1
match
Live
$2,449 raised by 20 donors
8% complete
$30,000 Goal
Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney Texas consists of a natural science museum, indoor and outdoor exhibits, 6.5 miles of nature trails, 75 rescued animal residents, and a 289 acre wildlife preserve. Trails are open year-round and visitors have the opportunity to encounter many species of flora and fauna.
The Heard has grown into a vital community resource offering a diverse range of educational programs, exhibitions and outdoor adventures that annually engage more than 100,000 visitors of all ages, among them 20,000 students and over 3,000 member households. Its cornerstone is environmental education whether presented through hands-on learning experiences for students pre-K through grade 8, high schoolers, university students who engage in research projects with the guidance of the Heard Sanctuary team, or through its various immersive public programs for families and lifelong learners. Student and public programs include exhibitions, school field trips, outreach programs, homeschool natural science programs, preschool natural science programs, summer nature camps, birthday parties, scouting initiatives, environmental research, night hikes, and public community events.
The nature preserve includes five distinct habitats including wetlands, bottomland hardwood forest, white rock escarpment, upland hardwood forest, and a segment of the less than 1% of Blackland Prairie (the most endangered ecosystem in North America) that remains. The Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature preserve rather than a park because of the special character of this area and the rarity of some of its plants and animals. Preserving these natural resources depends on our collective stewardship. Support of and improvements to our facility and conservation of these resources are made possible primarily with the philanthropic support of individuals like you, foundations, corporations and through earned income from admissions and program fees.
We are honored to carry on our founder, Bessie Heard's heartfelt passion for connecting people to nature. We invite you to join us in our conservation, preservation, and education efforts.
The mission of the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is to educate and inspire by connecting people with the natural world.
This year, we are focusing our fundraising efforts on covering essential costs for the over 75 animals in our care. We aim to raise at least $30,000 to help cover the cost of exceptional care and veterinary treatment that each animal receives. We are delighted to share that our board of directors has committed to matching donations up to $13,200, doubling the impact of your generous contributions.
Each and every animal that resides at the Heard is unable to survive in the wild and therefore non-releasable. Many have sustained injuries or harm preventing them from living without human care. Each has a unique story and they all rely on us for a home–otherwise the alternative is often euthanasia. As ambassadors for their wild counterparts, these animals play a vital role in fulfilling our mission to educate and inspire, fostering a connection between people and the natural world.
We are dedicated to providing the best care possible, meeting or exceeding all standards set by the USDA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Veterinary services and the daily care are cornerstones of maintaining the health and well-being of our animals, ensuring that they thrive. But it is expensive.
While we continue to provide exceptional care, veterinary costs for routine check-ups, emergency treatments, and specialized care are considerable and ever-increasing. Additionally, each animal requires a specialized diet and daily care routine. By supporting our Animal Care Fund, you are directly contributing to the health and happiness of these animals. Your support helps us fulfill our deep commitment to their well-being.
For example, the annual care for just one of our Eastern Screech Owls might easily cost $4,399 which covers:
Food: $564
Specialized Raptor Veterinary Care: $50
Expert Veterinary Ophthalmology Care: $150
Medications (her prescription eye drops): $135
Raptor-specific care equipment: $50
Enrichment items such as perches, dust baths, and natural substrate: $100
Specially trained staff time: $3100.00
State and Federal Permit and Licensing Fees: $250
….And this is just one of 75 animals in residence, all of whom require varying levels of care.
Every dollar you contribute will go towards providing top-notch care for our animals. We invite you to share our mission with your friends and community–your voice can amplify our efforts and make a significant difference.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your support is crucial in sustaining the Heard and the animals for which we care.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our animal residents. Your support is invaluable!
Organization name
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary Inc.
Causes
Environment & Conservation
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall, Tarrant
Address
1 Nature Place