Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Endowment Reaches Historic Milestone
As new neighborhoods and highways spread across North Texas, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge remains a place where time slows down, where birdsong drowns out city noise, and families can wander trails beneath the shelter of ancient oaks. The 3,650-acre sanctuary is one of the few places left where children can spot a bison, hear frogs croaking by the water’s edge, and learn about the land that came long before us.
Preserving this natural treasure has been a shared effort, led by community leaders, volunteers, and passionate nature lovers. In 1987, Murray James took a bold step by establishing an endowment to provide a permanent source of funding for the Nature Center. Since then, donors have embraced her vision, steadily growing the fund and building a legacy rooted in conservation.
Just this year, the Murray James Nature Center Endowment Fund at North Texas Community Foundation surpassed $1 million. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter, as the endowment will begin making annual grants to sustain and improve the Nature Center.
That means ongoing care for trails, restored habitats, and upgraded facilities will continue to enhance the experience for all who visit. It means educational programs will continue to engage visitors of all ages. It means the bison herd, prairie dogs and other wildlife ambassadors will receive ongoing veterinary care. And most importantly, it means the Fort Worth Nature Center will remain a place of wonder for generations to come.
Today, the endowment fund’s leadership, Marty Leonard, Adelaide Leavens, Bill Meadows and Laura Harrison, carry this legacy forward.
You can be part of this legacy, too. Visit the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge to explore its trails and wildlife or consider making a donation to the Murray James Nature Center & Refuge Endowment at North Texas Community Foundation to help strengthen its future. Learn more at northtexascf.org/donate.
Because some places are too precious not to protect.
