Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary Inc.

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is the legacy and namesake of local philanthropist Miss Bessie Heard, who envisioned preserving the beauty of the North Texas area for future generations to engage with, learn from, and enjoy.

Founded in 1967, we are a 289-acre Wildlife Sanctuary, Animal Refuge, Outdoor Education Center, and Museum that annually brings more than 100,000 visitors closer to the natural world. Open year-round, we offer 6.5 miles of nature trails, house 75 rescued animals, educate the public, and preserve 5 unique North Texas ecosystems. No other outdoor learning facility in DFW offers the same diversity of nature-related programs that the Heard provides. 

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Opened in 1967, we are a 289-acre Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated to connecting our community with nature. Our 120,000 annual visitors are able to experience:

• 6.5 miles of nature trails
• 5 unique North Texas ecosystems, including the endangered Blackland Prairie
• 75 rescued animals
• Year-round nature-related events
• Year-round education programs

Environmental education is our cornerstone: over 22,000 students visit the Heard every year to learn about the natural world via field trips, preschool programs, weekly story-times, seasonal nature camps, scouting initiatives, and Animal Talks, where children are introduced to our invaluable animal ambassadors, the rescued residents of our Animal Refuge.

We are a nonprofit supported by the people we serve: you!  Your support is essential. Admissions and program fees alone cannot support our efforts to educate, conserve, and preserve our Sanctuary. We invite you to help us carry on Bessie Heard’s passion for the natural world.