05/28/2026
Update on angling programs:
Greetings, Nature Center & Refuge Followers, Visitors, Supporters, and Members.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Everything we do is rooted in our commitment to you and in our mission to connect people with nature while safeguarding the ecosystems entrusted to our care.
With that mission in mind, we are continually exploring ways to be urban leaders in conservation, environmental education, and responsible outdoor recreation. Angling is one such opportunity. It offers a meaningful way to introduce new audiences, especially children, to the outdoors. While we continue to uphold our long-standing decision not to allow public bank fishing within the Refuge, we also recognize angling’s value as an educational tool. When practiced responsibly, it helps people understand aquatic systems, connect with nature, and appreciate the importance of clean, protected waterways.
In keeping with Leopold’s Tools of Conservation, we are choosing to offer angling in a sustainable, controlled way through small, classroom-style programs. Our inaugural Fishing School marks our first major step, and we’ve been humbled by the overwhelming response—70 seats filled within hours. Thank you!
We also know many of you were unable to secure a spot and have joined the waiting list. Because of this strong community interest, we will be offering additional classes. As always, the frequency of these programs must balance public engagement, capacity, and, above all, the protection of our sensitive ecosystems.
Thank you for supporting this new chapter in our programming. And thank you to the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center and the Sportsmen's Club of Fort Worth for their support in bringing responsible, conservation-minded angling education to our community.
Please continue to follow us for updates on future angling education and other new offerings for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jared Wood, Manager
