Since the dedication of the Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (formerly the Southwest Nature Preserve) in 2013, the Friends of SCNP has supported the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Arlington's commitment to protect this unique site's natural resources and provide opportunities for outdoor exploration, nature appreciation and more. As a preserve, it's a great example of eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem, characterized by woodlands, savanna grasslands, and enhanced by 4 ponds‚ providing a wide variety of habitats for diverse groups of wildlife.
The preserve is a designated site on TPWD's Great Texas Wildlife Trails, and the Pollinator Meadow has been designated as a Monarch Waystation. The Friends of SCNP host an annual Backyard Bird Count along with several other events and programs, focusing on the Preserve's wildlife, plants, and history. The Cross Timbers Master Naturalists include the Preserve in their suggested volunteer opportunities and these and others volunteer at the Preserve regularly, often as part of our Third Saturday Volunteers day. We benefit from generous in-kind donations, such as native grass and wildflower seed, milkweed transplants, bluebird boxes, and priceless expert advice. The Preserve has been a favorite site for volunteers with UT Arlington's Big Event, and the Friends have sometimes shared projects with South-Point Constructors, the nearby Fellowship Academy and with local scouting groups.
The Friends of Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (SCNP) use donated funds to purchase materials that support our ongoing projects:
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Prairie Restoration project on the north edge of the preserve |
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Develop and nurture the Pollinator Meadow |
| Maintain native wildflowers at the amphitheater planter |
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Participate in wildlife monitoring efforts, such as bat monitoring, bluebird boxes, and periodic surveys of other wildlife |
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Offer programs at the Preserve, such as “Know Your Nature Neighbors”, “A Winter Tree ID Walk”, “Great Backyard Bird Count”, “Looking for Yucca Moths”, “Bats of the Area and How to Find Them” among others |
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Improve the preserve's trail system with interpretive signs and kiosk postings |
The Friends of Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (SCNP) support the Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department in its work at SCNP and share the City of Arlington's commitment to protect this unique site's natural resources.
Our mission is the preservation and enhancement of the preserve. Key areas are:
• Maintenance and improvements of the trail system
• Planting/re-seeding of native plants and management of invasive exotic plants to protect and improve the health of indigenous plants and wildlife
• Monitoring and possible restoration of the three ponds and their aquatic habitats.
We also work to enhance the public's understanding of these natural resources through wildlife and plant surveys as well as providing on-site programs and other public education opportunities.
The Friends of Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (SCNP) are requesting funds to support our mission. We use funds to purchase construction materials, native wildflower and grass seed, gardening and trail-building tools, interpretive signs, kiosk postings, and educational materials. In addition, funds are used to support our monthly newsletter and our website where we provide information about upcoming events, the history of the preserve, and links for reporting wildlife sightings and species ID.
Undertaking the "Trails – 2026" project will be the biggest project supported by the Friends of SCNP and will require around $!7,000 to complete. See the tab above “Trails – 2026” for details.
Organization name
Friends of Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (SCNP)
Causes
Parks and Greenspaces, Environment & Conservation
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Tarrant
Address
4101 W. Green Oaks Blvd. #305-288