The background
The museum and wildlife sanctuary was established in 1967 by Bessie Heard when she was 80 years old.
“She saw how other areas in the metroplex were expanding into their natural spaces and she wanted to make sure McKinney had a place where people could continue to enjoy nature,” Stephanie Jennings, marketing and communications director of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, said.
Fifty-seven years later, neighborhoods flank the sanctuary.
“It's really amazing to see the foresight she [Bessie] had. If you look back at the pictures of this property, there was farmland for miles. There weren't all of these neighborhoods right there,” Jennings said. “She really established a future oasis without even being able to see that it was going to be surrounded.”
Who it’s for
Jennings said people of all ages enjoy visiting the nature museum and sanctuary, and they come for varying reasons such as traversing the over five miles of hiking trails as well as for bird spotting, family picnics, checking out the natural science museum, stopping along the Animal Encounters Trail, perusing the gift shop and more.
“We, at our core, are a nature preserve,” Jennings said. “All of our activities are along the lines of trying to connect people with nature.”
What they offer
Throughout the year, special exhibits like the Dinosaurs Live!, a life-size animatronic installation of dinosaurs positioned around the trails, are included with general admission. This exhibit will be onsite through Feb. 17. In March, a new bug-themed exhibit will offer interactive opportunities.
Ongoing events such as bird walks, wetland canoe trails and guided tours occur throughout the year.
Get involved
Jennings said the private nonprofit organization has donation opportunities such as business sponsorships for exhibits as well as individual donations. Other ways to get involved include volunteering to be a trail guide, exhibit steward or to care for enclosed animals.
Quote of note
When Jennings started working in the marketing department at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in 2008, she felt like she had found a place where she could use her skills.
“I'm able to encourage generations and generations of kids to get out in nature,” Jennings said. “I really get a lot of joy out of knowing that I'm contributing to a positive cause.”
- 1 Nature Place, McKinney
- www.heardmuseum.org
