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Stephanie Jennings
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Campers at Perkins Sycamore Campers at Perkins Sycamore

Do you ever go for nature walks to clear your head? If so, you’ve probably experienced firsthand how time in nature can benefit your overall well-being. For example, you may have noticed your stress melt away and you may have enjoyed renewed energy after your walk.

In this context, consider the fact that the average child today spends about half as much time outdoors and participating in these kinds of activities as children did 20 years ago. When asked, many of today’s children may say they prefer to stay indoors in front of a screen. Often this happens because that is what they have become familiar with. Nonetheless, getting out in nature is important and beneficial to a child’s wellbeing. More and more studies seem to indicate that children who play outside exhibit improvements in mood, health and cognitive function as compared to children who spend more time indoors.

Register today for a summer camp at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and give your child the gift of a connection to nature. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to inspire children to discover, enjoy, experience, and restore our priceless environment.

Heard Summer Nature Camps (Camp Bobcat and Camp Woodpecker) are geared toward children ages 5 through 12 and feature opportunities to investigate the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors and more.

In Nature Art Camp, young artists (ages 6 through 10) will follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Audubon and Monet with unique opportunities to create their own art inspired by nature and live animals. Each day, a different type of medium will be explored. All art supplies are included.

Keeper Camps 1 & 2 will offer children ages 10 through 15 an opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our Animal Ambassadors. They will also learn about the Heard Animal Ambassadors and what it takes to properly care for them.

For the complete information on camp topics, camp schedules and more details, visit www.heardmuseum.org/camps. Many of the Heard’s summer camps fill early and preregistration is required.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private, nonprofit organization and 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 is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.

Stephanie Jennings

Date Night at the Heard will be a fun, outdoor fundraising event benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This event will feature live music, dancing, a cash bar and food trucks. The event will be held on May 20th, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forecasts for Saturday indicate that the weather should be quieter and much drier by midday with cooler temperatures in the 70s. As a result, the Heard will still host Date Night on Saturday, May 20. Additional information about the forecast can be seen here: http://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/?zipCode=75069

Tickets are now available to the public (while supplies last) for $15 per person. Additional information and online ticketing is available at www.heardmuseum.org/datenight.

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

Date Night at the Heard will be a fun, outdoor fundraising event benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This event will feature live music, dancing, a cash bar and food trucks. The event will be held on May 20th, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forecasts for Saturday indicate that the weather should be quieter and much drier by midday with cooler temperatures in the 70s. As a result, the Heard will still host Date Night on Saturday, May 20. Additional information about the forecast can be seen here: http://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/?zipCode=75069

Tickets are now available to the public (while supplies last) for $15 per person. Additional information and online ticketing is available at www.heardmuseum.org/datenight.

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
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A Huge Selection of Milkweed Still Available Hundreds of milkweed across several different species (Green Milkweed, Antelope Horns Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Zizotes Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, Texas Milkweed and Butterflyweed) are still available.

By now, you may have heard how Monarch butterflies and other pollinators are in decline. Have you wanted to start gardening for them and don't know where to start? Or, perhaps your garden only needs some finishing touches. Be sure to stop by the 28th Annual Spring Plant Sale fundraiser this weekend at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Hundreds of milkweed across several different species (Green Milkweed, Antelope Horns Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Zizotes Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, Texas Milkweed and Butterflyweed) are still available. The Heard also has a wide selection of plants that are rich sources of nectar for adult pollinators and host plants for caterpillars.

If you have any questions, volunteers from Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists and Native Plant Society Collin County Chapter will be available to help you find the plant that is right for your landscape and needs.

 All sales are tax-free and proceeds benefit the Heard, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Please see our website for the plant list 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 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 23rd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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
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Green Treefrog The Heard is home to a variety of wildlife, including species like the Green Treefrog. Help the Heard document these species during the Texas Nature Challenge. Photo by Melanie Schuchart

This Saturday, April 15, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney invites you to walk on “Team Heard” as we work to show the nation that the DFW Metroplex can boast the most species of wildlife as part of the City Nature Challenge! From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Heard will have “coaches” on hand to help you learn how to score “points” for the Metroplex as you ID species of wildlife on the Heard’s 289-acre sanctuary. You will only need to show up with a smart phone (equipped with the free iNaturalist app) and your love of nature. This event is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members. Learn more about this event at www.heardmuseum.org/teamheard.  

About the City Nature Challenge

Cities across the nation will compete to see which one can boast having the most species of wildlife. The City Nature Challenge will run April 14–18. It’s easy to participate by attending the Heard’s event or just making observations on your own, using the iNaturalist app. Just take a picture of a plant or animal, post it to iNaturalist and the online community will help accurately identify the species. 

Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of each city will count during the five-day challenge. You can also explore the life in your backyard, in your local park or on a field trip with your local group or club. TPWD, the Audubon Society and many others will be joining in this fun challenge. Go to www.tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge to watch the leaderboards or learn more about how you can participate!

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, is private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together. The Heard is located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas (one mile east of TX-5/Greenville Drive on Country Club Road). For additional information, visit www.heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
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Spring Plant Sale Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists and Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will be available to help visitors with plant selection.

Over the last few decades, native plants have experienced an increase in popularity. Some native species have even become common to find in nurseries. One annual event, however, will have one of the largest selections of native plants available for purchase in the north central Texas area: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s 28th Annual Spring Plant Sale. This fundraising event will be held on April 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and April 23 (1-5 p.m.). A Heard Museum Members-Only Pre-Sale will be offered on April 21 (4-7 p.m.; memberships will be available for purchase).

Over a hundred species will be available for purchase, including trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, ornamental grasses and wildflowers. All of the plant selections will be suitable for the soils and climate of the north central Texas area. Each plant will be accompanied with information regarding the plant’s suitability for sun or shade, drainage and other requirements. Many of the plants will not only provide outstanding beauty, but will also add life to the garden by attracting wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plants can also be very attractive, low in maintenance, pest resistant and drought tolerant (once established).

Throughout the weekend, members of the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists and Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will also be available to help visitors with plant selections and to answer questions about the plants and their use in landscaping. Volunteers will also be available to help you load your purchases. On April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, Howard Garrett, one of the leaders in the research, education and promotion of natural organic gardening will be onsite to answer questions and sign copies of the recently-released, updated version of his book, The Organic Manual. Refreshments and books on sustainable gardening techniques will also be available for purchase.

This event also coincides with Earth Day, a time set aside in the United States to reflect upon the well-being of the planet Earth. Stocking your yard with native plants that promote the health of local wildlife and conserve water is a great way to celebrate!

If you would like to get a head start on planning your purchases, a “Meet the Plants” talk will be offered on April 15 at 9:30 a.m. This talk will be included in general admission and free for Heard Museum Members. Participants should even have an opportunity to ask follow-up questions.

Admission to the plant sale and parking is free. All purchases will be tax-free and the plant sale will support the operations of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together. The Heard is located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas (one mile east of TX-5/Greenville Drive on Country Club Road). For additional information, visit www.heardmuseum.org. 

Stephanie Jennings
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Life-Size Dinosaurs Accentuate Nature Trail Life-Size Dinosaurs Accentuate Nature Trail

Holidays at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature on December 16th and 17th, 2016 from 6:30-9 P.M. This unique fundraising event incorporates lights, life-size dinosaurs and holiday décor along a half mile Heard nature trail for a special family-friendly holiday experience. Live entertainment and music will complement the holiday atmosphere.

In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this event is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Visitors to Holidays at the Heard can support the Heard and have fun with the whole family at this holiday fundraiser.

Tickets at the door are only $9 for adults & seniors and $5 for kids 3-12 (children 2 and under are free). Tickets purchased online before the event are $2 less. The public is also welcome to purchase event tickets as gifts. Tickets are available at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays. Holidays at the Heard is sponsored in part by NBC5 and Great Migrations Travel Advisers.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and 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 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
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Dinosaurs along lighted trail

On December 10th, 16th and 17th, 2016 from 6:30-9 P.M., hundreds of families will bundle up and experience Holidays at the Heard, the most unique holiday event in North Texas. Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Guests will see lights and holiday décor along a half mile Heard nature trail. 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.

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.  Family-friendly entertainment will complement the holiday atmosphere. Local musicians will delight audiences with live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater.

Visitors to Holidays at the Heard will get to support the Heard and have fun with the whole family at this holiday fundraiser. Tickets at the door are only $9 for adults & seniors and $5 for kids 3-12 (children 2 and under are free). Guests who purchase their tickets online before the event will save $2 per ticket! The public is also welcome to purchase event tickets as gifts. Tickets are available at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays. Holidays at the Heard is sponsored in part by NBC5 and Great Migrations Travel Advisors.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and 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 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
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Have you ever tried to organize items around your home and wondered what to do with old towels, sheets, pillow cases, or fleece blankets? Upcycle these items from your home to help the animal ambassadors at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. The Heard regularly uses these items as bedding, grooming tools and to help with clean up after animal ambassadors. Your donated items can be gently used or new, but any donated item should be clean.

All donations can be dropped off at the front desk of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Or, they can be mailed to:

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
c/o Animal Care
1 Nature Place
McKinney, TX 75069

If you don’t have any towels or linens to donate at this time, please remember the Heard when you do your spring cleaning. For information about other items that the Heard may able to upcycle, please visit www.heardmuseum.org/wishlist

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and 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 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
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T-Rex and Friend T-Rex is a popular feature of the Heard's event

Tickets to Halloween at the Heard, a fun family fundraiser benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, will be available to the public, while supplies last beginning September 30th. Over 65% of the tickets to this annually sold-out event have already been purchased during the Heard Museum Members-Only Presale.

On October 15th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors from across North Texas will experience Collin County’s premier family-friendly Halloween event at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Halloween at the Heard features a safe environment to experience the joy of trick-or-treating along the eerie Dinosaurs Live! Live-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs trail.

Families will enjoy an evening full of fun activities including a presentation of The Good Dinosaur on the Heard's outdoor amphitheater stage. Kids ages 12 and under will also have the opportunity to participate in a costume contest.

Those who dare will be able take a trail detour after the movie through our "Haunted Forest" and “Ghost Town” where they may encounter a ghost or creature of the night (not recommended for younger children)! Guests can also have a photo taken in their costumes.

The Heard recommends that guests bring insect repellant, flashlights, water-resistant blankets and/or stadium seats for use during the movie. Concessions will be available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages.

Admission to this event is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and free for children ages 2 and under. See heardmuseum.org for more details. 

Halloween at the Heard is sponsored in part by NBC5 and ClifKiD.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 

Proceeds from this event benefit Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, a private 501(c)3 organization. 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 is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.