It has been three years since HNP last visited the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC).  On our last field trip there in fall 2023, We had a great time photographing deer, an alligator, birds, plants, fishermen, and waterscapes with beautiful reflections.

Innumerable professional nature/wildlife photographers discuss the value of using zoos as training opportunities to learn and practice wildlife photography skills. This an opportunity for HNP members to practice locally in preparation to go global. The skills you practice at Dallas Zoo can serve you well on future field trips or even as you travel around the world to get those amazing wildlife photos.

CNRA is about two hours north of the Heard Nature Center in McKinney. It appears on most lists of “best places in Oklahoma to experience fall color.” It was part of a large area deeded to the Chickasaw people after their forced migration on the infamous Trail of Tears from the eastern U.S. to what became Oklahoma.  Once settled in the area, they found a beautiful natural area full of springs and mineral waters.  To protect the pristine tract, the Chickasaw people sold it to the U.S. Government in 1902.  In 1906. it became Platt National Park.  In 1976, the land was combined with 10,000 acres that included Lake of the Arbuckles and was reorganized into the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to commemorate the Chickasaw Tribe’s efforts to protect the natural area.