The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will host its annual Summer Natural History Adventures program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. The six-week program allows children to explore the 3,600-acre nature center's forests, prairies and wetlands through expeditions led by naturalists. Activities include games, crafts, canoeing and visiting animal habitats. A media photo opportunity will take place on June 8th at 10am to highlight the program and its arts and crafts and animal feeding activities.

1. Media Advisory
For June 8, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelechi Onunka
Cell: 555-555-5555
E-mail: kelechi.onunka@mavs.uta.edu
SUMMER ADVENTURES EXPOSE STUDENTS TO NATURE
WHO:
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a 3,600-acre wilderness area that features forests, prairies
and wetlands with many different animal habitats.
WHAT:
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will host its annual Summer Natural History Adventures for
kids in kindergarten through sixth grades. The six-week program allows children to explore nature, with
expeditions led by qualified naturalists. It combines age-appropriate games and activities with crafts,
canoeing and exploring animal habitats. Day-long camps are divided into age groups, with each grade
level meeting a specific day of the week throughout the program.
WHEN:
Monday, June 8, 2015
Media Photo Opportunity at 10 a.m.
(Please arrive at Media Check-in at 9:30 a.m.)
WHERE:
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76135
Note: Media Check-in located at the Service Center (located along Broadview Drive)
Interview Opportunities:
 Executive Director Laura Wood
 Information Specialist Anne Hamman
 Campers attending a Summer Natural History Adventure session.
Photo Opportunities:
 Arts and Crafts – Kids will create and color animal artwork.
 Animal Petting and Feeding (10 a.m.) – Kids will pet and feed some of the most popular
animals the Nature Center has to offer.

2. Fact Sheet
About the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
 The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge encompasses three ecological systems, including
forests, prairies and wetlands with many different animal habitats.
 It is a division of the city of Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department.
 With 3,621 acres of land, it is the largest city-owned nature center in the nation.
 More than 20 miles of hiking trails provide easy access to the natural wonders of the refuge.
 The FWNC&R offers a variety of educational programs for schools and families which include
natural history programs, wild ambassador programs and scavenger hunts.
About the Friends of the Nature Center
 Friends of the Nature Center were established as a non-profit organization in June of 1974.
 The organization has advanced over years from hands-on administration of the Nature Center to
its present operation as the Nature Center’s primary financial sponsor.
 Tax-deductible memberships and donations through the Friends allow the Nature Center to
provide vital services and programs.
 Designing and printing for the Bluestem News, Summer Natural History Adventures and Spring
Break brochures.
 Host the Buffalo Boogie, an annual 1-mile walk/5K fun-run fundraiser.
About the Summer Adventures
 The one-day camps allow kids entering kindergarten through sixth grades to explore nature and
experience unique wildlife encounters.
 The Nature Center offers students the chance to burn energy while learning about the natural
world around them.
 Each expedition is led by a qualified naturalist and combines with age appropriate games and
activities.
 Members of the Nature Center receive a discount to enroll.
Statistics on Fort Worth Parks
 According to a survey by the city of Fort Worth, residents view the preservation of the city’s
parks and facilities as a top funding priority.
 According to a study by the Fort Worth Parks and Community Services in 2013, more than 80
percent of respondents would be willing to pay more money for park and facility maintenance
and renovation.
 75 percent of respondents stated that they are willing to pay some of the costs to maintain adult
recreation centers.
 68 percent of poll respondents rated Fort Worth’s parks as either good or excellent.
 The survey was mailed to 20,000 households within eight Fort Worth council districts.