News
 
Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest

A Week Remains in the Design-a-Dino Coloring Contest

Have you ever seen a dinosaur with rainbow stripes, purple polka dots, or neon toenails? We have, and we can’t wait to see more! It seems that we can never get enough of dinosaurs—we’ve been fascinated by them for years. The only thing that has changed is our perception of what these dinosaurs might have really looked like. Did they really look the way they showed us in our school textbooks? Or are the kids participating in the Design-a-Dino Coloring Contest at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary onto something with their imaginations running wild?

Get out those crayons and markers, because your child just might be the designer of the next dinosaur in our Design-a-Dino Coloring Contest. Simply download and print the official coloring page and entry form from the Heard Museum's website, then color away! Official rules and instructions are available there as well. Children, ages 12 and under, that submit a design may get the chance to have their artwork replicated by a custom paint job on the stegosaurus in our annual Dinosaurs Live! exhibit.

Don’t forget: the deadline is August 5, 2016 (just over a week away). So, be sure to submit your entries in soon. So far, the entries the Heard has received has left us in awe of the creativity of our contestants. The revealing of the winning design will be on September 17, 2016, when the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit reopens—don’t miss it!

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest

Many children draw dinosaurs and wonder what their drawing would look like in real life. This summer, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary will bring these childhood dreams to life through our new Design-a-Dino Coloring Contest.

As the Heard prepares for the 11th anniversary of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit, children ages 12 and under will have the opportunity to submit their own original coloring designs for a chance to have their artwork replicated through a custom paint job on one of this year’s exhibit dinosaurs—the Stegosaurus. The winning artist and two runner-ups will also receive multiple other prizes.

The contest will run through at 5 p.m. CST on August 5, 2016 and all submissions must arrive by that time. This contest is open to all children ages 12 and under. For rules, participation instructions and a link to the downloadable coloring sheet, please visit www.heardmuseum.org/designadino. Copies of the coloring sheet will also be available to pick up at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary during the submission period. There are no entry fees for this coloring contest.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 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, this private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to bringing nature and people together. This mission 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 Texas Heritage Festival at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary has been rescheduled for June 11th, from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. due to the possibility of inclement weather for the original date. 

Presented by Clif KiD and sponsored by McKinney Community Development Corporation and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney, the Texas Heritage Festival will feature toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ Western music, local artisans, historical demonstrations, and interactive children’s activities. Guests can rustle up some tasty Texas grub, say “Howdy” to our resident wildlife ambassadors, and explore the Native Texas Butterfly Garden.

Children will love exploring the Heard’s Pioneer Village, comprised of eight pint-sized buildings typical of prairie settlements in the late 1800s—such as a school house, general store, and settlers' cabins!

Event tickets also include general admission to Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary for the day of the event and free parking. Tickets are just $9 for adults, $6 for seniors 60+ and children ages 3 through 12. Admission is free for Heard Museum Members, children ages 2 and under, and McKinney* Residents.

*McKinney Resident Free Admission is available for up to 4 persons per McKinney address. Residency must be shown through a water bill listing a McKinney address and a valid photo ID or driver's license with matching name.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 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, this private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to bringing nature and people together. This mission 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
Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata Native milkweed is important to the survival of the Monarch butterfly. This species has declined by as much as 90% over the last 20 years in large part because of habitat loss.

On April 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 17th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary will host its annual Spring Plant Sale fundraising event which will feature an extensive variety of native plants, hard-to-find herbs and well-adapted plants. A new highlight for this year’s fundraising event will be the opportunity for North Texans to purchase one or more of over six hundred native milkweeds (this collection is comprised of seven species).

According to Angela Baron, Heard Museum Education Coordinator, making native milkweed available to the public is important to the Heard because, “Milkweed is the only food that Monarch caterpillars eat. As female Monarchs migrate, they search for patches of milkweed on which to lay eggs. As more land becomes developed, there is less natural habitat for milkweed. Scientists believe this decline in the availability of wild milkweed is one of the contributing factors to the Monarch population decline.”

Consequently, by purchasing and planting native milkweed, the public can support the Heard, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, while actively participating in reviving the dwindling Monarch butterfly population. The population of this species has decreased by as much as 90% over the last two decades, inspiring several environmental groups to work to make sure that the Monarch butterfly gains status as an endangered species.  A representative from Monarch Watch will be available during much of the sale to answer questions about this butterfly. This sale will also make an assortment of native flowering plants available to the public, which provide nectar for the adult butterflies.

A complete list of the plant species that will be available at the Spring Plant Sale is available at www.heardmuseum.org/plantsale. All purchases made will be tax free and proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Guests are welcome to bring carts or wagons to facilitate their purchases.  

A Heard Museum Member Pre-Sale will be offered on April 15th from 4-7 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.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 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.  More information about this organization is available at heardmuseum.org.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest
Hands-on Exploration

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, after your walk, you may have noticed your stress melt away and you may have enjoyed renewed energy.

In this context, consider the fact that the average child today spends about half as much time outdoors 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 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 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. Those campers who register by March 22 will also receive a $25 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household).

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
Pin on Pinterest

Learn new ways to experience nature through nature journaling! This nature talk will offer participants an introduction to journaling techniques through hands-on activities. This program is designed for individuals that have no journaling or artistic experience; however, those persons that have journaling experience are welcome as well. If the weather cooperates, this talk will also include an outdoor component. All materials are provided but participants who already keep a nature journal are welcome to bring theirs.

This program is open to the public and is free with paid general admission or Heard Museum Membership. For planning purposes, preregistration is required. Registration and more information is available at www.heardmuseum.org/talks

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, who 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
Pin on Pinterest
December 29 - Paleo Party: T-Rex and Friends December 29 - Paleo Party: T-Rex and Friends

Looking for something fun to do as a family during the winter break? You don't have to wait till the summer to enjoy some of the fun of Heard camps! Join us for one of our four upcoming family fun Winter Mini Camps during the winter break.

Designed for kids and adults to attend together, each of the four mini camps explores a different topic and includes indoor and outdoor activities as well as a take home project.  Spaces are limited and preregistration is required, so be sure to sign up today.

Mini Camp Offerings:

  • December 22 - Weathering Winter
    Ever wonder where the butterflies go when the temperatures turn frosty? How do animals like snakes and turtles make it through the winter? Join us as we explore some of the fascinating ways that animal survive the cold. You’ll also get to take home your own wintery “snowman” ornament made from wood collected on the sanctuary to decorate on your own.
  • December 23 - Tweets for the Birds
    Do you know which birds spend the winter in our area? Would you like to learn how to better identify birds? Come with us on a family-friendly hike to see what birds are out and about on the sanctuary. You will also make a simple birdfeeder to take home to help attract birds to your backyard.
  • December 29 - Paleo Party: T-Rex and Friends
    Heat up your winter with some dino fun and “bone up” on prehistoric creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs. Meet T.Rex and the other animatronic dinosaurs on the Dinosaurs Live! trail and even get to take home a fossil of your own!
  • December 30 - Who Hooted?
    Know which owl calls “who cooks for you” or whinnies? Learn to identify the calls of different owls in our area and practice making them yourself. We’ll also dissect real owl pellets to see what owls eat and visit our own resident exhibit screech owls, Pudge and Poe.

Each camp will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the day scheduled.  These camps are for children ages 5 or older and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Each adult may be accompanied by up to four children. The tuition is $23 per person per camp for non-members and $20 per person per camp for Heard Museum members. Participants should also wear clothing appropriate for spending time outside walking on uneven terrain. Mini camp participants will also receive free general admission for the afternoon of the day of the mini camp they attend.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit 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

For the safety of our guests, the Holidays at the Heard event for Saturday, December 12 has been canceled due to the forecasted likelihood of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. Any tickets purchased for December 12th will be honored on Friday, December 18 or Saturday, December 19th. Additional information available at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays.

Stephanie Jennings
Pin on Pinterest

On December 12th, 18th and 19th 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 have a photo taken 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 Holiday 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 now available to the public at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit 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
Pin on Pinterest

Hikers that have found themselves on a trail after sunset know that experiencing a trail at night can be a completely different experience from hiking during the day. Landmarks change, as can a hiker’s sense of direction. Even a familiar trail can feel completely different at night.

On November 14, at 6 p.m. guests are invited to explore the thrilling sights, smells, and sounds of night at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary with Heard Trail Guides. Night hikers will be encouraged to sharpen their senses to be able to spot signs of animal life and learn more about the inhabitants of the Heard.

Preregistration is required for all night hikes. Program fees are $14 for the public and $12 for Heard Museum members (ages 3 through adult). Closed toed shoes, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Participants should bring a flashlight with a red lens on it to protect your night vision while looking for nocturnal animals.

Children ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Hikes are at least an hour long and include varied terrain and may not be suitable for children under 5 years. Admission for toddlers and infants 2 years and under is free, but they must be in a carrier or backpack. Strollers are prohibited.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.