$35,503 raised by 229 donors
100% complete
$30,000 Goal
Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney Texas consists of a natural science museum, indoor and outdoor exhibits, over six miles of nature trails, an outdoor amphitheater and a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary. The Heard hosts more than 100,000 visitors each year, drawing families, educators, researchers, environmentalists, and more. Visitors hike the trails year round (self-guided or interpreted by Heard volunteers and staff, by reservation) and have the opportunity encounter many species of flora and fauna. Programs offered by the Heard include exhibits, school field trips, outreach programs, homeschool natural science programs, preschool natural science programs, summer nature camps, birthday parties, scouting initiatives, environmental research programs, team-building initiatives, night hikes and community events.
Protected for its biological importance and for scientific and educational use, this nature preserve is part of the less than 1% of the Blackland Prairie (the most endangered ecosystem in North America) that remains. The Heard Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature preserve rather than a park because of the special character of this area and the rarity of some of its plants and animals. Preserving these natural resources depends on our collective stewardship. Because the Heard does not receive regular tax funding, improvements to our facility and conservation of these resources are made possible with the support of individuals like you through donations, admissions and volunteering.
The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. The Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is largely fulfilled through onsite educational programs, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation and utilizes the natural resources available within our 289-acre nature preserve.
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary located in McKinney, TX also manages roughly 60 combined acres of Blackland Prairie restoration sites. The Blackland Prairie ecoregion once covered over 19,000 square miles in Texas, which began at the Red River, north of Dallas, and extended south to present-day San Antonio. Now, less than 1% of this ecologically critical ecosystem remains.
Bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment.
This year, we are focusing our fundraising efforts on a long-term goal of updating and improving our outdoor animal enclosures. We aim to raise $30,000 to begin work on these much-needed updates.
All animals residing at the Heard under human care are unable to survive in the wild and therefore non-releasable. Each has a unique story, but they all rely on us for a home–otherwise the alternative is typically euthanasia. These animals act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping us fulfill our mission to educate and inspire by connecting people with the natural world.
The animals under our care receive the highest standard of care, meeting or exceeding all standards for their species set by USDA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. While we already provide beyond what is required, our animal habitats continue to age and need enhancements.
Although the enclosures meet all standards, we understand that their visual appearance and aesthetics don’t always reflect the exceptional care we provide. It is important to us that all visitors understand how highly we value our animals and that the quality of their care is a top priority. By enhancing the enclosures and adding enrichment items, we aim to improve the animals' quality of life and better communicate our commitment to their well-being.
Every dollar you can offer helps us provide the best environment for these animals. And please spread the word about the important work we are doing. Sharing is one of the best ways you can help us beyond your gift.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your support will help ensure that the Heard, and the animals we care for, will be sustained.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
Organization name
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary Inc.
Causes
Environment & Conservation
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Rockwall
Address
1 Nature Place