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Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex

Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex

Learn. Explore. Escape.

Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to bringing nature and people together through a variety of events and educational opportunities in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.

Upcoming Events

The goal of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is to connect our visitors with nature in hopes of inspiring within each person a deeper appreciation for the environment. Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to carrying out this vision through providing a variety of events and programs in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.

Halloween Night Hike

October 30, 2024 7:30 pm See Details

Into the Wild Badge Workshop

November 2, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 pm See Details

Earth Rocks Badge Workshop

November 2, 2024 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm See Details
Signage at the entrance of Heard Museum

About Heard

Bringing Nature and People Together

Founded in 1967, the Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and consists of a 289 acre nature preserve and a natural science museum and exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment.

Heard Natural Science Museum

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to bring nature and people together. 

 

In addition, a critical element in this mission is providing a place where future generations can enjoy our native Blackland Prairie in a state similar to what it once was. 

 

Further, this element requires both restoration and conservation efforts on the part of the Heard staff and volunteers.

 

McKinney - Dallas Fort Worth DFW Metroplex

In conclusion, escape the concrete of the city. After that, hike over 6.5 miles of self-guided or interpreted nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. 

 

These include tall grass prairie, bottomland hardwood and limestone escarpment. Take advantage of the opportunity to encounter many species of birds, insects and animals. 

Heard Natural Science Museum's History

In short, Miss Bessie’s greatest contribution to her community and North Texas is the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. 

 

Consequently, Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could visit to experience nature. 

 

After that, the museum opened October 1, 1967 and now serves more than 100,000 visitors annually.

Heard Natural Science Museum's Mission

In keeping with Miss Heard’s vision, the museum’s mission is threefold: education, conservation and preservation. Through education, particularly for young people, the Heard emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.

Heard Natural Science Museum Habitats

The Heard sanctuary has five habitats including Blackland prairie, wetlands, bottomland forest, upland forest and white rock escarpment. 


Each habitat is unique and offers a variety of plants and animals that live in specific environments.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to bring nature and people together.


 A critical element in this mission is providing a place where future generations can enjoy our native Blackland Prairie in a state similar to what it once was. This element requires both restoration and conservation efforts on the part of the Heard staff and volunteers.