The Heard will close to the public at 3 p.m. on May 10th, 2025 for Night Out at the Heard.
Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to bringing nature and people together through a variety of events and educational opportunities in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.
The goal of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is to connect our visitors with nature in hopes of inspiring within each person a deeper appreciation for the environment. Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to carrying out this vision through providing a variety of events and programs in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.
Founded in 1967, the Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and consists of a 289 acre nature preserve and a natural science museum and exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to bring nature and people together.
In addition, a critical element in this mission is providing a place where future generations can enjoy our native Blackland Prairie in a state similar to what it once was.
Further, this element requires both restoration and conservation efforts on the part of the Heard staff and volunteers.
In conclusion, escape the concrete of the city. After that, hike over 6.5 miles of self-guided or interpreted nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary.
These include tall grass prairie, bottomland hardwood and limestone escarpment. Take advantage of the opportunity to encounter many species of birds, insects and animals.
In short, Miss Bessie’s greatest contribution to her community and North Texas is the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.
Consequently, Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could visit to experience nature.
After that, the museum opened October 1, 1967 and now serves more than 100,000 visitors annually.
In keeping with Miss Heard’s vision, the museum’s mission is threefold: education, conservation and preservation. Through education, particularly for young people, the Heard emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.
The Heard sanctuary has five habitats including Blackland prairie, wetlands, bottomland forest, upland forest and white rock escarpment.
Each habitat is unique and offers a variety of plants and animals that live in specific environments.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to bring nature and people together.
A critical element in this mission is providing a place where future generations can enjoy our native Blackland Prairie in a state similar to what it once was. This element requires both restoration and conservation efforts on the part of the Heard staff and volunteers.
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