~ FONC MISSION STATEMENT ~

“To preserve, protect, and conserve in perpetuity the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.”

April—June 2014

The Joy Of Volunteers

I recently participated in our annual Hands and Hearts volunteer appreciation banquet. (A summary of this event by our volunteer coordinator, Laura Veloz, can be found else-

where in this issue.) As I happily watched our hardworking volunteers receive recognition for their service and congratulate each other for their accom-plishments, I was reminded anew of how important volun-teers are to the successful opera-tion of the Na-ture Center. In 2013, 193 in-dividuals and 26 organized groups donated a total of 7,318 hours of service to benefit the Nature Center. At an hourly rate for Texas of $22.57 (as set by Independent Sector, a leadership network for non-profits, foundations, and corporate giving programs), that time equals $165,167.26 worth of in-kind services provided for our operations. This effectively boosts our

staffing budget by 30% – Wow! Beyond just the added value to our bottom line, working with volunteers brings a variety of less-tangible benefits to our staff, such as friendship, emotional support, and creative new ideas for in-

troducing programs and solving prob-lems. Finally, in this 50th anniversary year, I want to rec-ognize once again the efforts of a dedicated corps of volunteers who de-voted so much of their time and en-ergy to bringing the idea of a commu-nity nature center to life in 1964. If you are one of our valued volun-teers, thank you so

very much. If you are one of our future volun-teers, we are looking forward to working side by side with you in 2014 and beyond!

Suzanne Tuttle Nature Center Manager

We are truly grateful to our volunteers for the many service hours they contribute to help keep the Nature Center running smoothly.

Photo Credit: FWNCR

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 May 1st—Sept. 30th.

Mon.—Fri. 7:00AM—5:00PM Sat.—Sun. 7:00AM—7:00PM Please call 817-392-7410

with any additional ques-tions.

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.

FORT WORTH NATURE CENTER & REFUGE Suzanne Tuttle FWNC&R Manager

HARDWICKE INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Laura Veloz Naturalist/Volunteer Coord. Michael Perez Naturalist/Outreach Coord. Chad Etheridge Water Programs Coordinator Troy Mullens Weekend Naturalist Sheila Johnson Education Naturalist Cynthia Robinson Education Naturalist Tiffany Gorrell Education Intern

REFUGE/NATURAL RESOURCE

Rob Denkhaus Natural Resource Manager Michelle Villafranca Natural Resource Specialist Russell Lasiter Natural Resource Technician Nic Martinez Natural Resource Technician

CUSTOMER SERVICE/GATE

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

~ 2 ~

9601 Fossil Ridge Road,

Fort Worth, Texas 76135 817-392-7410

www.naturecenterfriends.org

FONC BOARD Of DIRECTORS:

Rick Shepherd, President Marty Leonard, VP, President—Elect

Pat Hyer, Recording Secretary Dagmar Higgins, Corresponding Secretary

Laura Harrison, Treasurer

Directors: 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

PACSD Advisory Board Rep.:

Chase Dustin, ex officio

BLUESTEM NEWS:

Sharon McKone Editor-in-Chief

Rosemarie Hayward Layout & Graphics

From the Board By Rick Shepherd

~ 3 ~

~HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY~ The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

C ontinuing the saga of the founding of the Nature Center from the last issue of Bluestem News, the Audu-bon Society lost little time in preparing Greer Island for its future. Soon thereafter, the land was offered to the Children’s Museum for use as an outdoor laboratory, extending its “Nature Service.” Through su-pervised use by the general public for nature study, the Nature Center would soon begin to provide posi-

tive benefits from outdoor educational programs. After careful consideration, the Children’s Museum accepted the offer to undertake initial management and development of programs at the Greer Island Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge. Fort Worth Audubon member and nature activist Margaret Parker accompanied renowned birder [1961 author of Birds of Tarrant County] and University of Dallas science Professor Warren Pulich on March 10, 1964, to mark the first trail on Greer Island. It was that trail which would earn the Nature Center its first national recognition in 1971. The initial stretch of what would be-come 8,300 feet of trails was cut on March 11, 1964. The Audubon So-ciety met on Greer Island Saturday, April 4, 1964, for island cleanup and a picnic lunch. Following elec-tion of officers for 1964-65, the rest of the day was used for hikes of the new trails to explore the is-land and observe its diverse flora and fauna. Margaret Parker recalled “one of the first activities was nail-ing up signs on trees: ‘Do not enter with guns, dogs, or ax.’” The Greer Island Nature Center’s “first tour was two busloads of pre-school children, and it turned out to be a cold and windy March day.”[MP] Audubon’s retiring president, John Wilson, lauded its Special Conser-vation Committee’s work to estab-lish the Nature Center and the Park Board for its “splendid consideration” and cooperation in helping develop the area. The need for a refuge naturalist soon became evident, and Texas A&M graduate William “Bill” Spalsbury was hired by the City on June 17, 1964. He remained in that position until April 1967. Hired in September 1968, Rick Pratt was noted for having provided “excellent training sessions for docents at the shelter on Greer Island.” Early docents were drawn from Audubon Society members, teachers aides, and Junior League members, in addition to Midge Randolph, Katie Casstevens, Knowla Morrow, the Bill Barneys, and the Joe Lowes.

Continued on page 7

Members of the Audubon Society on a field trip to Greer Island in 1964. Photo Credit: FWNCR Archives

~ 4 ~

Somewhere On A River…..

N o kidding, there I was, somewhere on a river… …noting the brilliant hues of green as

spring was burgeoning forth. The clawing tendrils of winter had at last released its stranglehold, and the flora was getting down to the business of reclaiming its domi-nance on the landscape. I was floating along, gently dip-ping the paddle, thinking how good it felt to be warm once again, when sud-denly, it happened… A distant rumble...a rumble from an atmos-pheric explosion that was growing in inten-sity and volume as it raced ever closer. The tell-tale sign of thunder was giving me a warn-ing... a not-so-subtle hint that the time had arrived to get off the water. Of course, the thunder itself was merely an audible signal to the real threat that was heading my way...lightning. Light-ning is absolutely seri-ous, and it is the one thing that will get me out of my boat. For all the dangers it poses to outdoorsmen, and pad-dlers in particular, nature’s light and sound show is actu-ally a very important producer of new life, and one with global impact. Have you ever looked at your lawn after a thunderstorm and noticed that it almost instantaneously greens up? No matter how much water you may apply to your grass, it will never become as green as it is after a rain. Credit lightning. Lightning is merely the finale of an almost magical dance that begins with sunlight and water vapor. Each day, as the sun heats up water vapor in the air, it begins to rise. It attaches to microscopic particles in the air, producing over 40,000 thunderclouds globally every day. The rapidly rising moist air creates powerful updrafts, which turn the water vapor into ice crystals as it quickly

cools. Rising water and ice crystals begin to collide with each other and produce falling hail in the clouds at ex-tremely high speeds. The friction of these collisions pro-duces enormous charges of static electricity. An average thundercloud contains enough energy to power a city the size of Washington, DC for around 10 hours. These charges build until eventually a spark occurs, the air is ripped apart, and a lightning bolt is created. This ripping of the air results in something that always accompanies

lightning...thunder. Due to distance, you may not always hear thunder, but it is always there. A lightning bolt is about the thickness of a human thumb, but it is capable of produc-ing temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahren-heit, more than five times hotter than the surface of the sun. As it burns through the at-mosphere, the bolt splits nitrogen in the air into single molecules. Nitrogen is a very social molecule, so it searches out other molecules to

which to attach, and oxygen is often a favorite. When these two molecules bond, they create a nutrient vital to the well-being of our planet...nitrate. With 40 or more lightning strikes occurring every sec-ond around the Earth (over 3 million a day), about 13,000 tons of nitrate are created daily. The nitrate dis-solves in water droplets within the cloud and falls to the ground with the rain. Nitrates are nature's fertilizer, and they enter plants through their root systems, spread up through the leaves, and enter the food web and life cycle of our planet. Eventually, nitrates enter the cells of every living organism. Nitrates help build structure in plants and also help build proteins and DNA in animals, including humans. These tiny combinations of mole-cules are essential for all living things, and it is fascinat-ing that they are created by and travel back to Earth through our most important natural resource: water.

Continued on page 5

Lightning is an important producer of new life, providing essential nitrates that plants and animals need to survive.

Photo Courtesy of: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Na-tional Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Collection (noaa.gov), Sean Waugh,

NOAA/NSSL, Photographer

~ 5 ~

Somewhere On A River…...Continued from page 4 So the next time you are out and you see those incredible displays of electrostatic discharge during some of na-ture's most spectacular weather, be careful and give it the respect it is due, but also be thankful that lightning is providing us all with life-giving nutrients. Until we meet again, I'll be out as usual, Somewhere on a river…

Chad Etheridge Water Programs Coordinator

A cross a field of grass dancing with the slightest breeze, a whitetail deer stands motionless. He stares as you watch him. After a few moments, he carries

on. Up further on the path, lizards dart across the ground to hide. You dash after them, continuing this game of hide and seek only to find you will have to wait for another round with other lizards. Scanning the sky, acrobatic insects are providing you with an aerial show that would make any tra-peze artist green with envy. Wonder and inquiry arise as you notice holes along the paths. You speculate and question what animal made this pit and for what it was searching. These are just a few examples of experiences and questions children take home with them from a Summer Natural History Adventure at the Fort Worth Nature Center. This summer, we will have many adventures while learning about native wildlife and plant life. Through these experiences, we hope to encourage children to ask questions about their natural world. We have half-day classes for children entering Kindergarten and full-day classes for children entering 1st grade through 6th grade. An adventure includes lessons, activities, crafts, and adventures. Visit our web-site, pick up a brochure, or contact us at (817) 392-7410 if you would like to enroll your student for a summer of adventures.

Michael Perez Natural Scientist

Summer Adventures

Natural Scientist Laura Veloz leads her 1st and 2nd graders on an exploration of the Demonstration Prairie.

Photo Credit: Rhina Murphy & Herman Martinez

~ 6 ~

What’s Going On at Hardwicke…Education Program News

S pring Break has wrapped up at the Nature Center, and now begins the whirlwind of educational programs. Schools and other groups with an education focus come to the

Nature Center for field trips. Led by our wonderful docents and staff, kids hike across the Nature Center and learn about the various species of wildlife and flora and fauna and their natural history. While stu-dents are here, they are given the opportunity to en-joy the outdoors. In addition to these onsite pro-grams, we will venture out to many schools and community events to spread the mes-sage of the natural world and the Na-ture Center’s mis-sion. Animal Am-bassadors will wow children at libraries, elemen-tary schools, and community cen-ters across the Metroplex. Some of these programs include animals such as snakes, turtles, alligators, owls, opossums, and even a skunk. Using these animals makes the learning experience more authentic and leaves a lasting impression on the students. Our educational reach also extends across the coun-try. The Nature Center participates in video confer-ences with the Region XI Education Service Center. We present nature-related programs to schools across our area, state, country, and even outside the U.S. In January and February, we presented owl pro-grams to students in New York. In past years, we have presented to other states such as Louisiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania and other countries such as Canada. These video conferences cannot replace a personal visit, but they allow us to reach out to com-

munities that would not visit us otherwise. We recently attended the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. We were involved with the “Kids Gone Wild” portion of events. Volunteers and staff greeted over 600+ participants, had crafts for the kids, and shared information about the Nature Center. The Nature Center will also have a presence at future events such as Cabela’s Kids Day and BRIT’s Prairie Day. Large crowds are anticipated at these events,

and, with other like-minded organiza-tions also in atten-dance, we will share a wealth of informa-tion about our natu-ral world through demonstrations, conversations, and activities. In May, you will find us at Tandy Hills Natural Area, helping the Friends of Tandy Hills with its award-winning Kids on the Prairie program. We will be working with Fort Worth Independent School District stu-

dents from nearby schools, teaching them about the importance of this lovely prairie remnant in their own backyards. Many activities are going on this spring to keep us busy, and we want you to make us even busier. If you are a teacher or know a teacher, please contact us to plan an offsite or onsite visit. We would love to visit your classroom or welcome you to our “big backyard.” If you are interested in booking us for a program or visiting us at one of the above-mentioned community events, contact us at (817) 392-7410 for additional information.

Michael Perez Natural Scientist

Natural Scientist Michael Perez introduces the Nature Center’s Barred Owl to students at FWISD’s Briscoe Elementary.

Photo Credit: Deetra Dickey

~ 7 ~

From The Board…...continued from page 3

During the first few years, “150 species of birds” were identified, “including phalaropes, herons, reddish, great, and snowy egrets, both bitterns, geese, and 18 species of ducks.” In addition, 35 species of trees and shrubs and 36 species of wildflowers were listed. The City expanded the Nature Center to 3,000 acres in 1967 upon the recommendation of the Fort Worth Con-servation Council. A $70,000 interpretive center was built at the site chosen by Nature Center naturalist Rick Pratt on the newly available land in 1970. The building was funded in part by a $40,000 federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Nature Center’s development; the remainder was provided by the City of Fort Worth. The completed building was named the Robert E. Hardwicke Interpretive Center at the recom-mendation of Mrs. John G. (Ginny) Richards. Mr. Hard-wicke was considered “one of the most effective advo-cates of conservation in Tarrant County and the state of Texas.” He and Mrs. Hardwicke “were very influential in acquiring Greer Island for the City of Fort Worth as a nature center and refuge.” [GR] The dedication ceremony for the Interpretive Center and recognition of the Greer Island National Recreation Trail, the state’s first, was held in 1971 on Greer Island. In attendance were U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Regional Director Maurice D. Arnold of Denver, Nature Center staff, and an audience of more than 50 men and women interested in and dedicated to the cause. Mr. Ar-nold presented certificates and signs from the Depart-ment of the Interior to Park Board Chairman Charles A. Ringler and Park and Recreation Director Charles Camp-bell designating the trail as part of the national system created by Congress in 1968. Arnold had special praise for “the city fathers who recognize that a hostile environ-ment helps create hostile people. Cities with good park and recreation programs have better kids, better payrolls, less hostility, and fewer problems.” The Friends of the Nature Center now likewise applauds the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board and the Fort Worth City Council of 2013-14 for its significant support of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. In summer 2013, the City Council voted to sell Certificates of Obligation to fund a number of necessary projects, including $500,000 for reconstruction of the Nature Cen-ter’s Lotus Marsh Boardwalk. It also decided to include $350,000 in the 2014 Bond Program for reconstruction

of our repeatedly floodwater-breached Cross Timbers Trail / Todd Island Levee. Together with funds raised so far from Friends membership and grants, both projects are finally on track to commence. Kindest regards,

Rick Shepherd FONC President

On behalf of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, please thank your City of Fort Worth District Councilmember for support-ing funding of the Cross Timbers Trail / Todd Island Levee reconstruction in the 2014 Bond Program.

VOTE FOR THE 2014 BOND PROGRAM ON

MAY 10TH

~ 8 ~

Expanded Wildlife Surveys

D espite the Nature Center’s 50-year history as a center for naturalist activity, relatively little is known about the status of the Ref-uge’s wildlife populations. As I reported

last quarter, we conduct annual whitetail deer spotlight surveys, and we are currently hosting a bobcat trail camera study. The Fort Worth Audubon Society (FWAS) also conducts annual bird counts, and mem-

bers of the DFW Herpetological Society perform vari-ous surveys of our reptile and amphibian communities. While all of these activities provide excellent informa-tion, they all have rather specific objectives, and that leaves holes in our wildlife population knowledge base. We plan to fill in many of those holes thanks to the generosity of FWAS, who awarded us with a “Conservation, Education, and Preservation Grant” for 2013-14. These funds are being used to conduct a trail camera study that will encompass the entire Nature Center and not focus on any single species or group of species. The Nature Center has been divided into 36-acre hex-agonal management cells thanks to Michelle Villa-franca’s GIS skills. A total of 89 cells will be used in the study, as the unused cells are dominated by water. Each cell will be equipped with a permanent trail camera mounting point that will sample the wildlife of the area. The exact mounting point will be located along estab-lished wildlife trails to maximize our attempts to obtain photographs of a variety of species. The FWAS grant has provided the funds to purchase 30 trail cameras and the accoutrements necessary for

their use. These cameras will be placed in 30 randomly selected cells and left to record the area’s wildlife activ-ity for 30 days, at which time the cameras will be equipped with new memory cards and moved to an-other set of 30 randomly selected cells. We are hoping to determine which species call the Na-ture Center home. For example, the Nature Center is within the known range of species such as swamp rab-bits and otters, but we have no proof they can be found on the property. Hopefully, this study will provide that proof. We will also be able to determine the specific areas that various wildlife species use most often and, over time, will be able to identify trends in our wildlife populations to see whether they are expanding or con-tracting. We will also be able to examine the impact of our management activities on wildlife populations by answering questions such as, “Does a new trail segment move wildlife out of the area?” A Texas Christian University undergrad, Jimmy Greene, is performing the field work for the initial phase of this study while learning proper research tech-niques and protocols. This is yet another benefit of the study and of FWAS support, as real-life experience is the best teaching tool for our future biologists.

Thanks again to the Fort Worth Audubon Society, an organization that has been intensely supportive of the Nature Center since the beginning!

Rob Denkhaus Natural Resource Manager

Thanks to the generosity of a Fort Worth Audubon Society grant, 30 trail cameras were purchased to conduct studies that will help

determine which species call the Nature Center home. Photo Credit: FWNCR

An advantage of the camera studies is that the Nature Center will be able to identify trends in wildlife populations to see if they are

expanding or contracting. Photo Credit: FWNCR

~ 9 ~

I don’t recall when I first heard about Buffalo Boogie. It was likely sometime in the early 2000s. I had recently returned to running and would participate in whatever 5K races our

running coaches encouraged us to suffer through. At most races, you show up, pin on your bib, try your hardest to finish the race without embarrassing your-self, grab some water and a dried bagel at the finish, look for your name on the results sheet – again, hop-ing to not embar-rass yourself – then head for home. But this race was different. There were dogs. And kids. And buffalo. And prairie dogs. And butterflies. And turtles. And prizes. And music. And booths. And hiking trails. And scenic views. And snakes. (Okay, for-tunately I never saw a snake; but the sign said there were snakes, many differ-ent snakes!) All of this was within a heavily treed nature preserve, just minutes from the city’s congestion, but world’s away from everything. In-stead of racing home, I stuck around to learn about some of the organizations who believe in bettering our environment and community. I listened to music. I anxiously waited to see if I had won a fabulous prize. I enjoyed some food. I chatted with friends. And I petted some of the event’s furry participants, all proudly sporting their Buffalo Boogie bandanas. Afterwards, I vowed to return to the Fort Worth Na-ture Center and hike some of its trails; look for birds, turtles, and signs of alligators in the marshes of the lake; and ooh and aah at the baby buffalo. And I have, many times. Soon I decided that, while Buffalo Boogie was one of

the best races in town, it was an even better walk. I can run anywhere. To truly enjoy the Nature Center, Buffalo Boogie is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. So I started forgoing the timed race and joined the two- and four-legged walkers. Since my dogs aren’t accustomed to being around other pets, last year I offered my “leash” services to my friends Mark Bober and Vicki Carter, known to many in Fort Worth for their amazing whippets. I

had the pleasure of enjoying the Nature Center’s spring blooms alongside Phizz, the hardest work-ing therapy dog in Fort Worth. Maybe this year I’ll get to walk Phizz’s wild kid brother, Raylan (whose name is often preceded by “Oh…”). Or Phiona, the regal older sister who recently joined the family. Mark and Vicki agree with me about Buffalo

Boogie. "Buffalo Boogie is a great family event – beautiful surroundings and always a fun-filled morn-ing,” said Vicki. Mark and Vicki are usually some of the first to sign up, and we’re already making plans for the 2014 event. Regardless of which whippet I get to walk, I know I’ll be there. It’s Buffalo Boogie, after all, the best race in town, especially at a slow pace.

Carol Murray Guest Author

Buffalo Boogie Reminiscences

From left to right: 2013 Buffalo Boogie participants Vicki Carter, Carol Murray, and Mark Bober with the whippets.

Photo Credit: Carol Murray

~ 10 ~

O n February 22, the Hardwicke Interpretive Center was the place to be for Fort Worth Nature Center volunteers.

With these volunteers’ support and dedica-tion, the Nature Center was able to provide guided tours to hundreds of students, care for the daily needs of our Wild Ambassadors, grow native plants, restore habitats, and so much more. To celebrate and recognize the year’s volunteer endeavors, we held the Na-ture Center’s annual Hands and Hearts Vol-unteer Recognition Celebration. Volunteers from all areas of service gathered at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center to be for-mally thanked and recognized for their time and support over the years. After the scrumptious meal catered by The Chicken Place (TCP) in Watauga and mingling amongst the attendees, it came time to recognize the volunteers who had achieved significant milestones either by accumulative hours accrued over the years and/or special recognition for their 2013 contribu-tions. Like previous years, the Golden Awards bring

plenty of smiles to the volunteers who receive them and those who are present at the celebration. The honorees for 2014 Hands and Hearts for hours served and special projects accomplished through the end of 2013 are:

2014 Hands and Hearts Celebration

Golden Awards Allyson Adame & Gregory Anderson – Animal Care

Joanne Jones & Pat Stroup - Administrative

Jim Walling – Canoe Tour Charlotte Phillips - Docent

Amanda Godbee - Greenhouse Lani Aker – Natural Guard

Eric Plentl – Teen Volunteer

3000 Hours - Name on the Volunteer Hall of Fame Plaque

Sandy Brunello

300 Hours – Swallowtail Pin Allyson Adame Chad Etheridge

Dan Nation Debra Brooks Greg Hudgins

Lani Aker Pat Leach

Sarah McArdle

200 Hours – Cardinal Pin Allyson Adame

Bill Collins Ken Howard

Rhina Murphy Melinda Wolfinbarger

100 Hours - Chickadee Pin Amanda Godbee

Beth Barber Cameron Campbell

Debra Drzich Eric Stone

John Shaffer Jose Alvarez

Kai Matthews Ken Howard

Marianne Armstrong Olivia Aviles

Robyn Salaver Tami Lake

50 Hours Patch or Tadpole Pin Amanda Godbee Barbara Walter

Cameron Goebel Carol Culins

David Morgan Debra Drzich

Duane Connett Elizabeth Angell

Gregory Anderson Howard Whipple

Jose Alvarez Judy Keown

Kakkie Cunningham Kim Clemons Olivia Aviles

Phil Craighead Robyn Salaver Stacy Goode Sue Bonham

Continued on page 11

The annual Hands and Hearts Volunteer Recognition Celebration was held this year on February 22. Many thanks for the hours these hardworking vol-

unteers provided to help the Nature Center! Photo Credit: FWNCR

~ 11 ~

O n a cool, rainy October day when most people would choose to stay snuggled up in their beds, hardy volunteers from the Azle High

School Structured Learning Class, under the direction of their teacher, Jessica Bailey, came to the Nature Center to volunteer at the green-house. After a brief tour of the facilities, stu-dents assisted with organization and cleanup. A few of the students and teachers planted native grasses and flowers at the greenhouse entrance. The students worked hard and enjoyed their time outdoors. We hope they will join us again to volunteer. I would like to extend a special thanks to regular greenhouse volunteer Amanda Godbee for helping with the group.

Michelle Villafranca Natural Resource Specialist

Hands and Hearts Celebration.. continued from page 10

A big thanks to the Friends of the Nature Center (FONC), which each year supports Hands and Hearts with great food and re-freshments. Also, special thanks goes to the secret collaborators who made things run smoothly before, at, and after the celebration. The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge staff wants to thank all volunteers for their contributions and commitment. We could not have done it without you.

Laura Veloz Natural Scientist

Golden Award recipients from left to right: Charlotte Phillips, Joanne Jones, Pat Stroup, Allyson Adame, Gregory Anderson, Laura Veloz – Staff, Sheila

Johnson –Staff, Eric Plentl, Lani Aker, Michelle Villafranca – Staff. Photo Credit: FWNCR

Azle High School Structured

Learning Class Volunteers at the

Restoration Greenhouse

Azle High School Structured Learning Class student and staff help organize at the greenhouse.

Photo Credit: Jessica Bailey, Azle High School

~ 12 ~

5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk 5K Chip-Timed Run on a USATF-certified course

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Dogs on leash welcome!

(No other pets allowed)

Special School / Group Rates!

Breakfast, balloons, face painting, exhibitors, vendors, and much more!

All proceeds from 2014 will support the Outreach Education Program

www.buffaloboogie.org

Celebrating Wild Years!

22nd ANNUAL

~ 13 ~

A nimal care volunteers play a key role in the lives of our Wild Ambassadors. These volun-teers share their time, effort, and love for animals. With their help, Nature Center

staff is able to meet the needs of our Ambassadors and give them a high quality of life. On January 25, 14 dedicated caretakers attended a re-view and refresher training at the Hardwicke Interpre-tive Center. After a meet and greet with other volun-

teers, the attendees discussed the progress we have made in the past year with improved habitats and diets. In addition, an official welcome was given to four new additions to our crew of Wild Ambassadors: an opos-sum, a hognose snake, a skunk, and an alligator. After reviewing current procedures, volunteers presented many helpful suggestions. Their thoughtful ideas and suggestions have given us new goals for the future.

Our animal care volunteers are appreciated by hu-mans and animals alike, and they can never be thanked enough for all the hard work and care they give.

Sheila Johnson

Education Naturalist

Animal Care Gathering

Education Naturalist Sheila Johnson discusses animal care protocols with class attendees.

Photo Credit: Laura Veloz

Attendees John Martin, Eric Plentl, Josh Crow, and Robyn Salaver are some of the Nature Center's animal care volunteers

who participated in a review and refresher training class on January 25.

Photo Credit: Laura Veloz

Class attendees Peggy Getman, Gregory Anderson, and Susannah Durling listen attentively to instructors Laura Veloz

and Sheila Johnson. Photo Credit: Laura Veloz

The Friends of the Nature Center was saddened to lose good Friend and longtime volunteer Josephine (Jo) Lewis. Jo died on

Monday, January 20th. She will be missed.

~ 14 ~

Nominate a Friend of the Friends

T he time for nominations for new board members is fast approaching, and we encourage you to think about who would be interested in joining the 2014-15 Board of Directors of the Friends of the Nature Center, a non-

profit organization supporting the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. If you are interested in serving on the board yourself, you can ask someone to nominate you. You do not need any particular expertise, just support of and love for the Nature Center. Great things are happening, and we hope you will want to be part of the excitement. The deadline for nominations is no later than Friday, May 2, 2014. Nomination forms (see job description and nomina-tion form on page 16-17) should be sent to:

Marty Leonard 1411 Shady Oaks Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76107

or martyleo@flash.net

Come join us!

Job Description and Friends of the Nature Center Nominating Form can be

found on pages 16-17!

Nominating Committee Marty Leonard, Chair Bob O’Kennon Bill Richerson Sue Harvison Rick Shepherd, Ex-Officio

Broadview: A Spectrum of Nature

I n celebrating Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge’s 50th anniversary, the Friends will host a juried art ex-hibition and sale entitled Broadview: A Spectrum of Nature. This exhibition and benefit sale will be open to the public November 7 – 23, 2014, at Fort Worth Community Arts Center. Local artists are invited to submit their work that reflects the native flora, fauna, and landscapes of North Central Texas ecosystems.

Additionally, we will have 10 plein air artists visit the park and paint scenes, which will then be auctioned at the Fort Worth Wild banquet on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Please join us in celebrating the park’s 50 years! Water color by Susie Harrison

Volunteers Needed SPONSORS Needed Vendors/Exhibitors

Needed for Buffalo Boogie

2014!!! Download forms at

www.buffaloboogie.org or call Dale 817-368-1957

~ 15 ~

50th Anniversary

Fort Worth Nature

Center & Refuge 2014 Events Calendar

_______________

April 26

Fort Worth Wild

50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

Nature Center’s Broadview Park

See live demonstration lost wax

bronze bison casting for silent auction

by sculptor Vince Villafranca

See Pleine Aire artists completing

paintings for silent auction

Raffle of exciting objects and opportunities

Music by Five Second Rule Band

Dinner under the stars catered by

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine

Wines by Brennan Vineyards

Beer by Rahr Brewers

May10

Buffalo Boogie

22nd Annual

October 4

Lake Worth Monster Bash

Back by popular demand

Meet the Monster

November(6*) 7 thru 23

Broadview: A Spectrum of Nature

Art Exhibition and Sale

(Fort Worth Community Arts Center)

(* 11/6/14 by invitation)

Saturday July 12, 1:30 PM The Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

….a short “drinks and snacks” meeting to approve the new Board and hear our

“State of the Union”

Hardwicke Interpretive Center

9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76135

R.S.V.P. to 817-392-7410 by noon July 11

Program:

Nature Center’s Outreach Education and

Ambassador Animals! Presenter: Sheila Johnson

Door Prizes!!!

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Member of the Board of Directors Job Description and Expectations

Purpose: To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion and fundraising of the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, Inc. (FONC) so as to support and further the organization’s mission and needs. The mission of the FONC is to preserve, protect, and conserve in perpetuity the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. *Major responsibilities:

Organizational leadership and advisement

Organization of the board of directors, officers, and committees

Formulation and oversight of policies and procedures

Financial management, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget

Oversight of program planning and evaluation

Review of organizational and programmatic reports

Promotion of the organization

Fundraising and outreach

*Members of the board share these responsibilities while acting in the interest of FONC. Each mem-ber is expected to make recommendations based on his or her experience and vantage point in the

community in both regular BOD meetings as well as on his or her respective committees.

Expectations of board members:

Financially support FONC in a manner commensurate with one’s ability

Attend and participate in meetings on a regular basis and special events as able

Participate on a standing committee of the board and serve on ad-hoc committees as necessary

Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by FONC’s mission, objectives, and pro-grams

Help communicate and promote FONC’s mission and programs to the community

Become familiar with FONC’s finances, budget, and financial/resource needs

Understand the policies and procedures of FONC

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FRIENDS OF THE NATURE CENTER NOMINATION FORM FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP

Name of Proposed Candidate: _____________________________________________________ To help the Nominating Committee know the candidate, we ask that you complete the following: Please describe why you are proposing this candidate. What will he/she bring to the Nature Center, or in what specific areas could this candidate make a contribution to the Nature Center?

Education: _____________________________________________________________ _______ Profession: Position:

Other Board Memberships/Committee Memberships: Areas of expertise or interest: Professional/Civic Affiliations: Membership and years of involvement with the Nature Center:

Address: Work: Home: Phone: Work: Home: Email: Cell:

Proposer’s Name: Relationship: Proposer’s Phone Number/Email:

Please return to Marty Leonard: martyleo@flash.net or 1411 Shady Oaks Lane, FW, TX 76107

DEADLINE: NO LATER THAN MAY 2, 2014

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Bobcat Research Rob Denkhaus

Anonymous

Habitat Improvement Project Fort Worth Audubon Society

Archival Work Anonymous

In Kind Wild Bird Centers of America,

Inc. (Hulen St. Location) Gordon Carver

Tami Lake Karen and Richard Shepherd

Birds of Prey The Kirkham Family

Linda Rector

Corporate Gifts Textron Matching Gift Program (matching Michael Honkomp)

In Memory of Naomi McBride Karen and Richard Shepherd Suzanne and Stephen Tuttle

In Memory of Jo Lewis Sandy and Lawrence Brunello

Marcia Curl Joanne Jones

LP and RN Tucker Suzanne and Stephen Tuttle

In Honor of Murray James Melissa Thompson

General Donations Kay and Don Cattle

Judith Coberly Julia and Wilson Daggs

Eric Matus Deborah McKay

Laura Penn Sara Schmidt

George and Mary Sullivan

2014 Gala Fort Worth Wild Buffalo Gold LLC

Chesapeake Energy Corp. Ralph Duggins

The Honorable Kay Granger Sue Harvison Murray James

Luther King Capital Mgmt. Range Resources Corp.

Karen and Richard Shepherd Suzanne and Stephen Tuttle

Laura Wood

Buffalo Boogie Theresa Chenoweth

Marcia Curl J&B Erectors, Inc.

Murray James Marty Leonard

Marsha McLaughlin John Moritz

Elaine and Tim Petrus William Robertson

Karen and Richard Shepherd Barbara and Brian Varley

James Walling Carol Wood

End of Year Sid and Jackie Barnes

Sandra and Stephen Bond Gale Cupp

Jacqueline Buechley-Stone Scott Callnin

Stephanie DuPree Fonda and Marshall Fox

Sue Harvison Peter Heilmayr

Simone and William Jenion Katherine Lowe Michael Mesko

Victor McDonald Marty Leonard (Bison)

Karen and Richard Shepherd (Todd Island Bridge)

Donations Received

December 1, 2013 through February 17, 2014

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B eginning in March, on a couple of mountain tops in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, overwintering monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, slowly begin their descent down the mountain, fluttering their wings to initiate their northbound spring migration. The monarchs leave in waves from their fir forest sanctuary to begin their search of a particular host plant on which to lay their eggs - milkweed. This

family of plants is a highly important link to the species’ population stability, as it appears to be the only known source of food for the monarch caterpillar. Approximately 110 species of milkweed are known to grow in North America. Most species can be easily identi-fied by the flower structure and thick white sap secreted when damaged. Milkweed’s globular flower clusters vary from bright orange to white, green, or pink. The unique structure of each individual flower is arranged in a five-pointed star pattern. The name “milkweed” comes from the plant’s milky white sap that contains a toxic alkaloid, known as cardiac glycoside, which makes it distasteful to birds and mammals. Monarch larvae are not harmed by eating most milkweeds. As they grow, monarchs store the toxins in their wings and exoskeletons. Milkweeds are perennial plants, growing back each spring from their roots as well as recruiting new individuals from seeds. Historically, patches of milkweed would grow in open fields where monarch butterflies seek the best one on which to lay their eggs. Due to habitat destruction and the fact that milkweed is often considered a “weed,” the range and number of milkweed patches have been highly reduced, making it tougher for monarch butterflies to rear the next generation, thereby contributing to the decline of the population. One way we can help monarch but-terflies and other insect communities dependent on milkweed is by creating, conserving, and protecting milkweed habitats. Planting native milkweed in our gardens and at schools and restoring milkweed in fields will hopefully offset the recent low numbers in their population. Where is the milkweed? Can you find the correct migration route while avoiding potential dangers for the mon-arch butterfly to take to reach the milkweed plant?

MMILKWEED & MMONARCHS

Reminders from F.O.N.C.

NEWS FLASH!!! A way to save money!

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

Help us earn money at

Tom Thumb and Kroger

These two grocery stores give us a percentage of what our members spend there.

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).

For Kroger, go on-line to www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com and sign up for an account. Then link your account to the Friends (#83215).

9601 Fossil Ridge Road,

Fort Worth, Texas 76135

817-392-7410