• Hike Our Trails (Self-Guided)

    Jul 8th, 2020
    9:00am - 5:00pm
    Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
    We're open during our regular hours of operation (see https://www.heardmuseum.org/hours for full schedule and exceptions) so that you may hike the trails (self-guided) through our 289-acre nature preserve (our indoor exhibits are currently closed). To minimize contact, general admission (https://www.heardmuseum.org/tickets) and membership (https://www.heardmuseum.org/membership) may be purchased online in advance. Please practice all recommended safety practices including maintaining social distancing (remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in your household).

    Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary staff is closely monitoring the Coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated COVID-19) outbreak and implementing any recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html) and World Health Organization (WHO). The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and guests is among our top priorities. If you have any additional questions regarding the Coronavirus, we recommend visiting the CDC website for additional resources.

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    The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and we appreciate your support during this difficult time.

    If you are able, please consider purchasing a Heard Museum membership. Our memberships are largely tax-deductible (https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2039/membershiptaxdeduction_10-02-2012.pdf) and your term won't begin until you activate it on your next visit. Memberships are available at https://www.heardmuseum.org/membership. Thank you for your consideration!

    Did you know?

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation encourages Americans to contribute to charity in 2020 by relaxing some of the limitations on charitable contribution. For instance, allowing a deduction of up to $300 of cash contributions, whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions on their taxes. Also, the new law scraps the 50% limit on charitable deductions for individuals.
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  • Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden

    Jul 8th, 2020
    9:00am - 5:00pm
    Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

    Through October 4, 2020, visitors to the outdoor Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas will have the opportunity to walk among free-flying native butterflies and other pollinators. Guests will be able to view butterflies up close while learning about their life stages and more.

    The butterfly house is regularly stocked with an assortment of native butterfly species, which varies throughout the exhibit. Guests may even get to see a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis. Inside the butterfly house, nectar plants are also available to feed the adult butterflies. There are even a few host plants for caterpillars to feed on (“host plants”).

    The butterfly garden, too, is filled with nectar plants and host plants that naturally attract these lovely creatures. Guests may even find a few ideas to try in home gardens, which can in turn help pollinators on a broader scale. From time to time, other species of wildlife that feed on insects or the nectar plants may also be found in the butterfly garden, including hummingbirds. This area is also a great setting for nature photography.

    The Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden is included in museum general admission and is free for Heard Museum members. Learn More
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