Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Hardwicke Interpretive Center Grand Re-Opening: July 4
The Fort Worth Nature Center will celebrate the completion of improvement projects with a grand re-opening of the visitor center 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
The Nature Center and Refuge has seen a few major changes and improvements over the past several months. While the 3,621-acre refuge remained open, the Hardwicke Interpretive Center which is the main visitor center, was closed to the public.
During the four-month shutdown many new improvements were made:
- A new porous surfaced parking lot with rain collecting bio-swales was constructed. The new design allows for additional parking spaces for the public.
- Outdated sidewalks were replaced with new modern surfaces. Steps were replaced with slopes, allowing wheel-chair access around the entire visitors’ center.
- The Limestone Ledge Trail was resurfaced with crushed limestone, a surface that accommodates hikers with limited mobility.
- New informational kiosks and signage at the Nature Center assist visitors to learn about the trails, habitats and new improvements found at the refuge.
A short program and tour of the new improvements will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
A live animal ambassador station will be set up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. providing an opportunity for guests to interact with some of the animals.
At 2 p.m. Steve Woodard from The Wild Bird Center will give a presentation in the Hardwick Interpretive Center auditorium on how to attract wildlife to your backyard. He will be discussing the latest techniques and equipment used today.
To learn more, visit the Nature Center Web site.