News
 
Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Explore the trails with your group Explore the trails with your group

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide variety of group programs. While there is a steady offering of prescheduled programs to choose from, the Heard also offers many programs that are both customizable to your group's needs and available by reservation.

Special events are available at the Heard throughout the year and make a great group outing. Choose from Holidays at the Heard (December 9-10, 2022) and more. 

Group overnight stays at the Heard offer groups an evening of fantastic discovery after hours! Our programs consist of team-building activities, educational presentations, and the opportunity to experience Texas wildlife. Our programs are specifically customized based on your group’s interests.

The Heard Ropes Course offers prescheduled Zip Line Days in which small groups or individuals are welcome to participate. Groups of 10 or more can schedule custom programs designed to encourage groups to communicate, problem-solve, and listen. 

The Heard's Wetland Canoe Trails are available seasonally due to the ephemeral nature of the onsite wetlands. The Heard offers prescheduled programs in the spring. Groups of 12 or more may also book a program as the schedule permits. 

Scout badge workshops are scheduled throughout the school year. Those scouts interested in badges that are not currently listed may contact the Heard to set up a custom program for groups of 10 or more. While these programs are geared towards scouts, anyone interested in the topics may attend. 

Educational field trips also offer fun opportunities for group learning and exploration at the Heard. These are available throughout the school year by reservation. 

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard when she was 80 years old. Throughout her life, she witnessed the expansion of the Metroplex and foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069. For more information, visit www.heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden

The Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas closes for the year on October 2, 2022. Don’t miss your chance to walk among free-flying native butterflies and other pollinators. 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. Nectar plants are also available inside the butterfly house 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. The Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden is sponsored by NBC5. Learn more about this exhibit at heardmuseum.org/butterflies.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, emphasizing an appreciation of nature and its conservation. For more information, visit www.heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
White-tailed Deer Animal Ambassador at the Heard White-tailed Deer Animal Ambassador at the Heard

This North Texas Giving Day, September 22, please consider helping the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, replace our Animal Care Cottage! The cottage is an integral part of being able to efficiently and effectively take care of our animal ambassadors on the Animal Encounter Trail. Having an area near the trail for food preparation, storage, and cleaning reduces animal care time by half (compared to what it would be if we did not have an area like that nearby). A better-equipped cottage than what currently exists would further allow our staff and volunteers to save time on these particular daily animal care tasks.

Why is this important? 

By increasing the efficiency of animal care tasks such as food preparation, storage, and cleaning as much as possible, our staff and volunteers will have more time available for further enrichment activities, training, education, and more. Adding additional storage space near the trail would also help tremendously with things like training by making that equipment handier. Moreover, we would be able to store equipment such as kennels, where everything is more easily accessible in an emergency.

Additionally, during the increasingly extreme Texas weather, having a place where staff and volunteers can take breaks with air conditioning and heat has become important for the safety of those taking care of the animal ambassadors. Heard staff and volunteers spend at least six hours per day, 365 days a year, in the current Animal Care Cottage, in every type of weather. 

Project Information

Built in 2008, the current cottage has aged, and the needs of the animals in our care have grown. As a result, the Heard needs a new facility that will provide insulation, heat and air conditioning, wifi, new appliances, and more. This project is estimated to cost approximately $30,000. Please consider contributing today. A gift of just $25 would help us meet our goal to replace the Animal Care Cottage. Gifts made prior to September 22 will be scheduled and processed on that date. 

Thank you for your consideration of this project and your support!

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney Texas consists of a natural science museum, indoor and outdoor exhibits, over six miles of nature trails, an outdoor amphitheater, and a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. The Heard hosts more than 100,000 visitors each year, drawing families, educators, researchers, environmentalists, and more. Visitors hike the trails year-round (self-guided or interpreted by Heard volunteers and staff, by reservation) and have the opportunity to encounter many species of flora and fauna. Programs offered by the Heard include exhibits, school field trips, outreach programs, homeschool natural science programs, preschool natural science programs, summer nature camps, birthday parties, scouting initiatives, environmental research programs, team-building initiatives, night hikes, and community events.

Protected for its biological importance and for scientific and educational use, this nature preserve is part of the less than 1% of the Blackland Prairie (the most endangered ecosystem in North America) that remains. The Heard Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature preserve rather than a park because of the special character of this area and the rarity of some of its plants and animals. Preserving these natural resources depends on our collective stewardship. Because the Heard does not receive regular tax funding, improvements to our facility and conservation of these resources are made possible with the support of individuals like you through donations, admissions, and volunteering.

The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. The Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is largely fulfilled through onsite educational programs, which emphasize an appreciation of nature and its conservation and utilize the natural resources available within our 289-acre nature preserve.

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary located in McKinney, TX also manages roughly 60 combined acres of Blackland Prairie restoration sites. The Blackland Prairie ecoregion once covered over 19,000 square miles in Texas, which began at the Red River, north of Dallas, and extended south to present-day San Antonio. Now, less than 1% of this ecologically critical ecosystem remains.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Snapping Turtle We are concerned with the proximity of this proposed facility to the Lavon/Wilson Creek watershed and the many toxic chemicals that will, inevitably, run off. These chemicals will harm the environments through which they travel, their wildlife inhabitants, and, ultimately, end up in our drinking water supply. The proposed location actually even has a marked tributary of Wilson Creek located directly adjacent to the property.

Subject line:         Update: Concrete Plant News Developments – New Heavy Industrial Plans

Recently, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary representatives learned that an approval for a concrete recycling plant (planned for a property 1 mile from the Heard), had very quietly made its way through McKinney’s Planning & Zoning Committee. At the time, it faced little to no opposition (quite likely because very few were aware it was on the table—20th century communication for 21st century plans). It was approved by McKinney P & Z in August.

This Monday, October 4 (NOT Tuesday--mark your calendars), it goes to City Council for final approval, including an annexation ordinance (that is already written up and ready to sign—posted on City of McKinney’s page http://mckinney.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9852506&GUID=0B1A9947-A7D5-4980-975C-96B47EC5CA8A). Now that the City Council Agenda has been posted (as is required within 72 hours before the meeting), we now have access to a DIFFERENT version of the LOI that completely differs in the indicated intentions with regards to Heavy Industrial (HI).

Version 1: Listed HI Intentions per first-known “Letter of Intent” listing on P&Z (marked July 23, 2021):

“The Property is currently under contract to an entity whose primary business is concrete and construction materials recycling, as well as concrete batch plant and associated activities. The addition of the above additional permitted uses will accommodate the anticipated activities of the purchaser, while restricting many of the more intense uses permitted under the HI-Heavy Industrial zone.”
(See full document here: http://mckinney.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9725627&GUID=186996E4-6944-4B35-A864-AC32C7DFCFDE)

Version 2: Listed HI Intentions per now-published (via City Council Agenda) version of “Letter of Intent” (also marked July 23, 2021:

“As referenced above, a separate application requesting Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning of the Property is also being submitted for review and approval.”
(See full document here: http://mckinney.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9852504&GUID=644462FD-31AF-441F-AA4A-217E1C5F533F)

Our Position on This Matter

Whatever the cause of this information only now being released, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is wholly opposed to new Heavy Industrial facilities being built so close to this nature preserve. Moreover, we are concerned about ecological ramifications to other neighboring properties and natural resources.

We are concerned about the following:

  • Health issues from the pollutants generated will be applicable to our staff, volunteers, visitors, all neighbors and wildlife due to dust/silica that will make its way into the air.
  • The City Council has a duty to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of McKinney.
  • These duties to health and welfare are being sacrificed in the name of supposed "Protecting Future Development" and "Fiscal Responsibility,” which we maintain cannot be achieved without the health and welfare of the citizens.
  • This action is also in opposition to the City’s self-proclaimed “Unique by Nature” motto, which, in of itself, functions as an over-arching promise to the citizens, whether intentional or not.
  • There have been recent, as yet unfulfilled, resolutions to close existing cement plants (which happen to be in relative regional proximity to the new location. These existing locations have already been cited numerous times for inability to properly maintain EPA mandated standards with regards to health and pollution issues as well as nuisance issues.
  • City Staff has been quoted to be in opposition (within just the last two years) to any facilities of this kind. It is important to reflect on what has precipitated the changed in opinion. See the following for more details. https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/mckinney/government/2020/03/02/city-starts-process-to-shut-down-two-mckinney-concrete-plants/
  • We are concerned with the proximity of this proposed facility to the Lavon/Wilson Creek watershed and the many toxic chemicals that will, inevitably, run off. These chemicals will harm the environments through which they travel, their wildlife inhabitants, and, ultimately, end up in our drinking water supply. The proposed location actually even has a marked tributary of Wilson Creek located directly adjacent to the property.
  • The City attempted to push through a similar plan for a nearby location last fall; however, when given a chance to fully express their voice in the matter, the voters overwhelmingly turned it down. Have the voters have changed their mind?

There are many more reasons to be opposed to this plan, but this is a preliminary list.

How Can You Help?

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Date Night at the Heard This event will offer live music from the Blandelles, dancing, a cash bar featuring Tupps Brewery, and food trucks.

Date Night at the Heard will be a fun, outdoor fundraising event benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This event will offer live music from the Blandelles, dancing, a cash bar featuring Tupps Brewery, and food trucks. The event will be held on June 19, 2021 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.

The event will be for guests ages twenty-one and over. Tickets are now available to the public (while supplies last). Additional information and online ticketing is available at www.heardmuseum.org/datenight. Date Night at the Heard is Sponsored by NBC5.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest

The Heard Museum Presents:  Texas Nessie

In May of 1991, avid fossil collector Mike Donovan made an amazing find in Collin County: the partial skeleton of a plesiosaur. He nicknamed the fossil “Texas Nessie” and spoke often of how he hoped the bones would eventually be displayed in a museum, where they could be viewed and appreciated.

Nearly twenty years after that remarkable discovery, Donovan’s dream is now a reality. The lengthy, complicated process began in September of 2015 when Darlene Sumerfelt, Heard Paleontological Lab Manager and Lead Preparator, was contacted by Debera Donovan regarding her late husband’s fossil collection, which contained a wide variety of bones in addition to the partial skeleton of a plesiosaur. After the bones were donated to the Heard Museum by the Debera Donovan Foundation on September 30, 2015, Sumerfelt and plesiosaur expert Mike Polcyn of SMU, performed an initial evaluation. That analysis revealed that approximately 40% of the skeleton was present and that the plesiosaur was a species of Trinacromerum. The skull bones were unique in that they were not compressed, as is the case with most other known specimens of this type of plesiosaur. In fact, the preservation and completeness of this specimen provides anatomical details that will help illuminate the relationships among this group of plesiosaurs. Additionally, it may provide clues about how these animals were evolving and dividing up the ecosystem about 93-million-years-ago in what is now the DFW area. This makes the specimen not only a beautiful example of a plesiosaur fossil, but also one with great scientific value as well.

Specific locality information for the specimen is lacking and can only be narrowed to the central western part of Collin County. Fortunately, during prep of the bones, Sumerfelt found several ammonite imprints in the matrix surrounding the bones. The imprints were sent to an ammonite expert who identified them as Collignoniceras woollgari regulare, which provides a precise stratigraphic placement. Therefore, this specimen was likely from the lowest ten meters of the Arcadia Park Formation of the Eagle Ford group, which provides an age approximation of 93 million years old.

Preparation of the plesiosaur bones took place over a four-year period using pneumatic tools called airscribes to slowly chip away the rock encasing the bones. The prep team led by Sumerfelt included Joan and Richard Sheppard and Fletcher Wise. As the prep moved forward, Mike Donovan’s dream of seeing this fossil become a full mount museum exhibit became Sumerfelt’s dream as well. Funds would have to be raised as a full 14-foot plesiosaur museum mount and exhibit enclosure would be well beyond the means of a non-profit museum. Thankfully, funding was obtained from many sources which included the Dallas Paleo Society, and the project moved forward, hiring Triebold Paleontology in Woodland Park, Colorado, to mount the bones for display. Soon after delivery to Triebold, the COVID shutdown began, and the project went on hold. Work resumed a few months later and was completed in February 2021.

During the time the bones were in Colorado, artist Pamela Riddle was busy creating a beautiful digital wall mural for the exhibit. The mural is 22 feet long and depicts a plesiosaur as well as other creatures from the time this plesiosaur lived.

In late February 2021, Triebold Paleontology delivered and installed the 14-foot-long plesiosaur.  Sumerfelt and her team designed the text panels for the exhibit and contractors were hired to do the exhibit enclosure and lighting. 

Decades after that exciting moment when Mike Donovan first discovered and excavated this epic example of an ancient marine predator, his dream of a museum display has finally become a reality. Thanks to six years of coordinated efforts of dedicated experts and volunteers, this exhibit showcases a beautiful, scientifically important specimen, representing dreams fulfilled, thousands of hours of labor, and gracious, generous community donations. Bringing Texas Nessie to the Heard Museum has truly been a labor of love.

The Heard would like to thank the Debera Donovan Foundation for this generous gift. 

The exhibit is now open, and “Nessie” is ready to pose with you with her fabulous, toothy grin! This exhibit is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members.

About Plesiosaurs

In life, this vicious predator had a streamlined body and would have looked much like a giant penguin swimming through the water. Plesiosaurs propelled themselves with four flippers. The two in front were for propulsion and the two rear were used like rudders for steering. Each flipper moved in a manner similar to a penguin’s wing, sweeping backward to quickly move through the water. Penguins are among the speediest oceanic predators as they “fly” through the water. Plesiosaurs might have been as fast or faster with their two pairs of “wings.”

This plesiosaur lived in the Cretaceous Period, 93 million years ago, in a large interior seaway that split the continent of North America into two landmasses. The interior seaway stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean in the north. The seaway was filled with abundant marine life including large, predatory, marine reptiles such as the plesiosaur in our exhibit. This is why this huge sea creature was found right in our own backyard!

Soft tissue impressions have been found showing that plesiosaur skin had a smooth surface absent of scales.

Based on the interlocking design of their teeth, it is hypothesized that their diet probably included fish. Their long, curved teeth could have enabled them to impale and hold their slippery prey. Plesiosaurs did not have gills. They were air-breathing reptiles. They could, however, remain submerged for long periods. They were also viviparous, meaning they gave birth to live young. Evidence has been found of an adult female plesiosaur with a fetus inside.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Spring Native Plant Sale at the Heard Spring Native Plant Sale at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

On April 24-25, 2021, the 32nd Annual Spring Plant Sale fundraising event at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary will feature a huge selection of native plants, hard-to-find herbs and well-adapted plants.

There are a number of other benefits to using native plants in landscaping. Using these plants that are naturally suited to Texas’ hydrologic issues is an excellent way to reduce supplemental watering. Many of the native plant species are also better suited to Texas’ climate and provide food sources and habitat for many kinds of wildlife.

For over 30 years, veteran and novice gardeners alike have anticipated this rare opportunity to purchase some of the best plants for North Central Texas gardens and to obtain many rare plants. The Heard’s plant sale will also feature a selection of native milkweed plants. Please see our website for the complete plant list (available soon) at www.heardmuseum.org/plantsale. Guests are welcome to bring carts or wagons to facilitate their purchases.

The plant sale will be open to the public on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is not required to attend the plant sale.

A Heard Museum Member Pre-Sale will be offered on April 23 from 12-7 p.m. The Member Pre-Sale is open to Heard Museum members only; however, memberships will be available for purchase at the event or online beforehand.

COVID-19 Safety Practices

The Heard will require face masks that cover the nose and mouth for all visitors and employees when they are in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to other visitors (who are not in your visiting group), Heard staff or any captive animals* at the Heard (including those on the outdoor exhibit trail). We also ask that guests also practice all other recommended safety practices, including maintaining social distancing. Learn more at heardmuseum.org.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Dinosaurs Live at the Heard Museum Get outside and let your imagination run wild as you travel back in time along a half-mile nature trail with ten life-size animatronic dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs LiveGet outside and let your imagination run wild as you travel back in time along a half-mile nature trail with ten life-size animatronic dinosaurs. From September 5, 2020 through February 15, 2021, the 15th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas will feature ten moving and roaring animatronic dinosaurs, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors. The exhibit features the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, a spitting Dilophosaurus, an Acrocanthosaurus, an Allosaurus, a Brachiosaurus, a Diabloceratops, A Megalosaurus, two Stegocerases, a Therizinosaurus, and a Utahraptor. You will also learn interesting facts about both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs.

Children and the young at heart will also have the opportunity to play on stationary baby dinosaurs, a photo-op Tyrannosaurus rex and a photo op Pachyrhinosaurus. This year’s exhibit will also include an outdoor Hadrosaur fossil dig to inspire future paleontologists. The Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail is jogging-stroller friendly (umbrella strollers are not recommended), giving families and friends a unique, exciting and educational activity to experience together. Dinosaurs Live! is sponsored by NBC5. This exhibit is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum Members.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of an indoor museum as well as a 289-acre nature preserve with over 6 miles of nature trails, allowing visitors to connect with nature while social distancing.* The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.

Note Regarding COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary will require face masks that cover the nose and mouth for all visitors and employees when they are in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to other visitors (who are not in your visiting group) or Heard staff. This guideline applies in both indoor spaces as well as those as outdoors including, but not limited to, the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail and picnic areas. Guests are also encouraged to maintain social distancing from visitors from other households. Additional information our COVID-19 policies and other related information is available here: heardmuseum.org/specialnote

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Heard Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden From May 30 through October 4, 2020, visitors to the 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.

From May 30 through October 4, 2020, visitors to the 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. The Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden is sponsored by NBC5 and IBM. Learn more about this exhibit at www.heardmuseum.org/butterflies.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit www.heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Holidays at the Heard Holiday lights and holiday décor will accentuate a lovely half-mile Heard nature trail. Your family will be enchanted by this nighttime hike through the woods. Also, you'll get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit along the trail (please note that the dinosaurs will not be animated during the event).

Holidays at the HeardBundle up your family, get out of the house, and experience the most unique family-friendly holiday event in North Texas. On December 13 and 14, 2019 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Holidays at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary will bring the beauty of the holiday season into nature.

Holiday lights and holiday décor will accentuate a lovely half-mile Heard nature trail. Your family will be enchanted by this nighttime hike through the woods. Also, you'll get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit along the trail (please note that the dinosaurs will not be animated during the event). In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this light display is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty.

Local musicians Anthony & Marina (December 13) and La Pompe (December 14) will delight audiences with live holiday music under the stars in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. Children and the young at heart will enjoy the opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Hot beverages and treats will be available for purchase.

Support the Heard and have fun with the whole family at this holiday fundraiser. Tickets at the door (while supplies last) will be $9 for adults & seniors and $6 for kids 3-12 (children 2 and under are free). Save $2 per ticket by purchasing tickets online through December 11 at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays! The public is also welcome to purchase event tickets as gifts. Holidays at the Heard is sponsored by NBC5.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.