I.

Introduction

Nature centers are protected, natural lands, where visitors can learn and
discover more about the local flora and fauna through interaction with
nature. Every nature center aims to properly inform and create a discussion
through various workshops, exhibitions, and physical activities with the
help of people who are passionate about creating human connections
with the fauna and flora of the country. These centers are usually situated
on lands that have potential to house indigenous living organisms.

The network of various Nature Centers are working to protect endangered

or vulnerable species of their respective locality. It is usually located within
a state or parks. Because of their objectives, nature centers are mostly
composed of gardens, museums, nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Such an institution relies mainly on its contributors or donations for its
maintenance and future development. Without these donations, some
nature centers neglect their intended responsibilities causing its collapse
or deterioration.

The main issues that nature centers face is being underfunded, many
centers suffer from severe physical plan maintenance concerns. According
to Weilbacher, the staff in most nature centers are almost always crammed
in small spaces not originally designed as offices. He also mentioned in the
article that some stuff stored in every nook and cranny of the small-sized
centers. The exhibit area is often neglected after events– "the touch table
full of objects that should have been removed months ago, the
touchy-feely boxes mostly empty, and the few live animals mostly
immobile in cramped aquaria".

II. Content

Before conceptualizing or constructing a nature center, one must know

the heritage of the site and acknowledge the history surrounding it. A
significant priority in synthesizing a master plan is to provide a clear
understanding of three things: 1) What resources are present?; 2) What is
the condition of these resources?; 3) how can the system provide a
framework for the plan?

A healthy Nature Center is a seed bank for future generations, providing

both native vegetation and resources for wildlife populations. The value of
these resources is difficult at best to estimate. When the opportunity to
preserve is lost, it may take years if not generations to restore those natural
resources to a version of earlier conditions. Preservation and conservation

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of this ecosystem is preferred over restoration. This great overarching factor
is geology, from which all other conditions and characteristics of the
Nature Center derive. This unique geology influences hydrology,
topography, and soils. These three factors, in turn, affect the biomass (total
living things) within the preserve. The geology of the Nature Center is
exposed at the surface as limestone caprock at the highest elevations
(forming an escarpment-like community), and as sandstone.

A. Geology Influences to be identified:

1. Hydrology

Although the hydrology of the area is conditioned by other factors such as

climate and human intervention, the way water moves across the
landscape or is held within the land is greatly affected by underlying
geology.

2. Topography

The different layers of rock in the area, and their different rates of
weathering, create topographic variation within the Nature Center. From a
topographic perspective, the Center has four natural high points or
promontories. Topography affects types of vegetation and wildlife use, as
well as creating opportunities for human use, both in the past and today.

3. Geology/ Soils

The geologic variation in the area of the Nature Center creates the
opportunity for many types of soil to develop. There are eight different soil
associations; portions of all eight occur within the Nature Center. This is a
very rare situation, occurring only in one other small portion of the county
that has already been disturbed by previous development. In other words,
the Nature Center comprises only a small fraction of Tarrant County, but
encompasses all these soils and associated vegetation and wildlife.
Examples of this are the sandy soils derived from the sandstone that give
rise to oak savannas, and the river clays and silts formed on floodplains and
near the water’s edge.

4. Vegetation

The specific characteristics of soils affect the vegetation that exists in the
preserve. As the geology is eroded, soils form and vegetation patterns
develop; importantly, wildlife can then exploit these evolving niches within
this ecosystem.

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 5. Cultural Resources

The value of the nature center is increased when one adds the historical
timeline of human presence on the land. There is a clear pattern of cultural
changes that occurred over time on the site, which should be researched,
documented, and interpreted. Numerous hand-dug wells and historic
homestead pads are scattered across the site indicating places of high
human activity. The land formation itself lends well to human settlement.
With its diversity of wildlife combined with its high lookout points and low
creek beds, one can envision the early nomads utilizing both to their
advantage for hunting for food and then making camp along the banks of
the river.

B. The First Step

The first step in the master plan process identified several important
priorities. The critical issues to be addressed included generation of public
support, educating the community about the importance of conservation
and preservation, addressing habitat loss or fragmentation along with
restoration methods, balancing public use within a natural environment
and recognition that there is a lack of adequate funding and overextended
staff. In addition, a network of surrounding factors such as watershed
protection, incompatible zoning, and development encroachment
heightened the need for a new plan. The City solicited the professional
services of a consultant team to study these issues and begin this process.

C. Market analysis

The appeal for environmental education, recreation and outdoor activities

extends across demographic groups and geographic regions, and can be
expected to grow for the foreseeable future. Nature centers appeal, in
particular, to the young and to young families as dynamic, educational
settings that are broadly accessible and understandable. Many facilities of
this type are frequently visited by organized school groups, and some
specialize in more detailed educational and research programs for more
advanced participants. Many even offer overnight or multi-day educational
activities. But, nature centers and refugees also appeal to those who are
older – in particular empty nest and retirement age groups – who are more
likely to seek tranquil, visually appealing and perhaps educational settings.
Based on these trends, the market analysis study focused on two visitor
groups:

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 1. Residents of relatively nearby areas who represent a local market,
and
2. Those who live further away and who will come to the Center as
day or overnight visitors (“tourists”) in the area.

Primary factors affecting attendance

The attendance of nature centers by these groups, is influenced to a

substantial degree by several factors:

● Population size and growth trends, which particularly affect local

and regional demand from both adults and school children.
Demographic characteristics; nature centers are particularly
appealing to school-aged children and to those 50 and older
● Disposable income; income growth indicates there will be more
spending on leisure and educational activities
● Travel costs (gasoline in particular), which affect the ability of visitors
to travel to the area, and are particularly important for those traveling
from 100 or more miles away
● Competition from other leisure, recreation and educational activities
Particularly, demographics and travel trends influence the demand
for nature center facilities. Some of these considerations include

D. Demographics

With more than one worker in the family it is more difficult to schedule
travel, which often means shorter trips, more frequently. Shorter trips tend
to be more single-purposed- focused on one or a few activities.

● Incomes of professional, educated households have been increasing,

producing a segment of the population with adequate resources for
travel and recreation. However, much of the population is sharing in
this income growth only to a limited degree, and will continue to
travel on a more limited basis and be very value oriented.

E. Travel Trends

● More travel includes children, and accordingly, is more oriented to

educational and recreational experiences. Children also require
higher service levels (more bathrooms, child-oriented food service),
and are not associated with “night life.”
● More travelers are focused on educational experiences, particularly if
children are involved, such as visits to natural or historic sites,
interpretive facilities and programs, and activities oriented to wildlife

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 and natural resources. Some of the strongest growth for the past
decade has been in highly packaged recreation and entertainment,
such as theme parks, cruises and gaming.
● Travelers sometimes extend business trips to include leisure activities
and provide a good market for destinations adjacent to major metro
areas. Business trips are also more likely to include spouses and
children than in the past.
● Entertainment is an increasingly important component of travel and
recreation, and of education as well; travelers and facility users
expect very good presentation, interactivity, and visual appeal.
● Travel parties including grandparents are increasing. Many trips may
have an educational focus.
● Travel associated with membership programs is increasing: RV clubs,
senior citizen organizations, and membership reward programs (i.e.
Frequent flyers). Family reunions are a popular reason for travel.

F. Site Analysis

Upon looking at all of the surrounding influences such as history, economic

market, and comparable facilities, and combining those with existing
systems such as the resources, the next thing to consider is the site
analysis. This looks at the physical function of the site and how it is
currently working for the users.

By combining the natural process of the land and human influence, a

composite site analysis is formed. Using the site analysis mapping the
following site-based zones were identified: Development Interface Zone,
High Ground Zone, Eroded and Excavated Zone, Lake Edge and Flow-way
Zone, Marsh Retention Zone, Dam Interface Zone and Agricultural Zone.
The natural and cultural resources of each zone vary along with the
sensitivity of the resources to FWNCR conservation management and
increased visitation.

How zoning is determined:

● Development, and it’s influences from the natural environment

Interpretation Opportunities
● The study of zoning property and the reasons for establishing
protective zones and larger setbacks for development are important
issues to monitor. Site-specific interpretation themes include:
● Conservation and Protection, especially of neighboring land
● Understanding Development
● Understanding the Past – Geology and fossil Record

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● Understanding the Past – Landscapes, Climate, Human Use

G. Resource Management Recommendations for a Nature Center

● Develop a Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) in

conjunction with the master plan.
● Conduct basic historical research.
● Publish a paper / booklet on CCC historical research.
● Create a confidential map of all known CR's on site (record all
known sites to current standards).
● Assist Tarrant County Archaeological Society in completing the
current report – publicize as appropriate.
● Complete investigations to assess impacts from proposed
construction when and where necessary as the master plan
progresses.
● Implement a new exhibit program – both indoors and out
exploring themes of cultural landscapes (how have humans
used this site through time, how has it altered the site? Discuss
historical use of landforms – bison range, escarpment, etc.).
● Augment current programming with one or more items
specifically involving history and archaeology (Time trip, mock
site).
● Develop items that can be marketed at the FWNC&R that
incorporate cultural resource themes
● Acquire in-depth natural resource data study and thorough
resource management plan that aligns with the vision of the
master plan.
● Analyze pre-European settlement patterns within the Nature
Center and preserve or restore portions of the land toward
these conditions.
● Set up wildlife and resource management plan including
enhanced habitat for all native species; remove exotic species
immediately; utilize bison as a management tool for prairie
and grassland maintenance and restoration
● Encourage research and academic pursuits within the
boundaries of the Nature Center
● Develop resource management plans for vegetation
communities.
● Prescribed burning should be used as a management tool to
restore the health of the prairie back to its state before
European settlement.

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 ● Preserve all connections between aquatic communities within
the nature center. Provide enhancement of new wetlands
● Provide research funds for both professional and "lay" scientific
study within the Nature Center.
● Develop a database for all natural and cultural resource
inventories.
● Encourage bird watching and ecological interaction.
● Encourage connectivity for wildlife corridors that tie into the
Nature Center
● Utilize imaginative and to the extent possible, non-verbal
signage.

H. Example of a Master Plan of a Nature Center

The Fort Worth Nature Center determined the location of facilities and
programming of the site by dividing it into four systems of uses: The
Centers, The Natural Ecosystems, The Exhibits, and The Supporting
Infrastructure. These organizing systems helped the said center to describe
the functions of different areas.

1. The Centers

● The Centers are clusters of buildings where intense human

education takes place in an organized man-made
environment. These four facilities are areas of the site where
large groups of people can be concentrated for different
venues without impacting the remainder of the property.
● Lone Point Visitor Center – This is the educational home base
for the nature center.
● Environmental Learning Center – Provides a large group
overnight facility for various user groups.
● Hardwicke Research and Restoration Center – Reutilized as a
higher learning facility for study and instruction.
● Alice Ashley Environmental Education Camp – Serves as a staff
guided and overnight environmental education camp for
organized groups.

2. The Natural Ecosystems

● Caprock - Oak Motte Preserve & Tall Grass Prairie

● Western Cross Timbers – Oak Savannah & Forest
● River bottom - Hardwoods & Marsh

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 ● Open Water – Lake and River zones (Ecosystems indicated on
map designate interpretation locations only.)

3. The Exhibits

● Greer Island - An exploration and interpretive experience.

● CCC Structures – Many structures exist throughout the site.
They range from culvert abutments, to small bathrooms and
picnic areas.
● Exhibit - The first stop on the loop road; observation of birds
through the use of bird blinds.
● Viewing Stations - Interpretive area about the nomadic
animals and their habitat.
● Lotus Marsh Exhibit - Formerly the Boardwalk but now with
more interactive docks and programming.
● Archaeological Exhibit (Pre-Tribal Man) - Selfguided tours
about historic artifacts and their importance as well as
incorporating a sample digsite.
● Reclamation & Demonstration Exhibit (Quarries) - Staff guided
tour regarding the impact of man. Homestead Exhibit
(European Man) – Learn about how our early ancestors lived.
● Photo Opportunity – Whether leaving or going the loop again,
take time for a photo with friends and family.

4. The Supporting Infrastructure

● Primary / Future Main Entry Drive - Location is off of Love Circle

and will enter by the water's edge with a view to the Visitor
Center.
● Nature Center Entry / Exit Gate - Established in order to
generate entry fees and provide directional information.
● The Loop Road
● Large Rental Pavilion - For small to medium size gatherings
and celebrations.
● Project Exit / Secondary Entry Drive
● Maintenance Facility
● Restroom Facilities

III. Summary & Conclusion

When determining the location of facilities and programming of the site, it

was divided into four systems of uses: The Centers, The Natural Ecosystems,
The Exhibits, and The Supporting Infrastructure. These organizing systems
help to describe the functions of different areas. The basic purpose of a

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nature center is to provide an area of undeveloped land where facilities and
services make possible outdoor programs in nature and environmental
education. The land should be a spacious piece of terrain with varied
geological features and the flora and fauna which are indigenous.

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IV. References

What is a 'nature centre'? Le Parc de l'Estuaire. (n.d.). Retrieved April

18, 2023, from
https://www.leparcdelestuaire.com/en/what-is-a-nature-centre/.

Editor, & *, N. (n.d.). Knowing one big thing: The role of the Nature
Center in the next millennium. CLEARING. Retrieved April 18,
2023, from https://clearingmagazine.org/archives/423

Zavala, R. (2003). Preserving Nature Texas. Texas; Fort Worth.

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