The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is hosting one-day summer camps from June 9th to July 21st for children entering kindergarten through 6th grade. On June 9th, there will be opportunities for media to photograph children interacting with wildlife ambassadors like owls and snakes, and to interview the president and vice president of the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center nonprofit. The camps aim to combat nature deficit disorder by providing hands-on outdoor activities led by naturalists to help children learn about the wildlife and nature at the 3,600-acre nature center and refuge.

1. MEDIA ADVISORY
For Tuesday, June 9, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maegan Holloway
Cell: 972-XXX-XXXX
Maegan.holloway@mavs.uta.edu
Summer Day-Camps Combat Nature Deficit Disorder
WHEN: Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Media Photo Opportunity: 8:30 a.m.
(Please meet at Media Check-in at 8:00 a.m.)
WHERE:
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76135
Note: Media Check-in located at The Hardwicke Interpretive Center
WHAT:
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will provide one-day camps starting June 9 and ending
July 21 for children entering kindergarten through sixth grades this summer. Children participate
in hands on, outdoor activities while learning about the wildlife and nature around them.
PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
1) Wild Ambassadors – Children will have the opportunity to interact with the nature centers
Wild Ambassadors including box turtles, a bull snake, a great horned owl and a bob cat.
2) Friends of the Forth Worth Nature Center VIPS – Board of Directors members will speak
and be available to answer questions. VIPs include: Marty Leonard, President of FFWNC, Chris
Smith and Vice President of FFWNC.
3) New Bus – Children with special needs will now be able to participate in adventures because
of a new bus that has wheelchair accommodations.

2. FACT SHEET
About the Fort Worth Nature Center
 The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a hidden jewel spread across 3,600 acres
comprised of forest, prairie, marsh and river.
 The Nature Center, founded in 1964, receives more than 50,000 visitors annually.
 It is the largest known municipally owned nature center & refuge with trails spanning
more than 25 miles.
 The nature center features a prairie dog town, bison herd, more than 200 species of birds,
an interpretive center and a gift shop
About the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center
 Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center is a nonprofit that plays the role of chief
financial supporter for the Fort Worth Nature Canter & Refuge.
 FFWNC provide veterinary services for all the ambassador animals.
 FFWNC feed and maintain the entire bison herd.
 They supplement critical staff for educational programs.
About the Program
 Activities and adventures cover a variety of environments including prairies, forests and
wetlands as well as the animals and creatures that naturally thrive there.
 Each activity is led by an experienced staff naturalist.
 The staff aims to enhance the quality of life by educating children in the preservation and
protection of natural areas.
 The Nature Center offers an after-care program Tuesdays through Fridays.

3. Children and the Outdoors
 According to the National Wildlife Federation:
o The average American boy or girl spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructured
outdoor play each day and more than seven hours each day in front of an
electronic screen.
o Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD
symptoms.
o Childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the last 20 years and outdoor
play increases fitness levels and helps to combat obesity.
o Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from
future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.