10.25.2023

Today’s Forecast

63º | Thunderstorms | 70% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. | Sunset 5:23 p.m.

Unleash your inner Earth fairie

Spend a day at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Take a load off along the marsh bank of Lake Worth. | Photo by FTWtoday

City Editor Kate, here. I recently took some time away from my desk for a little retreat at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge + this hidden gem is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon.

About the center

The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge opened in 1964 along the West Fork of the Trinity River at 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd. Spanning 3,600+ acres, it is one of the largest city-owned nature preserves in the US + was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980.

The center manages and protects the North Central Texas Prairie and the Cross Timbers woodlands and educates the community about our native ecosystems.

The center is still expanding. The city recently purchased four lots in the Lakeland Addition and plans to acquire more.

FTW-nature-center-hiking — Hike the 120 million-year-old limestone outcrop for a view as far as the eye can see.
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Photo by FTWtoday

What to explore

Hike 12 trails totaling over 20 miles or bring your kayak and float the seven-mile paddling trail in the shallows of Lake Worth.

Don’t forget to check out the exhibits at the Hardwick Interpretive Center or learn from one of the on-site naturalists.

What to see

In addition to being home to the only bison herd of its kind in North Texas — visible from a two-platform viewing deck — the nature center has:

200+ species of birds
300+ different flowering plants
A prairie dog town

FTW-nature-center-lake-greer-island — Paddle out to Greer Island and keep an eye out for the Lake Worth Goatman.
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Photo by FTWtoday

Things to remember

For the protection of the plants and animals — bicycles, jogging, vehicles, and horses are not allowed on the trails. Dogs are permitted on leashes.

The center has seasonal hours — opening at 8 a.m. September-April + 7 a.m. May-August with the last entry at 4 p.m. Visitors still on the grounds after 5 p.m. will be locked in. Camping is not allowed.

Events to enjoy

The center has a large calendar of low-cost classes, guided hikes, and outdoor activities. Peruse the fall program calendar + check out membership packages for discounts.

Events

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Gabe Lee | Wednesday, Oct. 25 | 8-10 p.m. | The Post at River East, 2925 Race St., Fort Worth | $20-$80 | Catch the Nashville artist perform hits like “Drink the River.”

Thursday, Oct. 26

Fort Worth ISD Hiring Fair | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 3-7 p.m. | Fort Worth ISD Teaching and Learning Center, 1050 Bridgewood Dr., Fort Worth | Free | Meet with hiring managers from across the district and explore positions including teachers, teaching assistants, and counselors.

Friday, Oct. 27

Fall Festival | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Andrew Doc Session Community Center, 201 S. Sylvania Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Don your costume, enjoy games, and trick-or-treat from the trunk of cars.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 8 a.m. | The Shops at Clearfork, 5188 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Volunteer or participate in this 5K walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
Halloween Monster Bash and Costume Contest | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 p.m. | Fat Daddy’s Sports & Spirits Café, 781 W. Debbie Ln., Mansfield | $15 | Get spooky to enjoy live music, great drinks, and win cash prizes for the best costumes.*

Sunday, Oct. 29

Dallas Cowboys | Sunday, Oct. 29 | 12 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington | $37-$545 | Watch America’s team (4-2) take on the Los Angeles Rams (3-4) at Jerry World.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Eat

Need dinner plans? Make a reservation for the newly opened Salt Seafood and Steak House in Parker County, ~35 minutes from downtown. The fine dining experience opened last week in a 155-year-old home just off of the Historic Downtown Weatherford Square + serves lobster, scallops, and steaks.

Health

Cook Children’s Health Care System opened the doors to its Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health last week. The new center at 1500 Cooper St. houses nine pediatric specialties for neurological, behavioral, and developmental care.

Seasonal

While we gear up for Halloween festivities and spooky celebrations over the next several days, the city is reminding residents of these helpful tips to keep little ghosts and goblins safe while trick-or-treating.

Concert

Pop punk band Blink-182 will rock out in Cowtown in 2024. The band expanded its “One More Time” tour to stop at Dickies Arena on Tuesday, June 25. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Use the promo code “DICKIES” to purchase presale tickets tomorrow.

Outdoors

The opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park has been delayed until 2024 due to construction hold-ups. The 5,000-acre park west of Fort Worth is the first state park to open in 25 years but will miss the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s 100th anniversary year. (Fort Worth Report)

Opening

Ready for a weekend getaway? Head to the renovated 1912 Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells (~one hour west of downtown). Its new restaurant Second Bar + Kitchen opens on Friday, Oct. 27 with locally sourced ingredients and menu items like black truffle pomme frites and curated cocktails.

Number

2.3 million. That’s how many people attended the State Fair of Texas over its 24-day run, which is approximately 500,000 people less than 2022. Check out some of the highlights and mark your calendar for next year’s fair from Friday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.

Pets

Nom Nom’s pre-portioned meals for dogs are made with whole-food ingredients you actually recognize — like sweet potato, beef, and pork. Get 50% off your first order (plus, free shipping).*

Answered

Be the Cultural District broker

Fort Worth invests $31 million in two Cultural District developments

The Dallas-based coffee shop is famous for its kindness — share the love in Panther City. | Photo by FTWtoday

Last week, City Council approved $31 million in incentives for two Cultural District developments. We asked y’all to be the neighborhood’s broker + share what restaurant and retail tenants you would like to see.

🍽️ Restaurants
Readers suggested a range of dining options from breakfast spots and bakeries to international cuisines like Chinese and Indian food. Other recommendations included:

La La Land Kind Cafe | Dallas-based coffee shop with six DFW locations
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar | California-based restaurant
Nobu | Michelin-star restaurant located in The Crescent in Dallas
The Cheesecake Factory | California-based restaurant with a Sundance Square location

🛍️ Retail
Readers suggested clothing shops, home improvement stores, and gardening centers, as well as:

Hobby Lobby | Oklahoma City-based craft store with a Hulen Street location
Cole Haan | Shoe retailer with a store in the Tanger Outlet Mall
Trader Joe’s | California-based grocery store with a Hulen Street location
Barnes & Noble | New York-based bookstore with two Fort Worth locations

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

It was so nice to get out and enjoy the North Texas landscape at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. I’m thinking of hiking my way through our trail guide with the rest of our fall weather.

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