HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8019 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Nov 8019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 8, 1996
Prxx Subject:
1873 Nature Center Strategic Plan
Since the Nature Center's inception in 1964, tremendous changes have occurred in science,
education, technology, and in the global environment. Yet the critical need for an environmentally
educated citizenry has not changed; neither has the need to preserve and protect the gem we call
the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Changing demographics, and advances in the fields of
ecosystem management, wildlife biology, and education, make it necessary to develop a strategic
plan that will take advantage of improved methods and ideas. Implementation of this plan will
ensure that the Nature Center will endure as both a unique natural area and vital educational force
in the community.
The Nature Center's Strategic Plan is the result of a cooperative effort involving park visitors,
community leaders, local citizen groups, the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center (a nonprofit,
501 (c) (3) organization, which supports Nature Center programs and projects), academia, staff,
and other professionals in the field.
The planning effort had its beginnings in 1992 when the Center underwent a series of assessments.
In 1992 the Institute of Museum Services conducted a MAP I (Museum Assessment Program)
which evaluated the entire operations of the Nature Center and Refuge as compared to national
standards. In 1993, public input was solicited by conducting a study of visitor demographics, and
stated wants and needs. Also in 1993, a "Nature Center Study Team," composed of regular
visitors, school teachers, local.service groups and community organizations, and Friends of the
Nature Center, met to assess and make recommendations concerning Nature Center programs and
projects. In 1995, the Institute of Museum Services conducted a MAP 11 (Museum Assessment
Program- Collections). This assessment evaluated the collections of the Center, including museum
artifacts, exhibits, and natural habitats.
In the fall of 1995, a strategic planning team was formed. The team asked for public input, via a
survey, regarding the mission, purposes, programs and projects of the Nature Center from a wide
variety of groups, including community leaders, the business community, academia, local service
groups and community organizations, the Friends of the Nature Center, natural resource
professionals, and museum and nature center professionals.
The plan will provide direction and focus for Nature Center resource management, education, and
recreation planning. It should be noted that this strategic plan is an outline for action. Staff will
solicit public input, and with the assistance of Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center, community
advisors and other professionals, will devise detailed operational plans to implement the provisions
of this plan. The strategic planning team hopes that the contents of this plan will provide lasting
guidance, inspiration, and protection for this place of natural beauty and wonder.
OF"F1
CIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT WORTH, TEXII
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8019
�7��� August S, 1996
CxTo the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 2
Subject:
1879 Nature Center Strategic Plan
The plan has been formally endorsed by the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board and
the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center Board.
Bob Terrell
City Manager
BT:h
n,
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS