Fort Worth Nature Center & Wildlife Refuge

Nowadays you have to pay to get in. That said, its probably still worth it if you are an avid wildlife photographer and know how to get close. If the season and weather is right (late fall was my favorite time), almost every creature seen in the state of Texas can be seen here. I've seen and taken pictures of: buffalo, deer, turkey (just outside the refuge), gators (have no pics yet but they're there), snakes, waterfowl, owl and hawks, ferrel hog, prairie dogs, armadillo, possum, raccoon, rabbit/hare, I've seen it all in this one relatively small area. There are well marked hiking trails, a well maintained boardwalk into a marsh area, and even just driving the road slowly and listening with your window rolled down you will see most everything. Take a camera and a picnic basket (I saw no bears that would steal them). I'm not sure if you are allowed to anymore, but you used to be able to launch a canoe, kayak, jon boat, but watch for swimming critters and be back before the gate closes for the night. There used to be "no fishing or swimming" signs. There were a couple of Porta Johns (complete with wasps and spiders). There have probably been more improvements since I've stopped going there so often (2007). There is an area of homes so be nice and try to avoid private property and leave nothing behind. I've never taken advantage of any classes or tours they may offer but I can't see how they wouldn't be worthwhile. If you want to go back more often, they have season passes too.

You'll love this center. If your just out for a ride or a walk in the woods, it's great. Lots of birds to see at the marsh so be sure not to miss out on the boardwalk. The only problem I had here was the constant noise from the overhead flights from the navy. Otherwise would have been perfect.I defenatly recommend it to all. At a 4 dollar admission fee for adults and 2 for children it's worth every penny. check out the wallpaper section at blueridgepictures for lots of great photos from here.

I have lived in this are my whole life (and have even looked for the urban legendary Monster of Greer Island). I am now a very proud Nana to a child who is eager to learn, quick to retain information and loves anything to do with nature from the clouds in the sky to the smallest ants on the ground and anything having to do with water. A few months ago, I noticed in the paper they had a Pre-School Discovery Club. I called and registered him for the class (for a very good price, I might add) and my daughter-in-law and I both accompanied him to the class. The teacher, Mr. Michael, does an outstanding job in getting and holding their attention (and after teaching Pre-K for 14 years that is not always easy). He is patient and informative without talking down to them. There have always made a craft that goes along with the subject. They take these home at the end of class. I know my grandson, Barak then enjoys showing off what he has created and telling what he has learned. These classes are definitely worth attending with your child or grandchild. They are informative and the staff is all so friendly and helpful. Best of all, the kids love it!!!

My parent and I visited the Nature Center on Mothers Day, 2008 and we had an adventurous time. We saw an alligator he was sun bathing on land and when he saw us he went into the water (we have a cool picture of him and his footprints), red striped ribbon snake, box turtles,buffalo and a baby buffalo, kucoburrow and lots of other birds. We hiked on the trails and rode or bike on the paved roads. only thing I thought they needed at the nature center is they should sell water. We brought some but we drank all of ours. We look forward to comming back,,take time and look around there is lots of things to see.