicated volunteer hands and hearts involved in taking care
of the Nature Center.
Please join us this February 22, 2014, from 4-6 pm at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center as the staff of the FWNC&R bestows
thanks and accolades upon our wonderful supporters. We hope to
see you there.
The annual Hands & Hearts Banquet is moving
to February beginning in 2014. This year’s banquet will be held February 22 from 4-6 pm in the
Hardwicke Interpretive Center.
Photo Credit: Laura Veloz,
Laura Veloz,
Natural Scientist/Volunteer Coordinator
~ 12 ~
Fall 2013 Docent Graduates
M
eet the recent graduates of the Fort
Worth Nature Center & Refuge 2013
fall docent training. This group of nature
enthusiasts met for seven consecutive
Saturdays to enhance their knowledge of local natural
history and hone interpretive skills to become great
docents. They will join the ranks of dedicated volunteers who participated last year in leading over a thousand children and adults on guided hikes. The Nature
Center is grateful to the new docents for their participation and readiness to share their knowledge of the
great outdoors to audiences of all ages.
Interested in becoming a docent at the Fort Worth Nature Center? Please register to attend the next docent
training beginning on February 8th by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Laura Veloz at 817-392-7413.
Laura Veloz
Natural Scientist/Volunteer Coordinator
Fall 2013 docent graduates, left to right: Susan Marchbanks,
Gregory Anderson, Allyson Adame, & Mary Turner.
Photo Credit: Laura Veloz.
Trails and Treats 2013
T
his year’s Trails and Treats Halloween alternative event proved to be a huge success. Many families enjoyed a pleasant
early evening walk along the Limestone
Ledge Trail to collect treats, get faces painted, play
games, make a craft, and learn about nocturnal animals with a live striped skunk and Virginia opossum.
Judging by the smiles on children’s faces and the
amount of candy loot found, everyone had a great
time. Several families shared that Trails and Treats
would be on their circuit of fall activities in the fuChildren and adults alike enjoyed 2013’s Trails and Treats event
ture.
at the Nature Center.
We are thankful to our volunteers who helped make
this year a success. Their tireless efforts help keep
the Nature Center important and relevant to our community.
Photo Credit: Brandon Marling
In conjunction with our events at Trails and Treats, we held a costume contest. All children were given the
opportunity to have their photo taken by our volunteer photographers Daryl and Brandon Marling. Nature
Center staff reviewed the photos and determined the three winners of the costume contest: Jake (King Cobra), Ava and Addy (Owls), and Mason (Panhandler). Each of these winners received a family pass for his or
her family to enjoy a day looking for other treats on our trails –migrating birds and budding wildflowers – or
celebrate just being outside.
Thank you to everyone who came and made this a great event!
Michael Perez
Natural Scientist
~ 13 ~
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
A grateful Board of the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is pleased to express its appreciation to all who either responded to our request for donations or independently contributed during this
year's DonorBridge Texas Giving Day on September 19th. All donations made that day, whether for capital
improvements, Todd Island (levee) bridge, Buffalo Boogie, canoe programs, or membership, were matched
in part by the Communities Foundation of North Texas, bringing our grand total for the day to $24,319.52.
The Friends of the Nature Center could not carry out its mission without your generous support.
Rick Shepherd
President
2013 Donor Bridge Texas
Giving Day Contributors
Glenn Baird
Dr. Scott Morris
Claudia Blalock
Carol Murray
Bonita Bowman
Karen Nash
William Brackett
Lisa Nash
Linda Brender
Dr. Amanda Stone
Sandra Brunello
Norton
Dr. Brooke Byerley
Dr. Bob O'Kennon
Scott Callnin
Jodelle Owens
Tobin Clark
Elaine Petrus
Andrew Cordell
Shayna Reasoner
Robert Crow
Carol Reynolds
Teresa DeCastro
William R. Richerson
Janet & Dave Douglass
Dale Roberts
Donna Dutkofski
Hilliary Schatz
Donna Elton
Dr. Dick & Sharon
Walter Fuchs
Schoech
Scott & Lisa Gabriel
William Shaw
Sarah Geer
William & Margaret
Kakki Gemmell
Shaw
Laura Harrison
Rick & Karen Shepherd
Sue Harvison
Kathleen Shumate
Michael Holder
Chris Smith
Shannon Hollis
Mack Stacy
Dr. Timothy Hubbard
Dr. Gordon Stone
Patricia Hyer
Theresa Thomas
Murray James
Rev. Timothy Thomas
Eva Key
Ann Trenton
Marty Leonard
Barbara Varley
Suzie Martin
Michelle Villafranca
Marsha McLaughlin
Kathy Weber
Laura Miller
Laura Wood
Lorenzo Moctezuma
Gail Wright
General Donations
Douglas Clark
Donald Petrecca
Sindy Semmens
Native Plant Society of
TX
Corporate Donations
2013 Hunt Cares
Employee Campaign
(matching Pete Reincke)
Miller-Coors
IN-KIND
DONATIONS
Russell Feed #1
Richard L. Shepherd
Designated Donations
2014 Gala
Michelle and Robert Clark
Charitable Fund
The Junior League of Fort
Worth, Inc.
Lena Pope Home
~ 14 ~
Todd Island (Levee)
Bridge
Murray James
Nina Francis
Birds of Prey
JoeBites Online Auction
Cameron Carver
Ann Christian
Sharon Dooley
Kirkham Family
Julie Loeffelholz
Marsha McLaughlin
Audrey Metroka
Shellie Metroka
Donna Mills
Jane Rector
Rosalie Rogers
Hillary Sullivan
Suzanne Tuttle
Michelle Villafranca
Kids’ Page……..
WINTER HAVENS
F
rom prairie dog burrows to galls to beehives, many animals build incredible homes to protect
themselves from predators or the unforgiving weather. They use materials that are available or
what they can produce, such as branches, grasses, mud, silk, or wax. During cold months, many
of these creatures seek shelter in their fantastic creations either to hibernate or just to keep warm.
Foxes, rabbits, prairie dogs, and other creatures keep warm during the winter months by creating or using underground homes. It takes longer for these well-insulated subterranean dwellings to be affected by
the quickly falling temperatures above ground, plus they are often packed with leaves, grass clippings,
and fur to keep them warm as they hibernate, nap, or just seek shelter.
Nature’s master builders, the beavers, make lodges out of mud and sticks to keep them warm and to keep
out predators. Their underwater entrance makes it harder for uninvited guests to enter, and the elevated
interior room keeps them dry when water levels rise. Beaver lodges even have an open vent at the top to
allow fresh air in.
Some animals do not even build homes but instead take advantage of the warmth and protection that
human homes provide. Fox squirrels normally build their nests in trees but often take up residence in our
attics. The only native marsupial of North America, the Virginia opossum, typically seeks the shelter of
hollow trees or logs, but as an alternative, they may stay in our garages. Mice and rats also find shelter in
human houses, not only from the chilling temperatures of winter but also to have easy access to food
when rations grow scarce outside.
Use your animal knowledge to complete the following puzzle. All the creatures in each row and column
have something in common. Can you match each row and column by placing the letter to the correct
fact below?
D
E
F
A
Beavers
Squirrels
Blue Jays
B
Bees
House Spiders
Wasps
C
Bats
Opossums
Great Horned Owls
___ 1. All can fly.
___ 4. All make their own home materials.
___ 2. All are nocturnal.
___ 5. All start with the same letter.
___ 3. All are frequently living in people’s houses.
___ 6. All use sticks to make their homes.
Answers: 1.F; 2.C; 3.E; 4.B; 5.D; 6. A
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FRIENDS OF THE
FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER & REFUGE
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76135
817-392-7410
Reminders from
F.O.N.C.
Help us earn money at
Tom Thumb and
Kroger
These two grocery stores give us a percentage of what
our members spend there.
NEWS FLASH!!!
A way to save money!
The next time you're shopping at Tom Thumb, pick
up a Reward Card application at the courtesy booth,
fill it out, then link the card to our Friends Reward
Account (#10930, Friends of Nature Center).
Remember, your donation to the Friends of the
Fort Worth Nature Center is completely tax
deductible. Please send your tax-free donation
to: “FONC”
9601 Fossil Ridge Road,
Fort Worth, TX 76135
For Kroger, go on-line to
www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com and sign up for
an account. Then link your account to the Friends
(#83215).