Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Wood.
Hi Jared, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) is a natural area comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands, allowing you to step back in time and experience what the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex was like in the early 20th century. The FWNC&R was founded to protect our local watershed. In 1914, when Lake Worth was built, the City of Fort Worth purchased land around the West Fork of the Trinity River to protect the quality of drinking water for the Fort Worth community. With great persistence from some local citizens, particularly the Fort Worth Audubon Society, the Park Board designated some land in 1964 to create a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve for our community, and the FWNC&R was born.
At its current state, the FWNC&R covers 3,700 acres and includes over 21 miles of hiking trails, making the park one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the United States. In 1980, it was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. With the ever-growing population of Fort Worth and the surrounding communities, having a place to explore and enjoy the outdoors is important to our residents. The FWNC&R is home to many native habitats to discover on a self –guided or staff-guided hike. Staff members offer many programs throughout the year, providing opportunities for our visitors to learn about our natural world.
In addition to education, the FWNC&R is a shining example of land stewardship and was recognized in 2009 with a Lone Star Land Steward award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Resource management staff work hard to preserve our ecosystems by promoting best practices to enhance the health of our fauna and flora. Managing our bison herd and implementing prescribed burns are two of many ways we ensure our wildlife have a sustainable home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The greatest challenge is balancing conservation with public engagement and access. We depend on public support to sustain restoration and conservation efforts, yet excessive visitation can be detrimental to the ecosystems we are working to protect. Our approach has been one of sustainable growth and creative planning, engaging the public as key stakeholders while carefully managing access to ensure long-term ecological health.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a natural resource professional from the Texoma region with over 17 years of experience in natural history education, wildlife conservation, and resource management. As Director of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, I lead habitat restoration initiatives, wildlife research, and public education programs, while cultivating strategic partnerships and broadening community engagement.
I collaborate closely with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and private industry to advance conservation efforts throughout Texas. I hold a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation from the University of Louisville and a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Pricing:
- Adults – $6
- Seniors – $3
- Children – $2
- Dogs – $1
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwnaturecenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021431017
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friends-of-the-fort-worth-nature-center-refuge/posts/?feedView=all
- Other: https://naturecenterfriends.org/
